Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils

Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils reimagines Louis Cha’s sweeping wuxia saga as a television drama, tracing the tangled fates of three very different figures and the women who impact their lives. Xiao Feng, a fiercely capable fighter torn between loyalty and personal feeling, Duan Yu, a noble yet cautious young man, and Xu Zhu, a monk with hidden strength, find their paths crossing amid shifting loyalties, rival sects, and deadly intrigue. A web of friendships and rivalries tightens around them, while romance complicates every decision as duty, honor, and desire pull in conflicting directions. The series captures the grandeur and danger of the martial world, without spoiling the source’s spirit. It premiered on CCTV on December 22, 2003.

Directed by Yu Min, Jian Zhao, Zhou Xiaowen and Kuk Kok-Leung, this adaptation is brought to life by creators Zhang Jizhong and Louis Cha. It debuted on China Central Television in late 2003, translating a beloved novel to screen.

Viewers gave it a respectable reception, with a 7.9 out of 10 from 24 votes reflecting steady interest. The show explores themes of loyalty and identity, the pull between personal desire and public duty, and the complexities of friendship, love, and betrayal in a richly imagined martial world. The ensemble cast, led by Hu Jun, Liu Yifei and a strong supporting lineup, grounds these ideas in tactile action and human moments.

As part of a wave of Louis Cha adaptations in the early 2000s, this series helped define a recognizable look and pacing for Chinese wuxia on CCTV. It contributed to ongoing fan enthusiasm for Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and underscored the appeal of Zhang Jizhong and Cha's collaborations in that era.

Awards: Not widely documented. There are no widely reported major nominations or wins listed for this adaptation, though it remains a favorite among fans for its cast and faithful tone.