New Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre

Set in the turbulent final years of the Yuan dynasty, New Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre follows Zhang Wuji as he rises from a confused young man into a central figure in the martial arts world. After family tragedy and secret legacies shape his early life, he becomes entangled with rival sects, tangled loyalties, and a dangerous treasure said to grant ultimate power. Romance complicates every decision, as Zhao Min, Zhou Zhiruo, Guo Xiang, and others pull him in different directions. The series keeps its focus on character choices, shifting alliances, and the moral cost of power, without giving away the key betrayals and finales.

First broadcast on TVB Jade in 1986, the show adapts Louis Cha's novel The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber. It was directed by a team including Johnnie To and Benny Chan Muk-Sing, with Kwan Chin-bok, Lo Hon-wah, and Tang Wai-ling credited as creators, and features a notable TVB ensemble cast.

Critics and viewers have long pointed to the series' strong character work and soap-operatic energy. Fight scenes lean into classic TVB choreography rather than modern wirework, and the plot stresses duty, identity, and the price of leadership. Performances by Tony Leung and Kitty Lai give emotional weight to the love triangles, while supporting roles add political intrigue and tragic depth.

The series helped boost the profiles of several young actors who later became mainstays of Hong Kong cinema and television. Its televised take on Louis Cha's novel reinforced TVB's ongoing role in popularizing wuxia stories for home audiences, and it remains a reference point for fans comparing later adaptations and performances.