The Legend of Heroic Condor is a film adaptation directed by Tu Khac Dao, with Tieu Chien in the lead role. The trailer was released on December 23rd, sparking intense discussions on social media regarding the special effects, the acting of the cast, and various other aspects…
In the trailer, the grand battlefield scene features the character Quach Tinh played by Tieu Chien. However, the visuals have drawn criticism for being overly reliant on special effects, leading viewers to notice that the primary setting is a green screen. “The heroic legend is a martial arts film, not a science fiction or fantasy movie, so the depiction of reality is crucial,” Sohu commented.
Many scenes have a grayish tone, making them look artificial. “The distinct style of classic martial arts films carries a mark of modernity, which many audiences familiar with Hong Kong-style martial arts films find disappointing. Furthermore, the visuals seem to fall short of expectations,” reported Chinese media.
While the portrayal of Quach Tinh by Tieu Chien has not fully resonated with audiences, some viewers expressed that the actor lacks the charisma and depth expected of a martial arts hero, citing the shortcomings in the character’s design.
Trang Đạt Phi (left) as Hoàng Dung and Tieu Chien as Quách Tình.
“Martial arts films without strong male charisma are lacking. I see a sense of defeat,” commented one viewer, while another remarked, “The portrayal of Quách Tình by Tieu Chien lacks the compelling charisma of previous adaptations,” and yet another said, “While the martial arts genre is maintained, it still feels like a stretch towards fantasy,” reflecting the audience’s sentiments.
Trang Đạt Phi’s portrayal of Hoàng Dung has also received mixed reviews, with criticisms highlighting the character’s lack of intelligence and depth. If it weren’t for her name, many viewers might not recognize Trang Đạt Phi as the reincarnation of Hoàng Dung.
Keywords related to the film have trended on Weibo, sparking discussions similar to those surrounding the horror film “Tru Tiên.” The character of Tieu Chien in The Legend of Heroic Condor has drawn comparisons to the character from Tru Tiên.
The standout feature of the trailer is the appearance of several well-known actors, such as Lương Gia Huy as Âu Dương Phong and Họ Quân as Hồng Thất Công. Viewers noted that the appearance of these veteran actors could elevate the film’s quality.
However, many netizens expressed dissatisfaction, simply observing the short trailer and concluding that it does not meet the high expectations set by Tu Khac Dao and Tieu Chien.
“The essence of martial arts is missing, with the trailer’s visuals failing to impress. The most critical aspect is the performance of the actors and whether the film’s box office appeal has been properly received,” noted one viewer. “Tieu Chien’s Quách Tình does not present the naive charm of previous interpretations but instead feels like a hollow portrayal. The character development seems to have been lost in the adaptation,” remarked another viewer.
In Jin Yong’s original work, Quách Tình is portrayed as a clever, resourceful, and sharp-minded individual, embodying the essence of a martial arts hero. He rises from being an orphan in Mông Cổ after his father’s tragic death to become a legendary figure in the martial world. The “Hàng Long thập bát chưởng” – a martial arts technique, is his signature style.
The Legend of Heroic Condor is set to be released in China during the Lunar New Year of 2025. The film is directed by Tu Khac and produced by Phó Nhưỡng Thanh.
