Mainland-born Yip Wing Cho began his career at Shaw Brothers Studio as a photography assistant under director Lo Wei, working on titles like “Raw Courage”, “The Golden Sword” (1969), and “Brothers Five” (1970). He later transitioned to directing with “Girl of Ghost Valley”, starring Hsing Hui, and “The Black Tavern”, both from scripts written by his father, Yip Yat Fong. During the revival of Cantonese cinema, Yip spent his later career acting in numerous romantic comedies and crime thrillers.
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“The Black Tavern” tells a simple story about a group of thieves attempting to rob a governor at a remote tavern. The unique story begins in a bustling restaurant in a small town. A wandering monk (Dean Shek) enters, singing and begging his way from table to table. His song reveals that retired governor Hai Gong Feng (Yang Chi Ching) is traveling with a chest full of diamonds and other priceless gems through the countryside. This news sets off a deadly pursuit by the murderers and thieves gathered in the restaurant.
As mentioned by the monk, the governor will stay overnight at a small tavern along the way. For those seeking his fortune, this becomes the ultimate destination. Among the group of shady characters who arrive is Cheng Shou Shan (Ku Feng), who is mistaken for Governor Hai. In reality, he is the ruthless killer known as Whipmaster Cheng. When the real Hai finally arrives, the tavern descends into chaos as everyone fights for a piece of the loot.
Story-wise, Yip’s violent wuxia is reminiscent of King Hu’s “Dragon Inn”, but is more action-oriented and contains less historical content. Action directors Hsu Erh-tsu and Hsu Sung-ho handle the extended and gory fight sequences with skill. Interestingly, there is no real shining hero here; the story is driven by a vibrant cast of colorful and devious villains. This refreshing element, combined with the snowy setting, makes the film stand out among Shaw productions of the era.
Aside from the occasionally obvious fake snow and overhead model shots of the tavern, the production maintains a strong visual atmosphere thanks to the rich Shaw indoor sets. The snowy courtyard setting and the inventive use of a carriage as a weapon during the final fight sequence are highlights. The swordplay is fast and impactful, while the smaller whip hidden inside Cheng’s primary whip is a clever and memorable detail.
Taiwanese actress Shih Szu, who rose to stardom after starring in “The Lady Hermit” (1971) opposite Cheng Pei-pei, appears near the end of the story. Her role as Zhang Cai Bing, the student of the Lady Hermit, ties the two titles together. Her climactic battle with Whipmaster Cheng is especially brutal and gory, but undeniably satisfying.
Tung Li takes a meaty lead role as Cha Hsiao Yu, a mysterious but skilled swordsman who carries many of the action scenes. Still, Ku Feng, as the fearsome Cheng Shou Shan, completely dominates the screen. His intense gaze is as deadly as his whip, making him a formidable presence. Elsewhere, Shaw regulars Wu Ma and Yuen Wah appear as members of the Five Xianxi Ghosts and nearly steal the spotlight.
Dressed in rags with snot running down his nose, Dean Shek plays the eccentric monk convincingly, offering a brief but welcome dose of comic relief in an otherwise dark and violent narrative. The versatile Wang Hsieh is solid as Gao, the scheming tavern owner, while Yang Chi Ching provides gravitas as Governor Hai. Watch closely for a young Jackie Chan and Mars Cheung as Hai’s attendants. The interplay between all these characters adds texture and energy to the production, even without major A-list stars in the lead.
Overall, “The Black Tavern” is a tightly constructed wuxia with plenty of stunning, blood-soaked action, ideal for fans of the genre. The abundance of mysterious and morally ambiguous characters further elevates this underrated gem, making it a thoroughly entertaining watch.
