I really need to read up on my Shaw Brothers films! Having previously watched Twin Swords without realizing that it was a sequel, tonight I found myself watching The Sword and the Lute, without knowing that it was a sequel to Twin Swords! I thought the characters looked familiar and a quick look on IMDb brought me up to speed. Like Twin Swords, this film also jumps right into the action. The plot sees the Gan family mostly now in seclusion after the end of the previous film. The twin swords of the previous film are transporting a deadly Lute when they are set upon by robbers from the Flying Tiger clan. They use the Lute which is a mistake as it reveals it and later they discover that it has been stolen and now this deadly needle-firing weapon is in the hands of the Flying Tigers. The only thing which can cure injuries caused by the Lute is the Seven Stars stone, which the Shen clan know the location of. The robbers set up a trick to reveal the location of the stone to cure their injured but also have the weapon and the cure. Meanwhile a third artifact, the Invincible sword, is the only thing that can destroy the Lute – and it is in the hands of the Gan family's youngest member – Hsiao Ling. All the various groups try to work out how they can control all three artifacts without losing the ones they have.
This all sounds very convoluted but in reality it works well, producing a narrative that has lots going on and lots of twists while also being very easy to follow since it is basically very straightforward. Although there are dialogue heavy scenes and some more serious events, mostly it is a series of chases, twists and fight sequences and as such I found it engaging and enjoyable. The production values are high with great shots and well organized scenes. The cast I enjoyed a lot, although I was surprised that the "leads" of Wang and Chin were not in it as much as I expected. The real lead is young Fung and although her physical abilities are not as convincing, I liked her character and her delivery. She works well with her comic assistant as well. Po makes a guest appearance again as the Scarlet Maid – always on hand to sort things out and give good advice. The main villain is Lily Ho, playing the daughter of the chief; her delivery has sass and meanness to it and I liked her character too. Although there are a lot of characters here, everyone does do well – it really is only the lower-level characters (the ones that die quickly in battle sequences) that do the basics.
The film ends with a large confrontation which is fitting for a film with so many smaller comings and goings building up to this. You don't really need to have seen the other films to appreciate it, and this film with its nicely fluid plot and enjoyable action scenes is worth a look.
