Most of you probably remember the wuxia movie Deadful Melody starring celebrated icons Brigitte Lin, Yuen Biao, and Carina Lau. It was released during the early 1990’s which was a glorious time for Hong Kong cinema.
Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Jing who is also a prominent figure in the industry is the man behind the drama remake. The 38-episode New Deadful Melody 新六指琴魔 is the latest adaptation based on the novel by Ni Kuang. It has a cast consisting of Benny Chan, Michelle Hu Ran, Dean Liu Junxiao, Stephanie Shen Yao, Ye Xiangming, Yang Minwen, Zheng Peng, Ma Qianqian, Lu Yi and Ma Sai.
The story follows Dongfang Bai (Benny Chan) as he travels with his comrades Sui Keng (Dean Liu) and Shui Linglong (Ma Sai). They have come out of their 20 year retirement from the pugilistic world to investigate the incidents surrounding the infamous magical lyre. Meanwhile, the younger generation experience the bloody conflicts caused by the magical lyre and they start their journey of heroism, friendship and love.
Benny Chan can also be considered an icon for his many memorable roles as a TVB actor. He took a shift in career path and did great in the Mainland drama The Holy Monk which became popular in different countries. Younger viewers may find it difficult to see his charm and simply see Benny as an aging actor, but he has proven his merit in wuxia roles. Benny was 48 years old when he filmed New Deadful Melody in 2017.
Surprisingly, Michelle Hu who was admittedly unfamiliar to me has been in several high-profile productions some of which were From Vegas To Macau, Mission Milano and Chasing The Dragon. Hopefully, her role here will leave a more lasting impression with audiences, although I have to admit, she looks good in full costume and make up.
Release Date: TBD
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Anonymous
OOOOOOHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually doesn't look that bad, better castings than all of the other wuxia remakes such as HSDS.
Big fan of this show because of the music. Will always remember that 1 min scene forever, where the little girl ran away with the lute and jumped off the cliff, very touching scene! Very short scene but worth a million.
I know the new stuff won't be able to replicate such thing, so expectation wouldn't be high.