The Swordsman (1990)

Director: Ching Siu-Tung, King Hu

Writer: Man-Leung Kawn, based on a novel by Louis Cha 

Producer: Tsui Hark

Cast: Jacky Cheung, Man Cheung, Sam Hui, Ching-Ying Lam, Shun Lau 

Running Time: 120 min.

Plot: See review below.

Availability: This title is available at HKflix.com

RAGING GAIJIN'S REVIEW: "Swordsman" is the first installment in the legendary Hong Kong series, which spawned two sequels, one of which starred Jet Li. This film, however, doesn't feature Jet Li and seems to have largely been forgotten by HK fans in general, which is somewhat surprisingly considering that it is the beginning of the venerable saga. While most Star Wars fans regard "Empire Strikes Back" as the best of the original trilogy, it's not like anyone has forgotten about "A New Hope". After viewing "Swordsman", however, I can somewhat understand its obscure status. Let's put it this way: it's no "A New Hope", and without charismatic superstars like Jet Li or Brigitte Lin to anchor the movie, it fails to leave much of an impression. 

That's not to say that the filmmakers don't try, and there is some serious talent behind the camera. King Hu was originally slated to direct "Swordsman" but became ill half-way through shooting. He was then replaced by Ching Siu-Tung. It's rumored that at least four other directors worked on the film, including Tsui Hark, but the final product definitely bears the style and feel of Ching Siu-Tung, and since he directed the rest of the series I feel it's safe to say that he's the true director here. 

Ching Siu-Tung's direction is as stylish as ever, with kinetic camera movements, skewed camera angles, and extensive wirework; everyone we've come to expect from the man. The production values were fairly extensive, despite some cheap looking sets. Tsui Hark spared no expense in bringing the characters' various 'Chi' powers to life. The violence is at a maximum; this is the kind of HK movie where the bad guy waves his hand in the air and then someone's head instantaneously explodes. 

That said, the film does have its weak points, namely the story. It's a tired retread that we're all familiar with now: an ancient manuscript has been stolen and various parties, some righteous and some rogue, convene to recover it. The script tries to throw in some political intrigue but there are just too many characters and factions to keep track of, and none of it seems very important during the finale, which consists of little else but fantastical martial arts battles. 

And while those fights are certainly entertaining to watch, after a certain amount of time you can almost become numb to the acrobatics. Characters are flying around in the air, holding on to each other and spinning like human yo-yos, or sailing above the ground with their swords outstretched, yelling, and trading blows. It's all very fast, manic, and not always clearly shot (presumably to hide the wires). While some people may criticize "Hero" for its ballet-like martial arts combat, at least it is rendered artistically. The madcap fights in "Swordsman" often run the risk of making the viewer feel, not bored, but disengaged from what is happening onscreen. It doesn't help that the characters are, by and large, flat caricatures or virtually unlikable. 

Those looking for an introduction to Ching Siu-Tung should perhaps seek out "Duel to the Death", his very first film and still one of his best. If you're curious as to how the "Swordsman" series began, or already a die-hard fan of the Siu-Tung, then it goes without saying that you should watch this movie. You'll be treated to the stylish direction and insane wirework that Ching Siu-Tung is known for, as well as lavish production from Tsui Hark's Film Workshop; just be prepared for a weak and cliché story and hackneyed characterization. "Swordsman" is not the classic that its sequel is, rather it's a humble and auspicious beginning that offers a hint of the heights the series would later reach. 

RAGING GAIJIN'S RATING: 6.5/10