Jin Yong's popular martial arts novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer is a frequent inspiration for big and small screen works, from the acclaimed The Swordsman trilogy to TVB dramas Smiling Proud Wanderer and State of Divinity. The novel's protagonist, carefree swordsman Linghu Chong, has been embodied by the likes of Chow Yun Fat, Sam Hui, and Jet Li. Aired in 2000, Taiwanese drama Swordsman, a.k.a. State of Divinity, gives the classic story another spin with popular singer/actor Richie Jen in the leading role. Jen was the go-to guy for period heroes at the time, starring in Return of the Condor Heroes (1999) and The New Adventures of Chor Lau Heung (2001), and here he teams up with Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress Anita Yuen. The drama's cast also includes acting greats like Suen Hing, Li Li Qun, Tsui Siu Keung, and Lau Suet Wah.
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TV