Synopsis
Based on the legendary RPG game, a young warrior and a descendant of the goddess Nuwa embark on an epic journey through realms of mortals, demons, and gods. Starring Hu Ge and Liu Yifei. Douban 9.1.
Overview
Chinese Paladin (仙剑奇侠传) is a 2005 Chinese fantasy xianxia drama produced by Shanghai Tangren Film Production. Directed by Lee Kwok-Lap, the series is adapted from the iconic RPG game of the same name by Softstar Entertainment. Spanning 34 episodes, it holds a remarkable Douban rating of 9.1, making it one of the highest-rated Chinese dramas of all time.
The series is widely credited as the founding work of the xianxia (immortal hero) genre in Chinese television. Hu Ge's portrayal of Li Xiao Yao launched his career, while Liu Yifei's Zhao Ling'er became an iconic character in Chinese pop culture. The soundtrack, featuring songs like "Sha Po Lang" and "June Rain," remains beloved to this day.
Plot Summary
Li Xiao Yao (Hu Ge) is a carefree young man from a small fishing village who dreams of becoming a great martial artist. When his aunt falls mysteriously ill, he travels to Fairy Spirit Island to seek medicine. There, he encounters Zhao Ling'er (Liu Yifei), a young woman cultivating on the island. Unbeknownst to Xiao Yao, Ling'er is a descendant of the goddess Nuwa, destined to save the world from destruction.
Their meeting sets off a chain of events that draws them into a grand conflict spanning the mortal realm, the demon world, and the divine realm. Along the way, they are joined by Lin Yue Ru (Ady An), a fierce and passionate martial artist from a noble family, Tang Yu (Eddie Peng), a loyal and kind-hearted warrior, and Ah Nu (Esther Liu), a naive and adorable girl skilled in Gu magic.
Together, the group faces formidable enemies, most notably the sinister Bai Yue cult leader, who threatens to unleash chaos upon the world. Xiao Yao transforms from a naive boy into a true hero, while the love triangle between him, Ling'er, and Yue Ru creates one of the most emotionally devastating storylines in Chinese television history. The series concludes with a heroic sacrifice that has left audiences in tears for nearly two decades.
Cast
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hu Ge | Li Xiao Yao | A gifted young warrior from a fishing village, loyal and brave |
| Liu Yifei | Zhao Ling'er | Descendant of goddess Nuwa, pure-hearted and destined for greatness |
| Ady An | Lin Yue Ru | Fierce martial arts heiress, deeply in love with Xiao Yao |
| Eddie Peng | Tang Yu | Loyal and kind-hearted warrior, childhood friends with Ah Nu |
| Esther Liu | Ah Nu | Innocent and playful, skilled in Gu magic |
Cultural Impact
Chinese Paladin is a milestone in Chinese television history. It was the first successful adaptation of a video game into a TV drama and single-handedly created the xianxia genre that would dominate Chinese television for the next two decades. Later hits like Journey of Flower, Eternal Love, and The Untamed all trace their lineage back to the genre foundation laid by this series.
The drama's music became equally iconic. The opening theme "Sha Po Lang" by JS and插曲 "June Rain" and "Xiao Yao Tan" performed by Hu Ge himself became classics of Mandopop. A Sun's "Always Very Quiet" (一直很安静), paired with Lin Yue Ru's tragic storyline, remains one of the most emotionally powerful drama soundtracks ever produced.
A remake was announced in 2024, sparking widespread debate that only confirmed the original's unassailable classic status in the hearts of viewers.
References
- Douban: 仙剑奇侠传
- Wikipedia: Chinese Paladin
- IMDb: Chinese Paladin
- Baidu Baike: 仙剑奇侠传
Stills & Gallery
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