Yeah, I know I kinda already reviewed this movie on my Movie Screenings post, but since I’ve finally seen all of the films in the trilogy, I thought it’d be be best to post more in-depth reviews of them. And so, here I am reviewing the extremely popular swordplay film, One-Armed Swordsman. This movie is known as a landmark in Hong Kong cinema and cemented Jimmy Wang Yu’s career, but you already know that so let’s move on.
Jimmy Wang Yu stars as Fang Kang whose father was killed when he was young. Qi Ru Feng (Tien Feng) promises his father that he’ll take care of Fang Kang, but Fang Kang is constantly at odds with some of Qi’s students. He decides to run away, but is confronted by some of the students and Qi’s daughter who cuts off Fang’s arm in spite. Fang is helped by a farmgirl, Xiao Mao (Chiao Chiao), who brings him back to health. Fang wants to live a peaceful life with Xiao Man, but when an evil gang starts killing all some of Qi’s disciples, Fang picks up his sword once more to fight them off.
Though many consider this movie a classic (including me), I still have to admit that this movie hasn’t held up terribly well. The pacing is very slow and the movie sometimes feels longer than it really is. Also, when I saw this at a theater, I started to realize how incredibly quiet the movie is. There are moments where it’s completely silent. No music, no talking, no sound effects. Not even the sound of footsteps when people walk sometimes. And those wanting an action-packed adventure will probably be disappointed. Even the brief bits of action that occur aren’t the best fight scenes ever (which is to be expected).
But even without some amazing fight scenes, I really admire this movie for the story and characters. Both of these aspects are quite fantastic in this movie. I love how instead of being about revenge, there’s an element of loyalty and even forgiveness. The character development for Fang Kang is quite excellent. Even though he wants to live a peaceful life as a farmer with Xiao Mao, he finds it hard to give up his old life as a swordsman. And I thought the overall ending was quite satisfying and even affecting.
Jimmy Wang Yu stars as Fang Kang whose father was killed when he was young. Qi Ru Feng (Tien Feng) promises his father that he’ll take care of Fang Kang, but Fang Kang is constantly at odds with some of Qi’s students. He decides to run away, but is confronted by some of the students and Qi’s daughter who cuts off Fang’s arm in spite. Fang is helped by a farmgirl, Xiao Mao (Chiao Chiao), who brings him back to health. Fang wants to live a peaceful life with Xiao Man, but when an evil gang starts killing all some of Qi’s disciples, Fang picks up his sword once more to fight them off.
Though many consider this movie a classic (including me), I still have to admit that this movie hasn’t held up terribly well. The pacing is very slow and the movie sometimes feels longer than it really is. Also, when I saw this at a theater, I started to realize how incredibly quiet the movie is. There are moments where it’s completely silent. No music, no talking, no sound effects. Not even the sound of footsteps when people walk sometimes. And those wanting an action-packed adventure will probably be disappointed. Even the brief bits of action that occur aren’t the best fight scenes ever (which is to be expected).
But even without some amazing fight scenes, I really admire this movie for the story and characters. Both of these aspects are quite fantastic in this movie. I love how instead of being about revenge, there’s an element of loyalty and even forgiveness. The character development for Fang Kang is quite excellent. Even though he wants to live a peaceful life as a farmer with Xiao Mao, he finds it hard to give up his old life as a swordsman. And I thought the overall ending was quite satisfying and even affecting.
One-Armed Swordsman definitely shows its age. The story is slow and some may find it hard to get into. But still, I downright love the thoughtful story and character development. I wouldn’t say it’s the best film in the trilogy, but I can see why it remains a classic after so many years.
Images from HKMDb and HK Cinemagic
Images from HKMDb and HK Cinemagic