“Golden Swallow” is, technically, a follow-up to King Hu's 1996 gem “Come Drink With Me” in which Chang Pei Pei played Xie Ru Yan, nicknamed Golden Swallow. Two years later, Chang Cheh cast her in the titular movie, which was named after her character, although Xiao Pang, the Silver Roc (Jimmy Wang Yu) is now the main focus. However, she still gets a fair share of screen time and there is even a love triangle among her, Xiao Pang and the righteous swordsman Han Tao.
Buy This Title
on Amazon
Poisoned by a dart during a combat at the start of the movie, Xie Ru Yan is lucky to escape death as Han Tao, the Golden Whip, comes to her rescue and nurses her back to life in his mountain hideout and he even teaches her a few swordplay moves. One day, Han's best friend Flying Fox, Hu Zhen (Wu Ma) drops by and tells them that a ruthless swordsman is on a rampage killing bandits and evildoers alike, while leaving a golden swallow dart at each crime scene. Xie has a feeling that Xiao Pang is the swordsman who commits the atrocities, just to lure her out. As it turns out, they took a shine to each other while training at the same martial arts school years ago. But Pang, after secretly learning his teacher's “flying jump” sword technique, left to avenge his parents' death.
Knowing that Xie is eager to meet up with Pang and being protective of her, Han leaves his hideout first, to confront Xiao, which results in Pang challenging him in a duel of death. Meanwhile, thinking that Xie the Golden Swallow is responsible for all the killing, the Golden Dragon Society teams up with other bandits to track her down. Xie finally meets up with Pang and Han but who is she going to choose? Moreover, members of the Golden Dragon are closing in and they want blood.
Filmed during the time when Chang Cheh was still evolving and experimenting, plus the added bonus of action choreographed by Lau Kar Leung and Tang Chai, who also cameo, this is a very impressive production indeed. The use of overhead shots and handheld camerawork also helps to create drama and tension, making the fights visually exciting. Some indoor sets are equally impressive, especially the one with a beautifully created bamboo forest with a big tomb that leads to a gang's hideout. Furthermore, the outdoor location shots of Japan take the production to another visual level. However, the action, though plentiful, is not that fanciful, it mostly consists of the swinging of swords. On the other hand, the body count is incredibly astronomical and during the final fight it gets even more violent and bloody.
Acting wise, all the three main leads shine in their respective roles and share wonderful chemistry on screen. Of course being the top billing star, Wang Yu gets the royal treatment; his Silver Roc is a brash, confident but a cold-blooded killing machine. Similarly, Lo Lieh is equally effective as the kind and chivalrous hero who only maims his enemies but he will kill when it's absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, there is not much back story about him. Conversely, Chang Pei Pei's Golden Swallow is a much different character all together; softer with emotional pain but certainly not weak. Above all, she is now in turmoil, caught between two men of contrasting personalities. She longs for the rebellious nature of Xiao, who is an immature and a little lost boy; conversely, Han is noble and just. Nevertheless, she is a notable heroine with a stronger and more mature outlook.
As usual, Wu Ma is delightful as Hu Zhen, the Flying Fox, a happy go lucky wondering swordsman and Han Tao' drinking partner. Ku Feng is another stand out, playing the father of a boy accused of stealing from his rich neighbors who want to take over their land. Elsewhere, another Shaw Brothers veteran Yang Chih Ching appears as Poison Dragon, Wang Xiong and Chief of the Golden Dragon Society. All these roles are brief but memorable just the same.
Overall, this is a Chang Cheh movie, bloody and male oriented with a different take on its female lead. It is also an essential old style Shaw Brothers wuxia viewing experience with arresting visuals and interesting camerawork.
