If anyone questions whether knighthood values could adhere in the Ming dynasty, let him check out this complex action film. A formidable hero with sword skills that allow him to survive battles against huge mobs somehow loves a delicate woman with artistic skills and has the courage to protect her, but she is at once a dubious love object -- treacherous, devious, and loving another, but finally capable of a measure of devotion. The two live in a world of rampant political corruption that would put the Borgias to shame as amateurs. A lot of time you watch the film wondering what is going on, who are the good guys, are there any good guys, how can one survive in this double dealing universe, and finally wondering whether the hero proves to be a true knight who will be rewarded for his bloody efforts and whether the heroine will escape despite death sentences against her. Well, the conclusion wrapped up in less than two minutes of screen time (it seems) resolves the questions. This movie explodes into action from time to time with somewhat unbelievable escapes amid many a hacked victim. Warning: It is bloody in parts, but mild compared to the films of Miike, for one, but not like the Zaotichi films in terms of bloodlessness. Did they really have that arrow weapon that is shown back then? Musket firing rifles, I can believe, swords, spears, and arrows inflict their damage, but it seems a terrible lack of training led to many deaths of the grunts and the failure of the bad guys to snuff the good guys which they would have in a realistic film. So much for suspension of disbelief. The film runs for two hours, and the actor who plays the lead is very capable and looks heroic enough to be a leading actor in other Asian action films featuring sword play. The heroine is lovely to look at with her incredible complexion, but she seems the epitome of "La Belle Dame Sans Merci." Worthwhile to watch.
