Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019 (新倚天屠龍記) is not an easy drama to review simply because different people will have different expectations of the characters and plot based on what they have read and/or watched from previous versions. Therefore, I really don’t envy the cast and crew involved because they are bound to be criticized no matter what they do. Basically, you just can’t please everyone for a drama that is adapted from a classic wuxia novel by the legendary Jin Yong, especially when the main character is supposed to be indecisive and the ending is open to interpretations by readers. Moreover, there had been revisions to the original novel and it is a matter of individual preference which version is the best.
Number of episodes: 50
Type: Wuxia
Aired: February 2019
* A dubbed Cantonese version was aired over TVB Hong Kong in April 2019
The Cast
- Joseph Zeng Shunxi as Zhang Wuji – leader of the Ming sect
- Chen Yuqi as Zhao Min – a Mongol princess
- Zhu Xudan as Zhou Zhiruo – an Ermei sect disciple and childhood friend of Wuji
- Kabby Hui as Xiao Zhao – a servant to Wuji with a Persian background
- Cao Xiyue as Zhu’er – Wuji’s maternal cousin
- Kathy Chow Hoi Mei as Miejue Si Tai – leader of the Ermei sect
- Zhang Yonggang as Xie Xun – Wuji’s godfather
- Ethan Li as Zhang Cuishan – Wuji’s father
- Chen Xinyu as Yin Sousou – Wuji’s mother
- Lin Shen as Yang Xiao – Bright Left Messenger of the Ming sect
- Zong Fengyan as Fan Yao – Bright Right Messenger of the Ming sect
- Louis Fan Siu Wong as Cheng Kun – Xiexun’s enemy
- Sun Anke as Yang Buhui – Yang Xiao’s daughter
- Zhang Chaoren as Song Qingshu – son of Wuji’s martial arts eldest uncle
- Wang Deshun as Zhang Sanfeng – Wuji’s grandmaster and leader of the Wudang sect
- Xiao Rongsheng as Yin Tianzheng – Wuji’s maternal grandfather
Main Characters
The main characters of the Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019 are listed below. Their personalities and life stories are as per the drama rather than the novel itself.
Zhang Wuji
As expected, Wuji’s character in this 2019 drama is depicted as kind and upright with a tendency to get fooled by others. Generally, he believes that people have a good nature and he tolerates their shortcomings. Hence, he doesn’t have hatred in his heart despite the betrayals and he lacks the shrewdness and killer instinct that are required in a leader.
The Wuji of 2019 is also much more emotional that is not seen in previous versions of the Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre. Some people do feel that he is a little too feminine this time around. Indeed, he doesn’t hold back his tears when the situation calls for it and he is more expressive of his love for the woman in his life. But to me, he has been made more human with deep emotions which is more realistic to watch.
Zhao Min
Zhao Min is portrayed as playful, witty and determined. In this version, they played down her faults and concentrated more on how much she sacrificed for her love for Wuji. She doesn’t hide her feelings and her personality is such that what you see is what you get.
Zhou Zhiruo
While Zhao Min has a strong will, Zhiruo is much more gentle and submissive. In this drama, she is made to feel conflicted as she struggles with an inner psychological battle between carrying out her master’s orders and her deep love for Wuji. She has a lot of things to hide because of a wrong she did and her transition from a kind maiden to a cruel and fierce one is worth a watch.
Yang Xiao
Yang Xiao is another notable character in Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019. It is indeed a nice surprise that this character has generated a lot of interest among viewers. Yang Xiao of 2019 is loyal, calm, and gentle when he wants to be. He has a sense of humor and is perceptive of things around him. While previous versions may depict him as a playboy, this time his love for his daughter’s mother is glaring.
Miejue Si Tai
Miejue Si Tai takes on a classy look but with a fierce and unforgiving personality in the 2019 version. She has a deep hatred for the Ming sect due to past history and this hatred is projected quite clearly early on in the drama when it moved her enough to kill her favorite disciple. But compared to the Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2009, Miejue Si Tai of 2019 does show a little more sadness and disappointment apart from just anger and hatred. The tears were evident when she struck her disciple to death.
Xie Xun
The 2019 Xie Xun is pretty likable to me. He is fierce and has a commanding presence. His interactions with the young Wuji on Ice Fire Island is projected as loving and this side of his character played out convincingly that viewers can easily relate as to why Wuji has such a deep affection for his godfather. He has the aura required of the Golden Haired Lion King character unlike the 2003 version.
The Plot
The Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019 stuck largely to the main storyline as before although there are differences in certain incidents compared to previous versions of the drama. Generally, the main plot is the same – a fight among the sects to obtain the Dragon Sabre and the adventures of Wuji in the wulin world to bring everyone together amidst the turbulence of war during the Yuan dynasty.
Hidden in the Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre are secrets to a martial art skill and war strategies. The sword is in the hands of the Ermei sect but the Dragon Sabre is being fought over right at the beginning of the drama. Somehow, Xie Xun got his hands on the sabre and together with Wuji’s parents ended up on the isolated Ice Fire Island. Wuji was born on the island and returned to the Central mainland 10 years later with his parents.
Wuji’s parents eventually committed suicide because they refuse to reveal the whereabouts of Xie Xun to the various sects who are still after the sabre. In the process, Wuji was also wounded and was sent to the Butterfly Valley to get treatment from an eccentric doctor. He wasn’t completely cured but circumstances forced him to leave. While escaping from trickery, he ended up in Nameless Valley and discovered the Nine Yang Manual. From that manual, he managed to cure himself completely while developing vast inner energy and mastering the martial art skills that came with it.
Armed with superb skills he went back to the outside world and got himself entangled with the problems faced by the Ming sect. He became the sect’s leader out of necessity and had to face a host of issues as the battle with the Yuan forces heats up. He also ended up in a complex web of relationships with 4 maidens as they entered his life during his various adventures.
Zhang Wuji’s Love Interest
The 2019 version of Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre played up the romance angle quite strongly. The hints are also pretty clear throughout the drama where Wuji’s love interest lies. All the 4 ladies treated him well and are willing to sacrifice themselves to help and protect him. He tried his best to reciprocate but you will find him having a preference for Zhao Min as that is what the various scenes lead you to believe anyway.
Zhu’Er
To begin with, I see his relationship with Zhu’er as more of pity. It is a case of ‘if no one else wants you, I would take care of you’ given Zhu’er’s disfigured appearance and her circumstances.
Xiao Zhao
As for Wuji’s relationship with Xiao Zhao, it is full of gentleness. I get the vibe that he is touched by her devotion to him and it pains him to see her hurt. That is the reason for his agony, especially when it was time for her to leave for Persia. Even Xiao Zhao realized that the one that Wuji loves the most is Zhao Min and the scene for that conversation between the 2 women kind of prepared viewers for Wuji’s eventual choice later on in the drama.
Zhou Zhiruo
Wuji’s relationship with Zhiruo is more complex. He sees her as someone he could trust due to their shared childhood experiences. He is also grateful to her for taking care of him when he was young and sparing his life in the battle on Bright Peak. While he may have developed a crush on her earlier, those feelings seemed to have taken a backseat once Zhao Min entered the picture. In the drama, Wuji never said outright that he wanted to marry Zhiruo. It was kind of forced upon him by his elders. Towards the end, I get the sense that he still cares a lot for her but more as a friend.
Zhao Min
Zhao Min is someone who could tease and rile up Wuji like no other. In the drama, she is also shown to be someone whom Wuji can have meaningful conversations with. The scenes give you an indication that their feelings are mutual. Zhao Min is more willing to throw caution to the wind and sacrifice everything for Wuji while the latter is more mindful of his position and responsibilities.
Wuji’s urge to kiss Zhao Min on the beach at Divine Snake Island is already a clear answer as to his feelings. He was only holding back because they are on the opposing sides of the war. This scene and a few others make it more accepting when our hero has a change of heart after Zhao Min gatecrashed his wedding with Zhiruo. Thus, the shift from Zhiruo to Zhao Min flows more naturally rather than looked rushed or forced for this version. Furthermore, once Wuji acknowledged his own feelings for Zhao Min in episode 43, his love for her shines through very strongly for the remaining of the drama.
Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019 Spoilers
The Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019’s ending is a happy one. Wuji went looking for Zhao Min in the end and found her in the Mongol plains. She had left Wuji earlier because she got betrayed by his subordinates when they ambushed and killed her father during a meeting. This was done without Wuji’s knowledge and while he was disappointed by their betrayal, he took responsibility for being their leader. With the war on-going, he chose to remain behind with the Ming sect and naturally, Zhao Min chose to leave him to go back to Mongol.
When the Yuan dynasty was on the verge of collapse, Wuji was encouraged by his subordinates to be the new Emperor. He declined as he remembered Zhao Min’s advice to keep a clear mind if he wants to be on the correct path. The next scene sees him on horseback looking for Zhao Min.
As for Xie Xun, he died during a fight with the Yuan soldiers as he blocked arrows meant for Zhiruo. His last words of advice for Zhiruo is to forget about revenge and go back to the right path despite the mistakes that she had made. Being touched by his sacrifice, Zhiruo changed back to be the kind and compassionate lady that she used to be.
In the farewell meeting between Zhiruo and Wuji, she informed him that she is taking Song Qingshu’s ashes (he also died in the battle) back to Ermei. This scene seems to suggest that she finally realized how much Qingshu loved her. Neither did Wuji give any hints that there is anything more than friendship between them as they parted on good terms. His parting words to her were to take care.
Zhu’er seemed to have regained her memory but kept it a secret from the others. In one of her conversations with Zhao Min, she slipped up and said that she preferred the young Wuji as her husband. This raised Zhao Min’s suspicions but Zhu’er was quick to brush it off. I would say the ending for Zhu’er is kind of bittersweet – she knew Wuji’s love is for Zhao Min but she was also happy for them.
Episodes With Scenes To Look Out For
There are many scenes that are worth looking out for and re-watch but I have shortlisted them to the following with a brief summary:
- Battle on Bright Peak in episode 21 and 22. This is where Wuji takes on exponents from the orthodox sects who wanted to destroy the Ming sect. The fighting scenes are worth a watch here.
- Zhao Min at Wudang in episode 25. She was trying to take on Wuji’s grandmaster with her subordinates.
- Xiao Zhao’s farewell in episode 36. A sad scene when Xiao Zhao has to leave to go back to Persia.
- Wuji and Zhao Min at Divine Snake Island beach in episode 36. A desperate Zhao Min and the agony of being on opposing sides to Wuji can be felt in this scene.
- Wuji being wrongly accused in episode 39. This is where Wuji’s uncles thought that he and Zhao Min were responsible for the death of their martial art brother.
- Zhao Min’s confrontation with Zhiruo in episode 41. Zhao Min became convinced that Zhiruo is the culprit for the incident in Divine Snake Island and they got into an argument in front of Wuji.
- Wuji’s dinner with Zhao Min in episode 42. The conversation that they had was quite enlightening with Zhao Min warning Wuji about his subordinates. Zhiruo burst in half-way through and the excitement factor went up a notch here.
- Zhao Min at Wuji’s wedding ceremony in episode 43. This is a classic scene that should not be missed whereby Wuji left Zhiruo during their wedding ceremony to follow Zhao Min.
- The kiss in episode 44. This is the only kiss in the entire drama that many would be waiting for. Wuji kissed Zhao Min on the lips before leaving to look for his godfather.
- Zhiruo’s admission in episode 46. Zhiruo finally admitted to Wuji that she was the one who stole the Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre and injured Zhu’er on Divine Snake Island.
- Wuji’s oath in episode 50. This is Wuji’s reaction to the prospect of being Emperor when the Yuan dynasty was collapsing.
HSDS Review – Is It Worth Watching?
My own conclusion to the Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019 review is it is worth a watch. However, do it with an open mind. If you prefer a more manly and heroic Zhang Wuji, then give this a miss. Similarly, if you prefer the directors to stick closely to the novel by Jin Yong, then it would be a disappointment. But if you don’t mind having changes here and there to make the characters and story a little different, then it is worth watching.
To me, this version is a vast improvement from previous productions. Obviously, the production budget is bigger with more advanced film-making techniques employed. Therefore, the sceneries, costumes, fighting scenes, and special effects are already worth looking forward to. Of course, some people find the slow-motion scenes to be annoying because they are just too many of them. I do agree on that point. Perhaps if the editors could cut them down by half, the scenes would flow better from one act to the next.
Acting
I have no complaints about the casting although some would strongly disagree. There are complaints that Joseph Zeng did not do a good job of portraying Zhang Wuji from his less than ideal looks for this costume drama to his lack of acting maturity. On the contrary, I’m satisfied with his performance, especially given that he was only 20 years old when the drama was shot. So, I’m willing to cut him some slack there. His acting is not so polished yet that he doesn’t know when to pull back or go all out with his emotions for certain scenes. But I think this is compensated by the fact that the character Zhang Wuji is a young man with much idealism with a certain level of innocence which is reflected in the youthful-looking actor.
The rest of the cast did a pretty good job too. Apart from looking pretty, the female leads are able to bring out the required traits in their characters that they are portraying. I think Chen Yuqi has given us a unique playful version of Zhao Min that has great chemistry with Joseph Zeng’s Zhang Wuji and I like her portrayal even better than Kitty Lai’s in the 1986 TVB production. The same goes for Lin Shen who has given the Yang Xiao character a distinguishable charm that will be hard to match by others.
What They Could Have Done Better (With Spoilers)
My only beef with the Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019 is the ending. It is a bit rushed as if they are trying to crammed everything into 50 episodes. The last few episodes could certainly be better paced out. Perhaps having another one or two episodes to clarify certain incidents would make the whole drama tie up more perfectly.
As it is, we are not told what exactly happened during the war and whether Wuji actually relinquished his leadership of the Ming sect although he did decline to be the Emperor. We also don’t know how long it took before he was reunited with Zhao Min. Furthermore, when Zhao Min left, she told Wuji not to look for her as she didn’t want him anymore. Nothing is explained about what made her change her mind to justify the happy ending. It just feels that the drama ends very abruptly and this is the main complaint that I have in my review of the Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre 2019.
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So freaking draggy storyline! main actor (CMK)’s acting is lousy. always cry at little things! no leadership quality! all the love issues are too long winded! wasted time watching!
I just finish it, I think is the best series. and agree with you how zhao min changes her mind, it’s clearly she gave up her feeling toward wuji.
The most I love the part at 1/4 end, how zhao min show effort/fight for her love or sacrifice she made. I think its story abaut zhao min, and with ost This Life is only You by Zhou Shen really perfect its about Zhao min
thank you for review
I just finished watching it too. and feel something is missing in the last part.
too rushed for a film ending.
Overall a good adaption..
Would be even better if some flashback scenes were included to tie up the whole Condor Trilogy.
Eg, 1) Guo Jing & Huang Rong overseeing the forging of the Sword & Sabre, and passing them to Guo Xiang & Guo Polu respectively.
2) Fleshing out brief details of post-Xiang Yang’s Yang Guo & Xiao Long Nu and their descendants up to the Yellow Dress Maiden.
I was wondering who this random yellow dress maiden was. Thank you, yes it would be nice to how everything is tied together other than mentioning names and past martial arts.
I have watched most version of Wuji and 2019 is the ONLY Wuji that is RIGHT ON in the innocent, navie, kind, honest, confused, lost still learning–boy to man–protrayal. Except 1987 version all other Wuji have lack the ability to show the DIFFERENT stages of growth.
He is usually portrayed as going from knowing nothing to suddenly manly, strong and powerful but indecisive and a coward who runs from himself.
Wuji is A BOY whom lived in ISOLATION for MOST of his life suddenly become chief and automatically strong and manly is stupid. THIS version is the ONLY one that show the growth stages well. From an innocent lost boy wanting to fit in, who always only see the good in people to realizing people are never what they seem, looking to others to see what is “right and wrong”, wanting please everyone and be accepted…to FINALLY growing up and becoming mature and strong enough to not allow people to dictate his choice, action and character. Strong enough to stand alone.
I watched a lot of Wuji versions (trying to find THE one) and he is the ONLY condor hero I HATE the most cuz NO actors (even my favourite Alec Su) has got his character right. 1987 is CLOSE. But still missed a few elements. But 2019 is RIGHT ON. FINALLY!
I stopped watching HSDS for years out of frustration and was worry this new version would be yet another disappointment. But I am so glad I gave it another chance.
2019 actor made me fall in love FINALLY with Wuji. For years, version after versions I watch in exhausting frustration because I cannot understand why 4 women. Especially someone as strong and as smart as Zhao Min Would LOWER herself to love such a pathetic fool as Wuji. Other than being lucky to come across legendary kungfu and basically given the Ming chief position what does he have going for him without either?
2019 Wuji is who I always imagine Wuji to be and know why Min min loves him. He is HONEST, innocent, naive, big heart, generally a good person, strong (has to be with his tragic past) but haven’t yet established the exhibition of this trait yet (smart, determined and wise–all those traits that makes him great but is hidden that he later exhibit as he grow into his stand)
WUJI is almost basically the only man who is genuine in a society where everyone is pretentious and two-faced and does opposite of what they say or stand for.
A strong and smart person like Zhao Min wouldn’t have fall for a weak and pathetic man. She is pretty much a warrior princess. Her father a great general. She wouldn’t fall for someone with just brute and no brain or heart or character. Being one of the greatest beauty in her kingdom. I am sure she have seen lots of beautiful powerful strong man with great ambitions. So Wuji would be nothing to her if he is not as unique and full of character as 2019 version portray him to be.
So I am so happy with finally finding my Wuji;) lol even if the story is off.
I love this version.. I never liked any of the other version, perhaps maybe the 80s version but it’s such a long time ago so I hardly remember. And as far as the fighting scene go, this one is more exciting.. And here I didn’t hate wuji that much;;^^ though sometimes I feel he’s irritating because he always feels sorry for zhiruo, especially when she cried or hurt herself. But in this version I could understand why he’s like that.. And I like Joseph Zeng portrayel of his character. To me he’s quite dashing during the fight scene, and sensitive enough during emotional scene. Barbie also did well playing zhiruo, proven by how much I hated her during most of her scene with wuji ;;^^ But my most fave is of course Zhao Min.. Yuqee did a marvelous job playing Zhao Min, she’s playful, smart, determined, and her love for wuji can be felt almost from their very first meeting.. You’re right, people tend to criticize that other adaptation is better.. but for me this is the best adaptation..
I would agree with your review. Of all the versions I’ve watched, Joseph Zeng is closest in age to Zhang Wuji. It makes his naivete more believable. However, it was a bit of a stark transition to go from an incredibly smart boy/teen to someone who is constantly gullible and being fooled by others. That was difficult to believe, but I know that’s just how the original character was written, so not much you can do there. The biggest disappointment in the entire series was the ending. Everything was rushed in the last 4 episodes. Up until then, the series was pretty good. I think the worst part was that they created too big of a conflict between Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min that they could never be accepted as a couple–it just made their relationship entirely impossible. I felt like the writers wrote themselves into a corner and they didn’t know how to get out of it. When Zhao Min’s father is assassinated by the Ming sect members, it put an even greater rift between them. While they show you a “happy ending,” the writers never resolve how they got over the biggest conflict of all–that in a way, Wuji was responsible for her father’s death and the death of her people. He ultimately always chose his own people over her–hence why she left. Zhao Min was always admirable to me, because she said what she means, and follows through on her actions. For her to take it back and say “I didn’t mean it, I was waiting for you to come,” seems entirely uncharacteristic. Other than the last 4 episodes, overall, it was a well-done series.
Only liked Lin Shen as Yang Xiao in this whole drama. His debonair & charm as Yang Xiao really brought out that character.
i think this version is the best ever Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre adaptation.
i dont like a few last episodes, they change the story too much, for example Yin Yewang aka white brow eagle king died not at the battle of shaolin temple, instead a ridiculous death.
Yukee chen who acted as Zhao Min here had a very good acting performance
for Zhang Wuji , i think just average, too much powder on face or make-up
Cheng Kun was too young here.
I was wondering the same thing why did she change her mind after what happened. They should have flesh it out. At first Yukee who played Zhaomin didn’t impress me much. I actually felt that her confident princess aura is not strong enough. I watched 1994 and 2009 and I really like Ady An portrayal of Zhaomin. But Yukee got better and better 🙂 Overall I like this adaptation because it is an easy and good watch. I wish they kept Yangxiao and Xiaofu’s story line like the 1994, it would be more angsty.
Did Zhao Min’s father actually die in the novel? I don’t remember this being the case…at least not because of Wuji