Chinese Paladin (2024)

"Sword and Fairy 1" is like a warm hug from an old friend, whisking me back to the golden days of Chinese fantasy dramas while adding a dash of new excitement. Even with a new cast, the magic of the original characters shines through, making me fall in love with them all over again.

Credit must be given to He Yu for his portrayal of Xiao Yao, infusing the character with a rare blend of charm, vulnerability, and unwavering devotion. Xiao Yao's romance with Ling'er was adorable. Though I wasn't rooting for them, I love how in this version, he stayed loyal all till the end. His heart was set on Ling'er. Yang Yu Tong did great as Ling'er too. I couldn't help but compared her to LYF version, and though she was very beautiful and did well with the character, I still can't imagine anyone else playing Ling'er other than LYF. In the end, XY and LE has always been lovers, meant to find one another and fall in love all over again.

Now...on to my favorite character- From the moment Yue Ru graces the screen with her presence, she commands attention with her vibrant personality and unyielding spirit. Headstrong and loud, she was definitely a force to be reckoned with, unapologetically carving her own path. Something that had always stood out to me about Yue Ru in both version was her remarkable depth of character. Beneath her fiery exterior lies a heart of gold, brimming with kindness and unwavering loyalty to those she holds dear. Despite her flaws and imperfections, she remains true to herself, refusing to conform to societal norms or compromise her values for the sake of acceptance.

I have always rooted for XY and YR to be endgame. They're chemistry stole my heart. Xiao Yao and Yue Ru are like fire and ice—constantly bickering and bantering, yet undeniably drawn to each other like magnets. Xiao Yao and Yue Ru had unwavering loyalty and fierce determination to protect one another. Despite their differences and frequent squabbles, when push comes to shove, they stand side by side, ready to leap into action without a moment's hesitation. They may not be romantically involved, but in each other, they find a kindred spirit, a confidant, and a true soulmate.
*I loved that in episode 34, they used the same OST from the '05 version for LYR*

What this version did well was the trio's dynamic, XY, LE, and YR, is the unwavering support and devotion they show towards one another. No matter the obstacles they face or the dangers that lurk in the shadows, they stand united, ready to lend a helping hand or leap into action at a moment's notice. XY never wavers in his commitment to protect and support his friends, even if it means putting his own life on the line. Likewise, Ling'er and Yue Ru prove time and time again that they're more than just damsels in distress—they're formidable allies who can hold their own in the face of adversity.

Not every character's journey resonated with me quite as deeply as others. For instance, the romance between Tang Yu and Ah Nu failed to captivate my heart in the same way as the original version did. Perhaps it was the portrayal of Tang Yu by the actor, or maybe it was simply a matter of personal preference, but their love story didn't leave as lasting an impression on me as others did. However, amidst the myriad of characters, one stood out —Liu Jin Yuan. Despite his frail appearance, Liu Jin Yuan possesses a strength of character and wisdom that far surpasses his physical limitations. His intelligence, kindness, and unwavering courage make him a truly admirable figure, earning him a special place in my heart.

Let's talk about those fight scenes—nicely choreographed! The choreography is on point, the actors did great with all the moves. It's like watching a dance, but with swords. The OST's were great.

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A faithful adaptation of the original work

It is a drama adapted from the first Chinese game I played, and it has been over 25 years. Thanks to this drama, I have revisited the emotions of 25 years ago. For me, this drama is extraordinary.

As for the Xianxia drama, this drama has the following advantages:

1. Fighting scenes, the combat part is better than the vast majority of XIAN XIA dramas

2. It is closer to the concept of chivalry in traditional Chinese culture, which is not found in the vast majority of XIAN XIA dramas nowadays

For those who haven't played games before, this drama may be a bit unfriendly

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