An Iron Bodyguard called Wang Wu meets a scholar and forms a strong friendship with him after they fight some villains together. The scholar is a member of the reformists - a group of scholars pressing for social reform in China towards the end of the Qing dynasty. The Emperor is actually all for reforms, and appoints this group to run the country. This doesn't suit the Empress Dowager though, as she has no intention of losing her power. She orders the reformists to be arrested, and Chen Kuan Tai hence gets drawn into politics despite having no real political views himself.
Direction
Chang Cheh's heroic bloodshed before John Woo made it cool.
Stunts
Chen Kuan-Tai's blade work—raw, exhausting, beautiful.
Costume
Late Qing detail that makes the tragedy feel lived-in.
Director
Chang Cheh
Chen Kuan-Tai
Big Blade Wang Wu
Lily Li
Tong's Sister
Chiang Tao
Commander Pei Feng
Elliot Ngok Wah
Tan Si-Tong
Danny Lee Sau-Yin
Hu Qi
Lu Ti
Iron Fist Yan Feng
Tung Lin
General Chong
Chiang Nan
Commander Wen Ping
Betty Pei Ti
Camomile
Ricky Hui Koon-Ying
Thief
Ku Wen-Chung
Kang You-Wei
Dean Shek Tin
Liang Qi-Chao
Wu Chi-Chin
Dung Gu
Wong Ching-Ho
Reformist in Prison
Lee Sau-Kei
Reformist in Prison
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on real 1898 Hundred Days' Reform—Tan Si-Tong was executed, becoming a martyr for Chinese modernization. The film mythologizes actual history.
Chang Cheh co-directed but reportedly clashed with Pao Hsueh-Li over the film's tragic tone versus commercial appeal. The darkness won.
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