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1. HERO OF THE FLYING EAGLE
Hero of the Flying Eagle is a film adaptation of Kim Dung's novel of the same name. The work was published in 1957, set in the Southern Song Dynasty, China. The central character is Quach Tinh - a young man skilled in falconry. Despite being naive and slow-witted, Quach Tinh is generous and righteous. Through diligence compensating for his lack of intelligence, he masters many martial arts secrets and grows stronger over time.
On his journey through the martial world, Quach Tinh meets and falls in love with Hoang Dung, a girl who is more intelligent and quick-witted than most. Despite facing opposition and having to contend with numerous schemes and forces, the couple decides to face life and death together. Hero of the Flying Eagle has been adapted into film at least nine times. However, the 1983 and 1994 versions had the most significant impact on audiences.
In the 1994 version, young actors Truong Tri Lam (Quach Tinh) and Chu An (Hoang Dung) were under immense pressure due to the towering shadow of Huynh Nhat Hoa and Ong My Linh from the 1983 version. However, after airing, the film also received a lot of support from young audiences. Hoang Dung's character, portrayed by Chu An, was so charming and clever that many used it as a benchmark for comparison with later versions. La Gia Luong also delivered a memorable performance as Duong Khang.
2. THE DIVINE HERO
This film is perhaps known to everyone and is also one of the most important works in the author's career. It can be said that Miss Dragon and Yang Guo are two names that few people do not know when it comes to Chinese martial arts period dramas.
The plot of The Divine Hero continues from The Hero with a Thousand Faces, when the character Yang Guo (son of Yang Kang) is brought by Quach Tinh to the Full Moon sect to learn martial arts. However, he accidentally falls into the ancient tomb of Little Dragon where she accepts him as a disciple and teaches him martial arts, gradually transforming their relationship into love. Outside that ancient tomb are the bloody battles of the martial world on the battlefield. The poem 'Asking the World What Love Is' by Li Mak Sau is still popular to this day.
So far, there have been many versions of this film produced, but the version considered closest to the original and with the most beautiful scenes is still the 2006 version starring Huynh Hieu Minh and Liu Yifei, in terms of success, no version can surpass the 1995 version starring Chow Yun-fat and Brigitte Lin.
The Divine Hero has been revised multiple times by Kim Dung. The latest version has many differences from the original version. It would not be too much to say that many fans worship 'The Divine Hero of '95', this is exactly how many Vietnamese audiences refer to it. To the point that even though the 2006 version starring Huynh Hieu Minh and Liu Yifei is loved by many young audiences, bringing Liu Yifei's name to new heights, 'The Divine Hero of '95' is still an unshakable monument. Yang Guo is also the most iconic role in Chow Yun-fat's acting career, while Brigitte Lin also thanks to the character Little Dragon has the title of 'period drama star'. The film also successfully introduces Truong Kha Di through the role of Tran Anh.
3. THE SMILING, PROUD WANDERER
This is the masterpiece that has been adapted the most, with a staggering 13 times, and embodies the essence of the martial world. The work began in 1967 and was completed in 1969. The four words The Smiling, Proud Wanderer were taken from a verse in the novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en. It is also the name of a musical piece mentioned in the work.
The Smiling, Proud Wanderer is the title of a musical piece in the film. The film is adapted from the original work of writer Kim Dung. It revolves around themes of love, friendship, power struggles, and dark conspiracies, to vie for the supreme martial arts manual to dominate the world.
Throughout the film is the battle between factions in the martial world of the Central Plains to obtain the miraculous 'Doom Sword' manual of the Lam family. The main character of the film is the romantic and chivalrous young man Linghu Chong – the top disciple of the Hua Shan sect, a righteous young man with exceptional intelligence and wit.
Suffering from betrayal by his lover Ren Yingying, misunderstood by his fellow disciples, and expelled from the sect, Linghu Chong wanders and experiences countless ups and downs. But luckily, he receives martial arts teachings from many martial arts masters and becomes one of the top martial artists of the Central Plains. In addition, the film also depicts the relationship between Linghu Chong and the saintly witch Ren Yingying.
This film has been widely watched and embraced for its profound and fascinating meaning. The 2001 version is still considered the best. Among the adaptations, the film series starring Lam Thanh Ha as Dongfang Bubai is highly regarded by critics. In the television realm, Linghu Chong portrayed by Lu Tung Hien is considered a classic.
4. THE RETURN OF THE CONDOR HEROES
The film is adapted from the novel of the same name 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' by Kim Dung. The work was released in 1961, consisting of 40 chapters. The novel's title means 'the story of the sword Yin and the saber Yang'. The story is set in the time of the Yuan dynasty, when it was weakened by uprisings and the extravagance of the court. The central character is Zhang Wuji - a young man often influenced by others. He becomes entangled in a complex love affair with four women, amidst ruthless machinations in the martial world. Factions vie to obtain the two treasures, the Yin Yang Sword and the Dragon Saber, as possessing these artifacts could rule the world. This film has many different versions. The story has been adapted into at least 10 films and television series.
The character Zhang Wuji in The Return of the Condor Heroes is also a role associated with many stars: Trinh Thieu Thu, Luong Trieu Vy, Ngo Khai Hoa, Ma Canh Dao, To Huu Bang... In most adaptations of The Return of the Condor Heroes, the male lead will also play the roles of both father and son Zhang Cuishan and Zhang Wuji. However, in the 2000 version by TVB, the role of Zhang Wuji (adult) was played by two actors: Dang Nhat Quan (before mastering the Nine Yang Divine Skill) and Ngo Khai Hoa (after mastering it). The role of Zhang Cuishan was portrayed by actor Luu Tung Nhan alongside the beautiful Mei Xue (Han Su Su).
The 2000 version of the film also paved the way for two veterans, Ngo Khai Hoa and Le Tu, to return to the screen with many subsequent roles. Ngo Khai Hoa was criticized by many viewers for being a bit too old for Zhang Wuji, but his performance was solid, showcasing the full complexity of the character: upright but indecisive, easily influenced by others. Le Tu was praised as the most beautiful Zhao Min on screen. This film also featured many famous TVB actors.
However, according to the majority of viewers, the 2009 version is still considered the most authentic, with beautiful imagery and more professional special effects.
5. ROYAL TRAMP
This is Kim Dung's final martial arts novel, written from 1969 to 1972. The story revolves around a central character with a mixture of good and evil, righteousness and wickedness, emphasizing friendship, and willingness to sacrifice for the nation, yet also cunning and manipulative, ready to harm others to protect their own interests, named Wei Xiaobao. Xiaobao is the son of Wei Xuanfang, a courtesan at the Lush Spring House, a brothel in Yangzhou. Even Wei Xuanfang doesn't know who his father is, just naming him Xiaobao, and if asked, Xiaobao takes his mother's surname.
Through a series of adventurous and perilous journeys, the young Wei family travels from the city of Yangzhou in the South to Beijing, the capital of the Manchu feudal dynasty. There, Xiaobao is kidnapped and taken to the Forbidden City, where he assumes the role of a eunuch after killing the eunuch Xiao Qiezi. One day, Xiaobao accidentally meets the young emperor Kangxi, and the two become close friends.
Through great strokes of luck, using intelligence, sharp strategies, and practicality, with a cunning mind and a slippery tongue, Xiaobao achieves many achievements, rising through the ranks beyond his wildest imagination.
Royal Tramp has been adapted into films no less than 10 times. Actors like Luong Trieu Vy, Tran Tieu Xuan, Huynh Hieu Minh... have all played the role of Wei Xiaobao. The comedy film Royal Tramp starring Stephen Chow is also beloved by many audiences. The first film adaptation was in 1984 with the performance of Tony Leung, which is considered the most successful version of this work. Although the film editing techniques were primitive at the time, the actors' performances were unquestionable. However, the most outstanding performance in the film goes to the 'fake' eunuch with 7 wives, Tran Tieu Xuan. Don't mistake it for his acting, it's only successful in terms of character portrayal. The mischievousness of this character alongside Emperor Kangxi is the key factor in the film's greatest success.
For readers who have read Royal Tramp, Tran Tieu Xuan has the most fitting appearance and demeanor for Wei Xiaobao. The mischievousness and 'villainy' of this character alongside Emperor Kangxi (Ma Tuan Vy) are what make Royal Tramp successful, which subsequent versions have failed to replicate.
6. THE DUKE OF MOUNT DEER
The Duke of Mount Deer is one of Kim's most beloved martial arts films. The novel consists of 50 chapters and was first published in Ming Pao (a newspaper founded by Kim Dung) in 1963. This is the author's longest work.
The story revolves around the maneuvers and choices of Qiao Feng, Duan Yu, and Xuzhu in turbulent times. With this work, Kim Dung wants to address the karmic relationship between characters and family, nation, and country. The story demonstrates the author's understanding and insights into Buddhism, classified as one of his outstanding works in his literary career. The work has been adapted into films at least eight times and is associated with names like Tony Leung, Charmaine Sheh, Huynh Nhật Hoa, Andy Lau, and Idy Chan.
The film highlights the relationship between people and embodies the spirit of Buddhism, carrying a very beautiful humanistic meaning. However, Kim Dung's insights into Buddhism in this story have also sparked considerable controversy across versions.
In addition to the compelling content and suspenseful plot, The Duke of Mount Deer has left an impression on viewers with the presence of some famous actors. To date, the film has been reissued twice, in 1997 and 2003. Both versions are very good, closely following Kim Dung's original storyline. The scenes are meticulously staged with very engaging details.
Not only do they have good looks that suit the characters, but they also have very good acting skills. Fans always defend their idols whenever comparisons arise. Lam Chi Dinh's portrayal of Duan Yu (in the 2003 version) is highly praised by many for his resemblance to the original work. But Tran Hao Dan's Duan Yu in the 1997 version is the actor's first important role before he became famous with the character Sun Wukong (Journey to the West II - TVB 1998) and Nezha (The Heroic Trio - TVB 2001).
7. THE TRAVELING SWORDSMAN
The film revolves around the young man Thach Pha Thien, who has an incredibly pure soul, a kind nature, and is also very heroic. Thach Pha Thien has an appearance identical to his older brother Thach Trung Ngoc, so he inadvertently gets entangled in a series of troubles and intrigues in the martial arts world.
Although the storyline is thrilling and engaging with the journey of the lost twin brothers Thach Trung Ngoc and Thach Pha Thien, filmmakers are hesitant to touch on Kim Dung's novel, The Traveling Swordsman.
Perhaps finding attractive and talented actors to play dual roles simultaneously is not an easy task. Therefore, the 1988 version (consisting of 20 episodes) starring Tony Leung becomes a hallmark television adaptation of The Traveling Swordsman.
8. THE OATH OF LOVE AND THE SWORD
The Oath of Love and the Sword is Kim Dung's first epic novel, released in 1955. It tells the story of the passionate and loyal love between Tran Gia Lac and Kha Tu Le (Princess Fragrance) - a girl whose scent captivates and intoxicates everyone, making them forget all worldly affairs. Emperor Qianlong, using his power and schemes, forces her to become his concubine.
Tran Gia Lac is a young man entrusted to become the leader of the Hong Hua Society. The organization's mission is to resist the Qing Dynasty and restore the Han people's rule. Fate leads them to meet and join forces with the Hoi people to resist the invasion of the Manchu into this distant land. In the Hoi tribe, Tran Gia Lac meets and falls deeply in love with the beautiful and pure-hearted daughter of the tribal chief, Princess Fragrance. Emperor Qianlong is Tran Gia Lac's older brother, sent to the palace at a young age as part of a conspiracy to vie for favor. They meet again when they both return to their hometown of Hai Ninh to pay respects to their deceased parents. Tran Gia Lac promised not to reveal Emperor Qianlong's horrifying secret – in exchange, the king must join forces with the Hong Hua Society to overthrow the Manchu rule and drive them out of the country. Under threat, the king made an oath and was released by the Hong Hua Society. However, upon returning, Emperor Qianlong immediately betrayed the agreement: he captured Princess Fragrance and set a trap to capture the members of the Hong Hua Society to keep his royal secret hidden.
There are at least 11 film and television adaptations of the novel. Actresses such as Dinh Nhi, Luong Boi Linh, and Du An An have all portrayed Princess Fragrance.
9. SNOWY MOUNTAIN
Published in 1959, the novel recounts the feuds among the Ho, Mieu, Pham, and Dinh families, spanning generations and resolved in the era of Ho Phi - known as Snowy Mountain.
Among Kim Dung's novels, this is the most controversial work due to its storytelling and open-ended conclusion. It has been adapted at least seven times, with actors like Lu Luong Vy and Manh Phi portraying Snowy Mountain.
Xa Thi Man debuted as the lead actress in this film, receiving criticism from online communities for her performance. However, the strong performance of the male lead, Huynh Nhat Hoa, and the captivating storyline quickly overshadowed this issue, leaving the audience enchanted from the first scenes.
10. WHITE HORSE LAKE WANTS TO SEE THE WEST WIND
The novel debuted in 1962 on Mingpao, telling the journey of Ly Van Tu, the daughter of White Horse Ly Tam, and Kim Ngan Little Sword Tam Nuong Tu... Ten years after the story's release, the first film adaptation was made. Two later versions (in 1987 and 2002) also garnered audience interest.
White Horse Lake Wants to See the West Wind follows the journey of Ly Van Tu, the daughter of White Horse Ly Tam, and Kim Ngan Little Sword Tam Nuong Tu. By chance, she meets and befriends To Pho, who becomes Van Tu's companion for many years. The film was adapted three times in 1972, 1987, and 2002 in both Hong Kong and Mainland China.
11. LINKED FORTRESS DETERMINATION
'Linked Fortress Determination' - a novel written by Kim Dung, debuted in 1963 on Mingpao, tells the adventure of Địch Vân amidst the turmoil of the martial world, as factions vie for martial arts secrets and precious treasures. The story was adapted into film twice, first in 1989, and the second time in 2003.
The film revolves around the character named Địch Vân, an orphaned young man from the countryside, raised and taught martial arts by Thích Trường Phát. He falls in love with Thích Phương and intends to marry her in the future. One day, the three of them are invited to Vạn Chấn Sơn's housewarming party. Vạn Chấn Sơn and Thích Trường Phát are martial siblings, along with Ngôn Đạt Bình. They are all disciples of Mai Niệm. The three of them once conspired to kill their master to seize the Linked Fortress sword. Later, due to the theft of the book, they turned against each other. This housewarming party reunites them with the purpose of uncovering the whereabouts of the book.
