Tân Lộc Đỉnh Ký (The Deer And The Cauldron) 2014 is an adaptation of the latest revised version of the novel Lộc Đỉnh Ký by renowned writer Kim Dung (2015). Many fans are eagerly anticipating the new television version to see if it lives up to their expectations.
Right from the selection of the cast, director Lại has shown his investment in catering to the taste of young audiences. The handsome male and beautiful female actors, eye-catching costumes, dialogues, and actions all reflect the style of the 21st-century generation.
Not to mention the two male leads, Hàn Đống and Ngụy Thiên Tường, who are hailed as the most handsome Vi Tiểu Bảo and Khang Hy on screen. Additionally, the seven beautiful wives, portrayed by the hottest actresses in the Chinese entertainment industry, such as Trương Hinh Dư (Tô Thuyên), Trương Mông (Song Nhi), Lâu Nghệ Tiêu (Princess Kiến Ninh), Giả Thanh (A Kha), Ngô Sảnh (Mộc Kiếm Bình), Triệu Khả (Phương Di), add to the allure of the series.
Director Lại also revealed that each character will have new breakthroughs. For example, Song Nhi (Trương Mông) will become the most cunning beauty instead of just a submissive wife, A Kha (Giả Thanh) will transform from a cold and elegant character to a lively and agile one, and Princess Kiến Ninh (Lâu Nghệ Tiêu) will change from a cruel and fierce character to a lovable and kind-hearted one.
The series combines romance with martial arts action. According to director Lại Thủy Thanh, the new version will emphasize the rich romantic elements of the character Vi Tiểu Bảo. Moreover, in the modern perspective, it would be difficult for a playboy like Vi to win the hearts of all seven beauties and make them his wives.
Therefore, besides the scenes depicting Vi's relationships with his seven wives, viewers will also witness intense fight scenes commonly seen in top-notch kung fu movies.
In particular, while the original work featured a scene where Princess Kiến Ninh tortures Vi Tiểu Bảo, the new adaptation will incorporate iconic BDSM scenes from modern times to depict the "obsessive love" between the two characters.
According to actor Hàn Đống, who plays Vi Tiểu Bảo, "My character's martial arts skills are still lacking, he cannot be considered a great hero, but there will be many fighting scenes." Director Lại also mentioned that all the martial arts scenes in the series are authentic techniques that have never been used in any previous adaptations.
Furthermore, Tân Lộc Đỉnh Ký 2014 is filmed using the latest F55 camera with modern CG graphics, which enhances the visual appeal and quality of the action sequences.