Adapted from a novel by Gu Lung, this swordplay wuxia adventure features a nineteen year old Derek Yee, half-brother of David Chiang in his debut in which he shines as the lead protagonist and subsequently launches his film career with Shaw Brothers.
Hungered to be Wulin's (martial world) number one swordsman, ambitious Yen Shih San (Ling Yun) is forever challenging anyone with a sword. Dressed in black and surrendered by six swordsmen in a maple forest, that's where we first meet him. Boasting that he can easily kill them within thirteen strokes of his sword, he quickly proves that he is again a master as he dispatches those unfortunately men in no time. Observing quietly behind the trees is Mu Yang Chiu Ti (Chen Ping) leader of the Mu Yang Clan and her entourage; she informs him that in order for him to be number one, he has yet to kill the Third Master of the Supreme Sword Mansion, who is currently the God of Swords. Keen to test his skill and claim the title, Yen promptly makes his way to the mansion for a duel. But to his disappointment, he learns that the Third Master has passed away which in turn makes him the best swordsman by default.
Meanwhile, a homeless young man Ah Chi (Derek Yee) wanders into town and a kind mute servant from a brothel helps him in settle down there as a cleaner. Everyone there teases him and calls him Useless Ah Chi except a pretty prostitute Hsiao Li (Yu An An) who takes a shine to him. One day, while protecting Li from abusive customers, he gets himself injured and leaves the brothel; Miao Tzu (Ku Feng) who turns out to be Li's brother feels pity for him and offers him shelter. However, trouble seems to follow the Li family and Ah Chi while defending them by using his kung fu skills, thereby revealing that he is in fact the Third Master himself. After giving up both the fame and bloodshed of the martial world, all he wants is to live a normal peaceful life.
Now that Chi has blown his high-profile cover, his life has turned into a nightmare since everyone now wants him dead. For a start, keen to take revenge on him for killing at least forty six of their underworld members, the Mu Yang Clan now sends out numerous assassins after him and of course swordsman Yen is also not far behind for the ultimate challenge.
The handsome Derek Yee has a good screen presence and is charismatic portraying the young and energetic Third Master, even though this is his debut. Many more leading roles follow as his career flourishes; later on, he eventually branched out to become a groundbreaking and acclaimed director with “One Night in Mongkok” (2004) starring Daniel Wu and Cecilia Cheung. Ling Yun's portraying of Yen is a serious affair and he looks the part, especially with his grim look and dark costume. Yu An An is another first timer but handles her role adequately as the kind hearted prostitute with a doomed future.
The most interesting aspect of this feature is the appearance of crossover characters from other Gu Lung's novels like Fu Hung Hsueh (Ti Lung) from “The Magic Blade”, Han Tang (Lo Lieh) from “Killer Clans” and Yueh Hua as Tu Lang Chun. Topping it off and locked up in a cage, David Chiang appears as Mu Yang Chien Lung, a mad but deadly kung fu expert from the Mu Yang Clan. Although they are all brief and unexpected cameos, they sure are memorable distractions.
In general, the whole production looks gorgeous, especially the opening autumn themed set with colorful foliage and a red sun set. Furthermore the well-lit night scenes are equally impressive. Choreographed by Shaw regular Tang Chia, the mostly sword oriented action seen in long takes with lots of acrobatic moves looks fluid and impressive.
“Death Duel” or “Third Master's Sword” as translated from the Chinese title is foremost a complex story-driven drama with colorful characters which involves power struggle, double cross, revenge in the cut throat martial world and at times, the longing of leaving it all behind for a peaceful existence. Told beautifully in a non-blood thirty way under the guarding hands of Chor Yuan, this is an entertaining and compelling outing rich in human story and Shaw Brothers high production values.
