During the early 70s, the original star of the first two “One-Armed Swordsman” movies, Jimmy Wang Yu, broke his contract and left Shaw Brothers. Consequently, he was banned from making movies in Hong Kong altogether. However, he relocated to Taiwan instead to further his movie career.
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In a way, they didn't really need to reassign him when director Chang Cheh decided to reboot the series with “The New One-Armed Swordsman” since it had a brand new story and a totally different main character. In fact, the focus was on two swordsmen instead plus a story which was strong in brotherly love. So much so, that some viewers might find it borderline towards homoeroticism, but male bonding is common in the wuxia world and Chang Cheh had touched on the subject before. Anyway, there was a female love interest for our hero so it was not just brotherly love.
Lei Li (David Chiang) is a young swordsman and a master of the twin swords technique. Lung Yichih (Ku Fung) is the master of Tiger Mansion and his weapon of choice is the three-sectioned staff. Although he behaves like a hero, he's actually a scoundrel who preys on young swordsmen and destroys them so he can be the number one in the martial world. Needless to say, the arrogant and full of self-confident Lei Li falls into his own trap and is defeated in a duel. It turns out Lung Yichih's three-sectioned staff is a deadly weapon against Lei Li's twin swords. Although Lung Yichih spares his life, Lei Li has to cut off his right arm and retires from the martial world.
As time passes, we soon discover that Lei Li has settled down as a waiter in a small teahouse. Interestingly, he hasn't lost his sword fighting skill entirely and he has even mastered the use of his left hand. He hardly talks to anyone and is ashamed of what he has become. But a blacksmith's daughter Ba Jiao (Li Ching) takes a shine to him and the two seem very happy together. One day, some thugs take a fancy to Ba Jiao and Lei Li gets beaten up because he doesn't want to expose himself. Luckily, a wandering swordsman, Fung Chun-chieh (Ti Lung) who also uses twin swords, comes to their rescue. Soon a friendship develops between them and they become blood brothers with a bond so strong that they're willing to die for each other.
Meanwhile, Lung Yichih tricks Fung Chun-chieh into a duel in his Tiger Mansion, but sure enough, his twin sword skill is no match for the three-sectioned staff and another young swordsman falls into the deadly hands of Lung Yichih. Upon hearing the news, Lei Li is devastated and without delay heads to Tiger Mansion, sword in hand and clads in white.
It's from here on that “The New One-Armed Swordsman” turns into a revenge movie, which is a total contrast to the first two movies starring Jimmy Wang Yu. However, David Chiang is perfect as Lei Li, as he's able to display a range of emotions. Ti Lung is wonderful as Fung Chun-chieh, the chivalrous swordsman and it's a joy seeing him slashing away with two swords. Of course, having Ku Feng played the villain Lung Yi-chih is the icing on the cake; he's both charming and delightful. Also worth mentioning is Chan Sing who plays Chief Chen Chun Nan. His role is small but memorable nonetheless.
Although gory at times, the awesome action is wonderfully choreographed by Lau Kar Leung and Tang Chia. The end fight, particularly the one on the bridge is creative and spectacular. The combination of slow motion with modern guitar music is used to great effect. By the way, the movie deservedly won Best Editing during the 1971 Taiwan Golden Horse Awards.
“The New One-Armed Swordsman” is a worthy reboot to the series even though it's not a follow-up. Anyhow, it's both a fun and entertaining film and above all, the cast members are charismatic.
great review its the best from shaws bros to me
Yes, definitely one of the best