Hardly a stranger in the wuxia films universe, Chor Yuen from the Shaw Brothers Studio is renowned for his adaptations of Ku Lung's swordplay wuxia novels onto the big screen, starting with “Killer Clans” in 1976 that ultimately made him well known internationally. “Clans of Intrigue”, adapted from “Fragrance in the Sea of Blood” is one of five such films the prolific director released in 1977.
Highly skilled in chigong (energy power) and a reputable player in the Jianghu (Martial arts world), “Thief Master” Chu Liu Hsiang (Ti Lung) steals from the rich to help the poor and lives in a luxurious boathouse with three beautiful maidens. He carries a metal fan for self-defense even though he is renowned as someone who doesn't kill his enemies.
One evening, while having dinner with his friends Monk Wu Hua (Yeah Hua) and Nan Gong Lin (Tien Ching) Chief of the Beggar Clan, Gong Nan Yan (Nora Miao) from an all-female sect, the Holy Water Palace, suddenly shows up and accuses him of stealing their Holy Water to poison three high profile clan leaders. Chu, accussed of being the prime suspect even after he pleads for his innocence, has one month to clear his name and solve the murder case, otherwise Princess Shuimu Yin Chi from the Palace will kill him.
This murder mystery with swordplay in between from Chor Yuen is a pleasure to watch and his lavish visuals are wonderfully put together, with elaborate sets especially the water palace portrayed in the final reel. It is a beautiful fantasy world full of colors, water features and mist populated by mysterious ladies, very much a Chor's trademark. The intriguing plot moves along at a well-balanced pace and continuation from scene to scene, there are plenty of intriguing twists to engage the viewers till the very end. Interestingly, it also touches on homosexuality, transgender and even a bisexual love triangle which was uncommon in most wuxia outings during that era.
Dashing and tall, Shaw Brothers energetic superstar Ti Lung is well cast as the quick-witted and suave detective Chu Liu Hsiang and a charismatic agile thief who can effortlessly win hearts with his melting smiles. Likewise, top it off with his amazing combat skills with weapons or just bared hands; we definitely have a charming winner there. Veteran Yeah Hua is equally brilliant playing the role of the ingenious Monk Wu Hua who harbors a dark and sinister secret, and turns out to become the most fascinating character and besides, his fights with Chu are definitely the film's highlights. Another character that stands out is Yi Tian Hung (Ling Yun), an assassin dressed in black with excellent sword skills.
Elsewhere, “Baby Movie Queen” Li Ching absolutely shines as Black Pearl, a chivalrous heroine and daughter of one of the murdered victims. Furthermore, being both a fun and funny character, her interchanges with Ti Lung are priceless. Nora Miao's Gong Nan Yun from the Holy Water Palace is another intriguing character who shares intimate moments with her Master, Princess Yin Chi, played by Betty Pei Ti. These are complex, sensuous but tragic roles in which both ladies are memorable and excel in. Ku Feng also appears as a casino owner, whereas both Norman Chu and Yuen Wah only show up very briefly but they are all interesting support just the same.
The overall action sequences, which mainly consist of swordplay with the combatants doing lots of somersaulting around, which is typical in Chor's wuxia, can become quite repetitive and less spectacular after a while. Nonetheless, they are still fluid and extremely well-choreographed by Tang Chia and Huang Pei Chi.
Above all, “Clans of Intrigue” is foremost a story and character driven swordplay wuxia, the emphasis is on solving a trio of murder cases and not on all-out action, though there are enough clashes to keep action fans happy. Lastly, the set design, the acting and the costume are all top notched plus the unexpected twist at the end sure delivers a worthwhile thrilling experience.
