Heroes Discussing Over Wine

“On Heroes Over Wine” breaks away from the stale formula of settling scores and savoring revenge, using a cloud-patterned ruler to weave together jianghu grudges and the greater duty to nation and people. The protagonist, Shen Yan, is not the sort of traditional hero who flaunts his edge. As he pursues revenge, he holds fast to the principle of serving his country and its people. His willingness to accept the court’s aid and his determination to protect his happiness bring warmth to the meaning of “hero.” The martial arts scenes are crisp and vivid, with each move revealing the characters’ personalities, while the undercurrents in the court behind the jianghu give the story added weight. There is no absolute good or evil. Every character has their own helplessness and convictions, making this a tale rich in jianghu spirit and lingering in the memory long after the last page.