Another Shaw Brothers collaboration between novelist Gu Long, director Chor Yuen and actor Ti Lung, this third installment of the Chu Liu Hsiang film series is actually a follow up to “Legend of the Bat” (1978) which started with “Clans of Intrigue” back in 1977. The English title is rather misleading since it has nothing to do with Chu's “The Sentimental Swordsman” film series which starred Ti Lung as Little Flying Dagger Li, a different character altogether.
Also by adapting the story from the fifth novel “Phantom Manor” of another Gu's wuxia series “The Legend of Lu Xiao Feng” and not from “The Legend of Chu Liu Hsiang” series itself, this further makes things more complicated. Chor adapts the story but replaces the protagonist Lu with Chu Liu Hsiang instead. However, the Chinese title which translates as “Chu Liu Hsiang: Phantom Manor” does make its connection to the Chu film series much more logical.
Regardless, Chu, the “lingering fragrance” swordsman, as his given name suggests, is back. Accused of murdering the Eighth Prince at the start, the Court wants his head, and Master Lung sends his top three students to do the job but a mysterious assassin kills them all and takes over their task. Now being a wanted man on the run, Chu decides to take refuge in the well-hidden legendary Ghostly Village, a haven for all kinds of criminals of wulin (martial community).
Under the guardiancy of the Village Head, “Old Hawk”, the village has grown stronger with its collection of rogue residents. Upon hearing that there is a possible uprising planned to overthrow the Capital, the Eighth Prince is keen to eliminate the leader first and eventually stamp out the whole village. It turns out the assassination of the Prince by Chu is really a set-up after all, so that he can infiltrate the village as an undercover agent. However, during his stay there, Chu soon realizes that he has to face a variety of assassins before he can even get close to the Old Hawk.
This brings the film to another level as Chu begins to explore the forbidden village and discovers that there is certainly no shortage of colorful but dangerous characters living there. Furthermore, Old Hawk (Ku Feng), the mysterious leader is forever wearing a mask and then there is also a ghost which flies around scaring the timid residents. The always charismatic and elegant Ti Lung reprises his role as the metal fan-wielding swordsman, the Sherlock Holmes of wuxia Chu Liu Hsiang. Besides looking great with the fan and sword during the action sequences, his performance is magnetic enough to render his character believable.
That said, dependable Lo Lieh who plays the cowardly gambler Xuan Yuan Si Guang is equally impressive and steals the show every time he appears on screen. Also his monologue and exchanges with the floating ghost is just downright hilarious. Although he acts dumb at times, he is actually a very amusing character with a hidden identity. Played by Ku Kuan Chong, the silent assassin in black Liu Chang Jie, is another intriguing and memorable character that stands out. The rest of the supporting actors do their parts equally wel:, Ku Feng appears briefly as Old Hawk, Ching Miao is his usual self as the Eighth Prince while veteran Yang Chih Ching plays a likable and funny Du Gu Mei.
This being a Chor Yuen film, it can be difficult for casual viewers to keep up with his complex storyline which is so full of twists and turns, double crosses and endless intrigue. Still, the overall production looks amazing, as the incredibly detailed indoor sets are atmospheric thanks to Chor's creative use of visual gimmicks such as fog machine, lighting, props and costumes. Likewise, the action, which is mainly of the sword fighting variety, is tight and fluid though there is the excessive use of combatants jumping across the screen which unfortunately becomes repetitive.
Although “Perils of the Sentimental Swordsman” is a less moody production, it is definitely campier, therefore it is best to treat it as a wild and outrageous wuxia fantasy. Above all, the combination of Chor Yuen, Gu Long and Ti Lung is hard to beat, the action is solid, the flamboyant characters are all extremely likable while the film looks beautiful.
