45 minSeason 1 • Episode 42
LatestSwordsman is a Chinese television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. The series is written and produced by Yu Zheng, and directed by Hu Yijuan, starring Wallace Huo and Yuan Shanshan in the leading roles. Shooting started on 24 March 2012 in Xiandu, Jinyun County, Lishui, Zhejiang. It was aired in China on Hunan Television from 6 February to 4 March 2013.
Acting
Joe Chen's Dongfang Bubai: gender-fluid, terrifying, heartbreaking.
Costume
Red robes that could stop traffic in any dynasty.
Wallace Huo
Ling Huchong / Yang Lianting
Yuan Shanshan
Ren Yingying / Xuexin
Joe Chen
Dongfang Bubai
Chen Xiao
Lin Pingzhu / Lin Yuantu
Yang Rong
Yue Lingshan
Huang Wenhao
Yue Buqun
Yang Minna
Ning Zhongze
Bryan Leung Kar-Yan
Feng Qingyang
June Wu
Yue Buqun (young)
Sophie Zhang
Lao Busi
Bao Bei'er
Tu Bevan
Hei Zi
Ren Woxing
Han Dong
Tian Boguang
Xie Ning
Lao Touzi
Dicky Cheung Wai-Kin
Lü Zhuwen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Yu Zheng's adaptation controversially made Dongfang Bubai female and romantically involved with the hero—a radical departure from Jin Yong's novel that sparked fierce debate among wuxia purists.
Wallace Huo reportedly struggled with the wirework initially, while Joe Chen's performance became so iconic it redefined how villains are portrayed in Chinese television.
CN
