State of Divinity (1996)
A sweeping Hong Kong wuxia drama from TVB, adapting Jin Yong's classic tale of swordsmanship, betrayal, and forbidden love across 43 gripping episodes.
State of Divinity - Series Information
- Original Title: 笑傲江湖
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 1996
- Created by: Lee Tim-Sing
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 43
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- First Air Date: June 24, 1996 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: TVB Jade
- Alternative Titles: State of Divinity (US), 소오강호 (KR), 笑傲江湖 1996 (CN)
- Production Companies: TVB
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
State of Divinity - Plot
Ling-wu Chung, a senior student of the Wah Mount Sect, was not at all brilliant when he joined the Sect, but was soon taught to master the sword by a legendary swordsman Yeung. Chung's master, Kwan, resented this and drove Chung away. In order to get hold of "Kwai Fa Bo Din", the book on the most powerful martial art, Kwan diverts attention by secretly creating troubles everywhere. Chung, on the other hand, becomes the leader of the Hang Mount Sect by chance and falls in love with Kwan's daughter. When she betrays him, he turns to the daughter of the Devil Sect leader, and thus causes a love triangle between them.
State of Divinity - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the swordplay and drama ahead.
State of Divinity - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lee Tim-Sing
Main Cast
- Jackie Lui Chung-Yin
- Fiona Leung Ngai-Ling
- Timmy Ho Bo-Sang
- Cherie Chan Siu-Ha
- He Meitian
- Wong Wai
- To Yin-Gor
- 潘宁
- 刑金莎
- 卢琨
Writers
- Kwok Fai Huang
- Jingrong Zhao
- Leung Yan Tung
- 黄美嫦
- Kin Ping Tong
State of Divinity - FAQs
Is State of Divinity based on a true story?
State of Divinity is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Jin Yong's beloved wuxia novel 笑傲江湖, first published in 1967. The story is set in a fictional ancient China filled with martial arts sects, legendary swordsmen, and complex power struggles — entirely the product of Jin Yong's imagination.
Who are the main actors in State of Divinity?
The lead role of Ling-wu Chung is played by Jackie Lui Chung-Yin, with Fiona Leung Ngai-Ling as Ren Yingying and Cherie Chan Siu-Ha as Yue Lingshan. Timmy Ho Bo-Sang, He Meitian, and Wong Wai round out the principal cast in this 1996 TVB production.
How many episodes does State of Divinity have?
State of Divinity consists of 43 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, making it a substantial adaptation of Jin Yong's sprawling wuxia novel. The series aired on TVB Jade in 1996 and remains one of the network's notable martial arts productions.
What is State of Divinity about?
The series follows Ling-wu Chung, a swordsman of the Wah Mount Sect who is cast out by his jealous master. Caught between rival martial arts factions, a coveted book of forbidden techniques, and a love triangle involving his master's daughter and the daughter of the Devil Sect leader, Chung must forge his own path.
How does State of Divinity compare to other Jin Yong adaptations?
The 1996 TVB version is one of several adaptations of Jin Yong's 笑傲江湖, alongside the 2001 mainland Chinese series and a 2013 remake. The TVB version is praised for Jackie Lui's charismatic portrayal of Ling-wu Chung and its faithful rendering of the novel's themes of freedom versus conformity.
When did State of Divinity first air?
State of Divinity first aired on June 24, 1996, in South Korea. The series was produced by TVB and broadcast on TVB Jade in Hong Kong, becoming part of the wave of classic wuxia dramas that defined Hong Kong television in the mid-1990s.
What genre is State of Divinity?
State of Divinity is a wuxia drama — a genre rooted in Chinese martial arts fiction combining action, adventure, and dramatic storytelling. The series blends swordplay, political intrigue among martial arts sects, and romantic conflict, making it a quintessential example of the Hong Kong wuxia television tradition.
Are there similar shows to State of Divinity worth watching?
Fans of State of Divinity may enjoy Alchemy of Souls (2022) for its blend of fantasy, action, and romance, or Bad Guys (2014) for its sharp action and morally complex characters. Blood Coast (2023) and Almost Paradise (2020) also offer compelling action-driven narratives for viewers seeking similar thrills.
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