A new cinematic adaptation of the beloved wuxia novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes is set to hit theaters on January 29, the first day of Chinese New Year. Directed by renowned filmmaker Tsui Hark, the film offers a fresh take on the iconic character Hua Zheng, the spirited Mongol princess.
The recently released trailer, just over a minute long, has already garnered hundreds of millions of views. Fans are buzzing about Hua Zheng’s portrayal, applauding the filmmakers for capturing the true essence of a grassland princess. “This is what a true steppe princess should look like!” one excited fan exclaimed.
Unlike previous adaptations that depicted Hua Zheng as a timid, love-struck girl fixated on the protagonist Guo Jing, Tsui Hark’s version presents her as a courageous and heroic figure. “Far from being fragile, she’s a spirited warrior. This reinterpretation raises expectations for the new film,” commented another viewer.
Actor Xiao Zhan takes on the role of Guo Jing, the earnest and kind-hearted hero of the story. With Tsui Hark’s visionary direction and a talented cast, audiences are eager to see how this adaptation will bring new life to the classic tale.
The Legend of the Condor Heroes, penned by the legendary author Jin Yong, is one of the most celebrated wuxia novels in Chinese literature. In 2018, the first volume was published in English under the title A Hero Born, translated by Anna Holmwood. This translation introduced the epic world of Chinese kung fu and the grand themes of heroism to readers around the globe.
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Heroic image of Mongol princess reinterpreted in new kung fu movie
cgtn.com
