Film Name: 倚天屠龙记大结局 / Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre Part II / 倚天屠龍記大結局
Based on the original version of “Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre.” Zhao Min was still called Zhao Ming; Yin Liting was still called Yin Liheng; the Thousand Spider Venom Hand was still called the Thousand Spider Extermination Hand; Yang Ding Tian was still called Yang Potian; the Snow Lake Red Frog still resided in the steep cliffs and deep valleys; Zhou Zhiruo was still the daughter of Zhou Ziwang; In the finale, Zhou Zhiruo spends her days in solitude with ancient Buddha statues and flickering lamps.
The first half of the script is rather mediocre, merely tracing the story’s outline. The latter part, however, reveals some skill from screenwriter Qin Yu. For instance, the secret manual hidden within a sword hilt and Zhang Wuji shaving Zhou Zhiruo’s head are both original additions to the story—truly ingenious plot twists. The ending, though, is deeply unsatisfying. In the new edition of the original novel, Jin Yong grants Zhang Wuji two wives; in the old edition, he leaves Zhang Wuji only with Zhao Min. Yet in this film adaptation based on the old edition, the screenwriter outdoes Jin Yong in cruelty—Zhao Min vanishes too, leaving Zhang Wuji utterly alone.
The Mandarin dubbing in the film is downright hilarious. For instance, when Zhang Wuji chases Cheng Kun into a secret passage and shouts “Cheng Kun,” his voice sounds as warm and familiar as calling his little brother home for dinner. The most comical moments are the pauses in delivery. Take Xiao Zhao discovering the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth technique, exclaiming: “Eh? The Great Shift of Heaven and Earth… the heart-shifting method.” Or Zhao Min reciting poetry under the moon at the ancient ferry: Don’t wait, lest youth’s hair turn white in vain,
Only to grieve in emptiness.”
Ji Xiaofu and Yang Buhui were too unattractive, 30 points. Zhu’er was also unattractive, 40 points. Xiao Zhao, however, managed to portray some sweetness and tenderness, 65 points. Jing Li’s Zhao Min was rather stiff, lacking the wild, mischievous, and spirited charm, 60 points. Yu An’an’s Zhou Zhiruo is truly beautiful, especially during her wedding to Zhang Wuji—truly a jade-like beauty, 90 points. When Zhang Wuji first meets Zhou Zhiruo and exchanges a few words, Yang Buhui shoots him a jealous glance. Alas, the beauty is truly beautiful, the ugliness truly ugly—the contrast is stark.
Er Dongsheng’s portrayal of Zhang Wuji: 90 points. His most captivating look comes when he assumes the role of Sect Leader, standing before the Sacred Flame Screen. Clad in crimson robes and crowned with jade, Er Dongsheng commands admiration as a dashing, promising young man. He and Yu An’an truly form a perfect pair.
Please specify：Anime Phone Cases » Heaven Sword & Dragon Sabre Part II 1978 Film Review: What a dashing and promising young man!