Movielogr
The Sentimental Swordsman (1977)
Directed by Chor Yuen
Twitter Facebook Google+Overview
Due to his own extreme ideals, famed swordsman Li has lost everyone dear to him. After his life is saved by a rival swordsman, Li’s overwhelming pride means he forsakes the woman he loves and lets her marry his saviour. Li’s only comfort is alcohol and the simple life he has now accepted. On one such journey, the lonely swordsman befriends the exceptionally skilled, yet secretive Fei who has his own pressures to contend with. The person behind Li’s troubles proves to be elusive, though all the clues seem to point to the legendary ‘Plum Blossom Bandit’, a disguised figure whose identity has long proved elusive to the martial world.
Length 101 minutes
Actors
Ti Lung | Ching Li | Derek Yee Tung-Sing | Elliot Ngok | On-On Yu | Fan Mei-Sheng | Ku Feng | Norman Chu | Ngaai Fei | Yuen Wah | Ku Wen-Chung | Cheng Miu | Yeung Chi-Hing | Ku Kuan-Chung | Chan Shen | Wang Sha | Shum Lo | Fung Hak-On | Alan Chui Chung-San | Lee Sau-Kei | Keung Hon | Pei Chi Huang | Brandy Yuen | Alan Chan Kwok-Kuen | Chiang Nan | Fung Ging-Man | Wong Chi-Ming | Ng Hong-Sang | Jamie Luk Kim-Ming | Stephan Yip | Wang Han-Chen | Yuen Bun | Ting Tung | Ming Fung | Sai Gwa-Pau | Lau Wai-Man | Tsang Choh-Lam | Wong Kung-Miu | Lam Choi | Kong Chuen | Cheung Sek-Aau | Wan Yiu-Cho | Chi Ping Chang | Jacky Chen Shao-Lung | Ng Yuen-Fan
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/30/2016 | TV | Broadcast | TV | 7.5 stars |
| (Average) 7.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
Finally had a chance to watch the initial movie of the Sentimental Swordsman trilogy thanks to El Rey. And it was the original language version for a change. I like the sequel a little more but this is a very good movie on its own albeit somewhat convoluted. Not a big surprise given the overly complex storylines in many Shaw Productions.
The movie is loaded with a great cast and plenty of solid supporting actors as well. Ti Lung is at the center with Derek Yee and Fan Mei-Sheng as his wingmen. Of course Ku Feng is here. Elliot Ngok, Norman Chu and Ai Fei round out the main men. Ching Li and Candice Yu are the only women present in major roles and are good if not a little underutilized.
The gist of the plot is a 10 year old revenge plot with the return of the Plum Blossom Bandit seeking the Invincible Golden Vest. However, everyone wants the vest. So here we have the White & Black Snakes, 5 Poisons Kid and Shaolin Monks in the fray. This is where it gets muddled as each of these groups are battling the heroes and each other. Fortunately it makes more sense by the end with some exposition by the Plum Blossom Bandit.
Still not entirely sure what exactly occurred 10 years prior that set all this in motion but I love when the bandit tells Ti Lung “You can’t be a sentimental swordsman.”
Essentially all swordsmen must be merciless in the Martial Arts world. Cool movie and another I’d like to add to my collection.
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