Romeo and Juliet with kung fu, quartering, and enough family drama for three soap operas.
Two young lovers, Yun Keng and Ching Shuang belong to opposing clans. Their relationship is a secret for a time. Once Master Diao, head of the Great Banner Clan, learns of this treachery he must execute his son by way of quartering. Ti Zhong Tang as well as Yun's hot headed brother, Yun Zheng try and coax the old man out of having his son put to death but to no avail. Just before the act is carried out, Ti knocks Yun Keng unconscious and he is willingly replaced by one of his brothers who is quickly killed. Master Diao and Ti swear to reveal the truth to no one. Ti vows to locate the whereabouts of the beautiful Ching Shuang so the two can be reunited in the hopes that their love will one day rebuild the Great Banner Clan.
Acting
Ti Lung's face does three acts of tragedy before he speaks.
Direction
Chang stages quartering dread like theatrical torture.
Practical Effects
Pre-CGI wirework that actually looks like people dying.
Director
Peng-Yi Chang
Ti Lung
Tie Zhong Tang
Chen Szu-Chia
Wen Dai Dai
Lo Meng
Yun Zheng
Sun Chien
Little Prince
Jason Pai Piao
Master Li Luo Yang
Lily Li
Leng Qing Ping
Phillip Ko Fai
Ai Tian Fu, the Blind Assassin
Tang Ching
Tie Zhen Shan / Night Emperor
Helen Poon Bing-Seung
Shui Rou Song / Day Empress
Eddie Koo Koon Chung
Song's brother
Yeung Ching-Ching
Mute Assassin
Chan Hung
Master Li's auction guest
Yuen Yat-Choh
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Clan feuds were genuine social structures in Qing-era China, making this melodrama weirdly historical homework.
Ti Lung was Shaw Brothers' golden boy for tragic heroes; this role was basically his brand.
HK
