Few of Jin Yong's novels have been adapted to film or TV but this one particular story has been reworked several times. Director Tsui has been thinking about making one of the novels for decades but due to technology lacking in the film industry making it possible - and other obligations - it has been delayed for many years. Now finally he was able to get the time and resources and get the production going. Due to the complexity of the story it is planned to be a trilogy (three part series) instead of one film, with the first one titled THE LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GREAT HERO.
On opening day the film made an estimated 258 million Yuan ($35.6M) in the theaters, making it #4 on the box office list. After three days, at the end of January 31 the total from ticket sales came to 475M yuan ($66M), still putting the film on the #4 spot on the list. The other films that ranked on the top are: #1) NE ZHA 2 (animation film), #2) DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 1900, and #3) CREATION OF THE GODS II: DEMONIC CONFRONTATION by director Wuershan. After two weeks the film made approximately $86 million (USD) from ticket sales, ranking it to #6 on the Chinese box office list - see our forum post for the top 10 highest ranking films as of February 12. We also congratulate to the other top box office filmmakers for their success, and also thank you fans for your continuing support! Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!
The first call for casts was issued in 2018 and after several years came to completion. Depending on the actors' contracts it is not yet known at this point if they will also be able to sign up for the other two installment but it is planned to have most of the same actors back again.
Below are a few behind the scene images, click on the images to see the full size:
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Sony Pictures acquired the international distribution rights for LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES and modified the title from 'THE GREAT HERO' to 'THE GALLANTS'. The film was first released in China and Hong Kong the same day - on January 29 - and Sony will continue releasing it in other countries mainly in February with the new modified title. Please see our Movie Forum post for more information.
Under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongol army marched westward to defeat the Jin dynasty and then planned to head south to eliminate the Song dynasty. Skilled martial artists from various schools of the Central Plains were involved in the fierce battles. Representing the epitome of chivalry, heroes like Guo Jing gathered the strength of the martial arts community of the Central Plains to defend Xiangyang for the country and the people.
Filming for Part 1 was completed by March 2024 and the project has been moved to post production. Release date was set by the Chinese Film Comission (China Film Group), a state owned and operated corporation, and also was subject to new censorship laws. The production was filmed in Mandarin language, and release date was finalized for 29 January 2025.
Below are a collection of official promotional posters, click each to see full sizes
More images
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The second novel in the trilogy - originally titled 'Divine Eagle and Gallant Knight' but often referred to as 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' - first appeared in newspapers in 1959. The novel follows the adventures of Yang Guo, a young man caught in the conflicts of the martial arts world and his complex relationship with his teacher, Xiao Longnu. The novel highlights themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for identity. The evolving relationship between Yang Guo and Xiao Longnu, transitioning from a teacher-student bond to eternal love, forms the emotional and spiritual core of the story.
What's next for Director Tsui Hark after THE LEGEND OF CONDOR HEROES? He is already working on a new film which is going to be a cooperation with Hollywood screen writer and director, Anthony McCarten. Anthony McCarten also worked on some successful films such as Bohemian Rhapsody and The Theory of Everything. The two of them are developing a film about one of China's most famous woman pirate, Shih Yang. As of this time Director Tsui Hark is most likely going to be a producer for the film. We have created a page for this film as well, please follow updates on this page dedicated for news about this project: SHIH, QUEEN OF THE SEA.
