Not surprisingly due to the title, this Shaw Brothers film features TONS of magnificent swordplay. In fact, it's among the best of the genre when it comes to the choreography in the fight scenes--it's top notch. And, while I am not a huge fan of 'wire-fu' (making characters fly about in impossible ways using invisible wires and lifts), these were also handled well. The only shortcoming is a typical one--as the plot is a bit simple and the characters a bit one-dimensional...or at least most of them.
Master Ying Ke-Feng is an incredible swordsman--so incredible that he's entrusted with the job of transporting silver. However, what his enemies don't yet know is that he is ill and cannot do the job. So, he has his two best students, Siang (who is a bit of an idiot) and Piau Piau lead the procession. Not surprisingly, there are a group of baddies (the Flying Tiger gang) who plan on intercepting the shipment. The balance could be shifted one way or the other if an amazing swordsman, Lo (David Chiang), joins either side. As for the baddies, they are quite eager to procure his services. But Lo is a terrific guy--and seems very captivated by the beautiful Piau Piau. What will happen in the end? Yup...a giant free-for-all battle between good and evil! Throughout most of the movie, Siang behaves stupidly--distrusting and mistreating poor 'ol Lo at every turn. This became a bit tiresome after a while, but the initial one-upsmanship scene between them (involving candles and chopsticks) is a classic--and a lot of fun to watch. Perhaps this is because Siang is also in love with Piau Piau and is worried Lo might put the moves on her. All I know is that it's hard not to like Lo--and pretty easy to dislike Siang--even if he is playing for the good guys. Overall, the film works exceptionally well because Lo is a cool character (with some depth) and the fight scenes are done so well. This one packs a few surprises at the end as well--making it a must-see for lovers of the genre.
Master Ying Ke-Feng is an incredible swordsman--so incredible that he's entrusted with the job of transporting silver. However, what his enemies don't yet know is that he is ill and cannot do the job. So, he has his two best students, Siang (who is a bit of an idiot) and Piau Piau lead the procession. Not surprisingly, there are a group of baddies (the Flying Tiger gang) who plan on intercepting the shipment. The balance could be shifted one way or the other if an amazing swordsman, Lo (David Chiang), joins either side. As for the baddies, they are quite eager to procure his services. But Lo is a terrific guy--and seems very captivated by the beautiful Piau Piau. What will happen in the end? Yup...a giant free-for-all battle between good and evil! Throughout most of the movie, Siang behaves stupidly--distrusting and mistreating poor 'ol Lo at every turn. This became a bit tiresome after a while, but the initial one-upsmanship scene between them (involving candles and chopsticks) is a classic--and a lot of fun to watch. Perhaps this is because Siang is also in love with Piau Piau and is worried Lo might put the moves on her. All I know is that it's hard not to like Lo--and pretty easy to dislike Siang--even if he is playing for the good guys. Overall, the film works exceptionally well because Lo is a cool character (with some depth) and the fight scenes are done so well. This one packs a few surprises at the end as well--making it a must-see for lovers of the genre.