Made as the glory days of the traditional martial arts film had faded, this Ching Sui Tung (A Chinese Ghost Story) film is both a feast of imaginative fights and wirework, as well as having an extra dimension in it's nice allegorical treatment of the turbulent Sino-Japanese relationship of the mid-20th Century.
The two swordsmen represent the spirit and soul of their respective countries, whilst both are manipulated by stronger forces - the selfish self-serving Chinese Lord (similar to the myriad Warlords and short-sighted politicians who contributed to China's troubles in the 20th century) and the ruthless military leaders exploiting the proud Japanese Samurai for their own ends (their counterparts who took Japan to war against China and Japan). The two warriors are manipulated, yet ultimately even their own (misguided and stupid) pride forces them into conflict.
A slightly obscure film, but a very interesting an enjoyable one, and definitely one that feels like a end-of-an-era one in the history of Hong Kong film.
The two swordsmen represent the spirit and soul of their respective countries, whilst both are manipulated by stronger forces - the selfish self-serving Chinese Lord (similar to the myriad Warlords and short-sighted politicians who contributed to China's troubles in the 20th century) and the ruthless military leaders exploiting the proud Japanese Samurai for their own ends (their counterparts who took Japan to war against China and Japan). The two warriors are manipulated, yet ultimately even their own (misguided and stupid) pride forces them into conflict.
A slightly obscure film, but a very interesting an enjoyable one, and definitely one that feels like a end-of-an-era one in the history of Hong Kong film.