I posted several comments on Tian Long Ba Bu 2003 on spcnet.tv... but I think I should post some over here too.

So here it goes a quick summary of my comments.

Episode 1

The adaptation doesn't follow the book. As you know the book started with Duan Yu's introduction story and how he met with Zhong Ling and fell off the cliff then found the statue and the Kungfu manual.

In this adaptation they told us the story of Xiao Feng's parents first, about his background and why he was later on gave up his leadership of Gai Pang. The first fight between Xiao YuanShan and those martial artists were bloody, but the fight choreography was awesome, totally mind-blowing. The only thing I hate the Matrix-like shot.

Then it goes to 30 years later when Xiao Feng led a group of Gai Pang men against the soldiers. Again, another amazing fight, much better than the previous one. Very bloody. This is the bloodiest ZJZ adaptation to date I think. I saw people getting their head chopped off and torsos being sliced off left and right. Xiao Feng is just one unstoppable killing machine here. But again, another Matrix shot, Xiao Feng was stopped in the mid air, before going down and shot himself like a rocket going through several soldiers before they blew out into pieces and blood spilled everywhere. Blllooooddddyyy!

Are you ready, then another fight, showing MuRongFu and his followers. This is a quick fight, but it gives you what to come in this series. MRF blew up the ship with his palms. Ouch !

To take a quick break, we are treated with the first glimpse of Wang Yu Yan, played by Liu YiFei. She's gorgeous. What a pretty 16 years old (Yes, she was 16 when they started filming, I think she's 18 or something now).

Okay... it's just getting better.... Yes, another fight followed. Now, it's between Xiao Feng and the First Evil. Great fight, great visual effect and we really see how powerful and cool Xiao Feng is. But again, another Matrix shot, where they freeze the frame.

Now... the story begins with Xiao Feng and his encountered with Ma Furen (Madame Ma), played by Christy Chung. Christy did a pretty good job showing her lust and interest for Xiao Feng here. Good cinematography and use of slow-motion shot, when she first comes out. Very good costume combination with the background.

Finally, after about 25 minutes or so, maybe more, they start to follow the book. Duan Yu is introduced. What a beautiful shot that is when he is walking on that bridge. The scenery is so pictureque.
But they changed and shortened the story. When he arrived at the scene, they are already fighting. Zhong Ling was there and the little creature was there as well. But it was too brief. We really don't see how Duan Yu's relationship with Zhong Ling. Way too short. By the end of episode 1, Duan Yu was already inside the cave in the cliff and finds the statue there.