The Sword Stained with Royal Blood
The Sword Stained with Royal Blood

Movie spotlight

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood

1981
Movie
104 min
Cantonese

Raised to be a righteous martial artist, Yuan kicks off the story proper by finding a cave containing a skeleton, a treasure map, and a manual teaching him the Golden Snake style. Obeying a request hidden in the manual to give a portion of the treasure to the Golden Snake's old girlfriend, Yuan begins to seek the woman out - on the way solving the riddle of the Golden Snake, and how he came to his end.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Director: Chang ChehGenres: Action, Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

In the tumultuous era of the late Ming Dynasty, the general Qi Ruo-xian is framed for treason by a corrupt eunuch. He is forced to flee, but not before entrusting his sword, stained with royal blood, to his loyal protégé, Xin Wen-liang. Xin Wen-liang must navigate treacherous political intrigue and numerous assassins to clear his master's name and expose the conspiracy that threatens the empire.

Critical Reception

The film was a visually striking historical epic that garnered praise for its elaborate fight choreography and sweeping narrative, typical of Chang Cheh's later Shaw Brothers productions. While its plot can be complex, its action sequences and the performances of its seasoned cast were generally well-received by fans of martial arts cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its impressive and intricate martial arts sequences.

  • Commended for its historical setting and epic scope.

  • Some viewers found the plot to be convoluted at times.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this specific film on Google is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Director Chang Cheh, known for his groundbreaking work in the wuxia genre, often collaborated with the same core group of actors, leading to a recognizable ensemble in his films, as seen with Ti Lung and Gordon Liu in this production.

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