Swordsman Li Mak-Jan is on a quest to duel the powerful and reclusive Hua Qian Shu. But will a cursed sword and the intrigues of the martial world bring him fame or tragedy?
Direction
Patrick Tam's debut—every frame could hang in a gallery.
Cinematography
Cheng Siu-Keung's lighting: shadows that breathe and bleed.
Costume
Wuxia fashion that actually looks lived-in, not cosplay.
Director
Patrick Tam Kar-Ming
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Patrick Tam was Tsui Hark's editor before directing; this film's fragmented editing style shocked 1980 audiences expecting clean Shaw Brothers action.
Part of the Hong Kong New Wave's rejection of studio wuxia: real locations, psychological depth, and heroes who fail beautifully.
HK
