''The Romance of the Condor Heroes'' is a 2014–15 Chinese television series produced by

Yu Zheng Yu Zheng (; born 28 February 1978) is a Chinese screenwriter and producer who is noted for ''Palace'', which earned him a Best Screenwriter award at the 16th Asian Television Awards. Biography Early life Yu was born and raised in Haining, Zhej ...

and adapted from

Jin Yong Louis Cha Leung-yung (; 10 March 1924 – 30 October 2018), better known by his pen name Jin Yong (), pronounced "Gum Yoong" in Cantonese, was a Chinese wuxia ("martial arts and chivalry") novelist and essayist who co-founded the Hong Kong da ...

's novel ''

The Return of the Condor Heroes ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'', also called ''The Giant Eagle and Its Companion'', is a wuxia novel by Jin Yong (Louis Cha). It is the second part of the '' Condor Trilogy'' and was preceded by '' The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' and foll ...

'', with additional material from the preceding novel, ''

The Legend of the Condor Heroes ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' is a wuxia novel by Chinese writer Jin Yong (Louis Cha). It is the first part of the '' Condor Trilogy'' and is followed by '' The Return of the Condor Heroes'' and '' The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber''. I ...

''. It stars

Chen Xiao Chen Xiao (, born 5 July 1987) is a Chinese actor and model. He is best known for his roles in ''Swordsman'' (2013), ''Legend of Lu Zhen'' (2013), ''The Romance of the Condor Heroes'' (2014), ''Who Sleeps My Bro'' (2015), '' Nothing Gold Can St ...

and

Michelle Chen Michelle Chen Yanxi (born Chen Mei-hsuan; 31 May 1983) is a Taiwanese actress and singer. Chen is best known for starring in the 2011 film ''You Are the Apple of My Eye'', which broke box office records for Chinese-language films in mainland Chi ...

in the lead roles. The series was first broadcast on

Hunan TV Hunan Television or Hunan TV () is a provincial satellite TV station officially launched on 29 September 1970 and is currently China's second-most-watched channel, second only to CCTV-1, owned by China Central Television, although Hunan STV occasi ...

from 3 December 2014 to 11 March 2015.

Plot

The protagonist,

Yang Guo Yang Guo, courtesy name Gaizhi, is the fictional protagonist of the wuxia novel ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong. Birth and heritage Yang Guo traces his lineage to Yang Zaixing, a Song general who participated in the Jin–Song W ...

, is the orphaned son of

Yang Kang Yang Kang is the fictional antagonist in the wuxia novel ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong (Louis Cha). He also serves as a foil to Guo Jing, the protagonist. Birth and heritage Yang Kang's hometown is in Niu Family Village ...

, the antagonist in ''

''. The couple

Guo Jing Guo Jing is the fictional protagonist of the wuxia novel '' The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong. He also appears as a supporting character in the sequel, '' The Return of the Condor Heroes'', and is mentioned by name in '' The Heaven ...

and

Huang Rong Huang Rong is a fictional female protagonist in the wuxia novel ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong. She also appears as a supporting character in the sequel, ''The Return of the Condor Heroes''. In ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes ...

take Yang Guo under their care for a short period of time before sending him to the Quanzhen Sect on Mount Zhongnan for better guidance in moral values and orthodox martial arts. In Quanzhen, Yang Guo is often bullied by his fellow seniors, and discriminated against by his master, Zhao Zhijing. Yang Guo flees from Quanzhen and ventures unknowingly into the nearby Tomb of the Living Dead, where the

Ancient Tomb Sect The Ancient Tomb Sect is a fictional martial arts sect in the wuxia novel ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong. It plays a significant role in the early development of the protagonists, Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü. Cha, Louis. ''The Retur ...

is housed. He is saved by

Xiaolongnü Xiaolongnü () is the fictional female protagonist of the wuxia novel ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong. In the novel, her physical appearances is described as follows: "skin as white as snow, beautiful and elegant beyond convention ...

, a mysterious maiden of unknown origin, and becomes her apprentice. They live together in the tomb for many years until Yang Guo grows up. Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü develop romantic feelings for each other, but their romance is forbidden by the prevailing norms of the ''jianghu'' (or ''wulin'', the community of martial artists). Throughout the story, their love meets with several trials, such as the misunderstandings that threaten to tear them apart, and their encounter with Gongsun Zhi, whom Xiaolongnü almost marries at one point. Finally, after their reunion and marriage, Xiaolongnü leaves Yang Guo again, owing to her belief she cannot recover from a fatal poison, and promises to meet him again 16 years later. While Yang Guo is wandering the ''jianghu'' alone, he meets several formidable martial artists and a giant condor, and improves his skills tremendously after training from them. His adventures gradually mould him into a courageous hero and the most powerful martial artist of his time. Yang Guo serves his native land by helping the

Han Chinese The Han Chinese () or Han people (), are an East Asian ethnic group native to China. They constitute the world's largest ethnic group, making up about 18% of the global population and consisting of various subgroups speaking distinctive v ...

people of the

Song Empire The Song dynasty (; ; 960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that began in 960 and lasted until 1279. The dynasty was founded by Emperor Taizu of Song following his usurpation of the throne of the Later Zhou. The Song conquered the rest ...

resist invaders from the

Mongol Empire The Mongol Empire of the 13th and 14th centuries was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Originating in present-day Mongolia in East Asia, the Mongol Empire at its height stretched from the Sea of Japan to parts of Eastern Europe, ...

. At the end of the drama, he is reunited with Xiaolongnü and they leave to lead the rest of their lives in seclusion after receiving praises and blessings from the ''wulin''.

Cast

Leo Wu Wu Lei (, born December 26, 1999), also known as Leo Wu, is a Chinese actor. He is known as the "China's Little Brother" () in China. He made his first appearance in commercials at the age of three. In 2007, officially made his debut in acti ...

as Yang Guo (young) *

** Zhang Zimu as Xiaolongnü (young) * Zheng Guolin as

* Yang Mingna as

Zhang Xinyu Zhang Xinyu (, born 28 March 1987), also known as Viann Zhang, is a Chinese actress, singer and model. Biography Early life Zhang was born and raised in Kunshan, Jiangsu. She graduated from Wuxi institute of Commerce. Acting career Zhang began ...

as Li Mochou *

Mao Xiaotong Mao Xiaotong (, born 16 February 1988), also known as Rachel Momo, is a Chinese actress. She is best known for her supporting roles in ''Empresses in the Palace'' (2012), '' Love O2O'' (2016) and ''The Princess Weiyoung'' (2016). Early life and ...

as Guo Fu **

Jiang Yiyi Jiang Yiyi (, born 1 January 2001) is a Chinese actress. Career Jiang is a child actress who is known for portraying the younger counterparts of many notable characters in television and films. She made her first acting appearance in the 2007 dr ...

as Guo Fu (young) * Sun Yaoqi as Lu Wushuang ** Hu Shun'er as Lu Wushuang (young) *

Zhao Yingzi Zhao Yingzi (; born 16 December 1990), previously known as Zhao Han Ying Zi (), is a Chinese Chinese can refer to: * Something related to China * Chinese people, people of Chinese nationality, citizenship, and/or ethnicity **''Zhonghua minzu' ...

as Cheng Ying ** Chai Wei as Cheng Ying (young) * Heizi as Jinlun Guoshi *

Zhang Xueying Zhang Xueying (; born 18 June 1997), also known as Sophie Zhang, is a Chinese actress. Zhang is regarded as one of the " New Four Dan actresses of the post-95s Generation" (), along with Zhang Zifeng, Vicky Chen and Guan Xiaotong. Career In 20 ...

as Guo Xiang * Cui Zhengbang as Guo Polu *

Zhang Zhehan Zhang Zhehan (; born 11 May 1991) is a Chinese actor and singer. His first major role was as Wei Ying in the Chinese historical drama '' Legend of Ban Shu'' (2015). He is best known for his roles in '' Legend of Yunxi'' (2018), '' The Blooms at R ...

as Yelü Qi * Ma Yingqiao as Yelü Yan * Wang Shuang as Wanyan Ping * Cao Xinyue as Hong Lingbo * Wu Jingjing as Gongsun Lü'e * Qiu Xinzhi as Gongsun Zhi * Zhang Qian as Qiu Qianchi * Li Shipeng as Qiu Qianren / Ci'en * Zhang Chao as Wu Dunru ** Zhang Yijie as Wu Dunru (young) *

Elvis Han Han Dongjun (, born 21 July 1992), also known as Elvis Han, is a Chinese actor. Early life and education Han attended high school in Vancouver, Canada from 2007 to 2011. In 2011, Han was cast to star in the web film ''Vancouver Rock and Roll ...

as Wu Xiuwen ** Fang Yangfei as Wu Xiuwen (young) * Zhao Kunpeng as Wu Santong * Zhang Yameng as Wu Sanniang * Guo Yuhan as Shagu *

Christopher Lee Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee (27 May 1922 – 7 June 2015) was an English actor and singer. In a long career spanning more than 60 years, Lee often portrayed villains, and appeared as Count Dracula in seven Hammer Horror films, ultim ...

Huang Yaoshi Huang Yaoshi is a fictional character in the wuxia novel ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' and its sequel, ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'', by Jin Yong. He is one of the Five Greats of the '' wulin'' (martial artists' community) during the ...

* Zong Fengyan as

Ouyang Feng Ouyang Feng is a fictional character in the wuxia novel ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' and its sequel, ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'', by Jin Yong. He is the "Western Venom" of the Five Greats of the '' wulin'' (martial artists' commun ...

* Yin Xiaotian as

Hong Qigong Hong Qi, better known as Hong Qigong,The "gōng" (), which means "grandfather", is not part of his name. His apprentices, followers and younger generations call him "Qīgōng" (; "Grandpa Qi") to show their respect for him as an elder and their ...

* Zhou Dehua as

Zhou Botong Zhou may refer to: Chinese history * King Zhou of Shang () (1105 BC–1046 BC), the last king of the Shang dynasty * Predynastic Zhou (), 11th-century BC precursor to the Zhou dynasty * Zhou dynasty () (1046 BC–256 BC), a dynasty of China ** Wes ...

* Ji Chen as

Yideng ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' is a wuxia novel by Chinese writer Jin Yong (Louis Cha). It is the first part of the ''Condor Trilogy'' and is followed by ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'' and ''The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber''. It w ...

* Deng Limin as Ke Zhen'e * Shen Baoping as

Qiu Chuji Qiu Chuji (10 February 1148– 21 August 1227), courtesy name Tongmi (通密), also known by his Taoist name Master Changchun, was the disciple of Wang Chongyang and a renowned Taoist master. He is known for meeting Genghis Khan near the Hindu ...

* Zhang Tianyang as Huodu * Daiding as Da'erba * Shao Min as Granny Sun * Wang Maolei as Zhao Zhijing * Song Yang as Zhen Zhibing * Meng Fei as

Yelü Chucai Yelü Chucai (; mn, Urtu Saqaltu "Longbeard", written in Chinese characters as "", July 24, 1190 – June 20, 1244), courtesy name Jinqing (), was a Khitan statesman from the imperial clan of the Liao dynasty, who became a vigorous adviser and ...

* Kang Lei as Ma Guangzuo * Yang Long as Nimoxing * Rong Yaozhong as Yinkexi * Ruan Weijing as Xiaoxiangzi * Yao Yichen as Chen Xuanfeng * Hou Jingjian as Feng Mofeng * Yi Kun as Lu Guanying * Liu Ye as Cheng Yaojia * Li Yilin as Zhu Ziliu * Zhu Rongrong as

Möngke Khan Möngke ( mn, ' / Мөнх '; ; 11 January 1209 – 11 August 1259) was the fourth khagan-emperor of the Mongol Empire, ruling from 1 July 1251, to 11 August 1259. He was the first Khagan from the Toluid line, and made significant reform ...

* Luo Wenbo as Lin Chaoying's apprentice * Wang Yuzheng as Lu Youjiao * Sun Xinhong as He Shiwo *

Jian Renzi Jian Renzi (; born 19 October 1991), also known as Joyce Jian, is a Chinese actress. She is known for her roles in ''My Sunshine'' (2015) and ''Game of Hunting'' (2017). Early life and education Jian was born 19 October 1991 in Shenyang, Liaoni ...

as Rou'er * Chen Tingjia as Du Xuelian (Ouyang Feng's sister-in-law) * Hu Pu as Fan Yiweng * Hou Jianglong as Indian Monk * Ren Xihong as Shi Da * Zhao Haiying as Shi Er * Shi Puzhou as Shi San * Niu Wenbo as Shi Si * Feng Mingjing as Shi Wu * Xu Zhanwei as Datougui * Zhang Luhua as Shashengui * Du Guanru as Taozhaigui * Peng Yong as Wuchanggui * Yu Xiaochen as Baicaoxian * Shi Zhenlong as Renchuzi * Lü Yang as Gourou Toutuo * Tan Limin as Abbess Shengyin * Wen Wen as Xiaocui (Zhao Zhijing's secret lover) * Xing Qiqi as Li Zhichang ;Special appearances * Yan Yikuan as

Wang Chongyang Wang Chongyang (11 January 1113 – 22 January 1170; Chinese calendar: 22nd day, 12th month, 2nd year, Zhenghe era in the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song - 4th day, 1st month, 10th year, Dading era in the reign of Emperor Shizong of Jin) wa ...

* Dong Xuan as Lin Chaoying *

Zanilia Zhao Zhao Liying (, born 16 October 1987), also known as Zanilia Zhao, is a Chinese actress and singer. She is best known for her roles in television series ''Legend of Lu Zhen'' (2013), '' Boss & Me'' (2014), ''The Journey of Flower'' (2015), ''The M ...

Mu Nianci Mu Nianci is a character in the wuxia novel ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong (Louis Cha). She is the romantic interest of the antagonist, Yang Kang, and the mother of Yang Guo, the protagonist in the sequel novel, ''The Return of t ...

Chen Xiang Chen Xiang (born 13 December 1989), also known as Sean Chen, is a Chinese pop singer and actor. He participated in the nationwide singing contest '' Super Boy'' in 2010. In 2011, he released his first album ''Confession''. He is also known for ...

as Lu Zhanyuan * Deng Sha as He Yuanjun * Yang Rong as Mei Chaofeng * Huang Yi as Feng Heng * Zhang Danfeng as

Dugu Qiubai Dugu Qiubai is a fictional character who is mentioned by name in three wuxia novels by Jin Yong (Louis Cha). He does not appear in any of the novels because he lived in an era long before the events of the novels took place. Nicknamed "Sword D ...

* Qin Lan as Hexiang (Dugu Qiubai's wife) * Zhang Meng as Mingyue / Liu Ying * Zhu Zixiao as

Kublai Khan Kublai ; Mongolian script: ; (23 September 1215 – 18 February 1294), also known by his temple name as the Emperor Shizu of Yuan and his regnal name Setsen Khan, was the founder of the Yuan dynasty of China and the fifth khagan-emperor of ...

Chen Zihan Chen Zihan (born 2 April 1978 as Chen Shasha) is a Chinese actress. She graduated from the Beijing Film Academy Beijing Film Academy (BFA; ) is a coeducational state-run higher education institution in Beijing, China. The film school is the ...

as Qiuyinong (Hong Qigong's lover) * Huang Ming as Long Jiu (Jinlun Guoshi's junior)

Soundtrack

Reception

Since the series was first announced, it was wrapped up in various controversies. In particular, the casting of

attracted a large outcry by fans of the original novel, who called Chen the "fattest

(little dragon lady)" that they have ever seen. When the show first premiered on

, it was heavily panned for its bad writing, cheaply made actions scenes and a story that completely departs from the novel. Critics call the show "a vulgar mess possessing little artistic value", and "a production that completely destroyed the spirit of the original story".

References

External links

''The Condor Heroes''
on

Sina Weibo Sina Weibo (新浪微博) is a Chinese microblogging (weibo) website. Launched by Sina Corporation on 14 August 2009, it is one of the biggest social media platforms in China, with over 582 million monthly active users (252 million daily ac ...

{{DEFAULTSORT:Romance of the Condor Heroes, The Chinese wuxia television series 2014 Chinese television series debuts 2015 Chinese television series endings Television shows based on The Return of the Condor Heroes Television series set in the Southern Song Television series set in the Mongol Empire Television series about orphans Television shows written by Yu Zheng Television series by Huanyu Film