In the 19th century, the Prince Regent of the Qing Dynasty orders the mass execution of the entire Meng clan. Before his beheading, the leader vows that his family will avenge this travesty of justice. Awaiting his death, a five-year-old Meng boy named Erkui bravely sings an aria. The power and purity of his voice touches the opera star Master Yu and his seven-year-old pupil Guan Yilong. Master Yu rescues the boy and the two orphans become brothers. Years later, Master Yu wins the coveted golden "The Mightiest Warrior" plaque from the Prince Regent, but subsequently loses it in a duel with his archrival Master Yue. Banished from the stage upon his loss, Master Yu spends his time training the two brothers in the village. When the boys grow into men, they set off for Shanghai to pursue revenge. Once they reach Shanghai, they quickly defeat Master Yue, reclaiming not only the plaque but also taking over the Yue's opera troupe.
Practical Effects
Actual Peking opera training visible in every fight stance.
Costume
Elaborate opera regalia versus brutal Qing military uniforms.
Acting
Han Geng's transformation from boy singer to broken man.
Director
Gao Xiaosong
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Han Geng was an actual K-pop idol (Super Junior) before this dramatic career pivot to tragic opera assassin.
The film adapts a legendary real Peking opera 'Wu Song' but twists it into a meditation on how performance traditions became survival mechanisms during Qing oppression.
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