The Deadly Breaking Sword (1979), starring Ti Lung, Fu Sheng, Shih Szu, Michael Chan Wai Man, Ku Feng and Lily Li Li Li. Directed by Sun Chung.

(All images courtesy Celestial Pictures, unless noted otherwise.)

BACK when The Deadly Breaking Sword was released on 4/12/79, the second movie by director Sun Chung to co-star Fu Sheng and Ti Lung had to contend (primarily) with the kung fu comedies then trending at the HK box office. As a result, the Shaw Brothers production simply (according to writer Mark Pollard) "appeared at the wrong time", and it wasn't long before it was gone, replaced by other Shaw pictures of varying quality. Today, the film lingers in the shadow cast by its predecessor, the cult classic The Avenging Eagle (1978), rescued from obscurity as much by Fu Sheng's untimely death in 1983 as it is by recent critical reassessments of Chung that rank him as one of Shaw's better directors.

left to right: Fu Sheng and Ti Lung

Somewhere in the martial arts world, there are two heroes. The experienced one is Tuan Changqing (Ti Lung), who is called "The Deadly Breaking Sword" because his dead adversaries wind up with a piece of his sword punctured in their chests. He's arrogant about his proficiency with a sword; in fact, he's a bit of an eccentric about it, which is reflected in his pre-fight customs of arriving early, wearing a new change of clothes and providing coffins to those he slays. Then, there's Xiao Dao (Fu Sheng). He's "The Little Dagger" because his weapon of choice is a knife. Though he's a scoundrel, barely getting by on his wits and kung fu prowess, he's anything but evil.

left to right: Ti Lung and Michael Chan Wai Man

Changqing's latest battle is with Lian Shan, "The Throat Piercing Halbred" (Michael Chan Wai Man). Where he has taken out only bad guys, Shan's own high body count has partly come through indiscriminate killing, so Changqing knows he must be done away with. Unfortunately, it ends as a draw with both wounded, though Shan escapes with a bit of broken sword embedded in him.

In a town not far from Changqing's location, Dao finds himself temporarily working as a security guard at a gambling house, owned by Luo Jinhua (Lily Li Li Li), in order to pay off his gambling debt. If that wasn't bad enough, Jinhua's smitten with him, and she's determined to keep him there permanently. As soon as Dao earns any taels of silver, she tricks him out of his money.

Shih Szu

Changqing and Dao eventually cross paths due to their mutual interest in Lin Linxyu (Shih Szu), a high class prostitute who's recently set up shop at the local brothel. In secret, she's looking for Guo Tiansheng, who she knows by the nickname "The Killer Doctor" (Ku Feng). She wants him dead for double-crossing her thief of a brother, Chen Yinggang (Ngaai Fei), collecting the reward for his capture and leaving him to rot in prison. Initially, she tricks Changqing to see her and proposes to pay him to slay Tiansheng. As a hero, Changqing won't take money and isn't sure Tiansheng (a doctor with good standing in the community) is "TKD", but, liking Linxyu, he goes to see him and determine if he's "TKD". He's not convinced.

left to right: Lily Li Li Li and Fu Sheng

Undeterred by this setback, Linxyu hires the desperate-for-money Dao to kill Tiansheng, but Changqing, who has grown to respect him after their many hot-headed encounters, persuades him not to follow through, paying off Dao with a money order double the amount Linxyu offered him. Ecstatic, he returns to the gambling house and shows Jinhua the money order, bragging he now can pay off the debt and be free of her. As he boasts about this victory, she quietly sets the piece of paper on fire. Finally deducing she's responsible for hindering his exit, Dao grabs her and carries her to a nearby well. He holds the screaming lady by the ankles over the top, optioning whether to drown her or not....

left to right: Michael Chan Wai Man and Ku Feng

All the while, the wounded Shan has been recovering at Tiansheng's residence after the doctor removed the sword fragment from his chest. Discovering Shan is a rare survivor of a battle with the great Changqing, Tiansheng realizes he has at hand a fighter superior to all his hired goons combined. Through the wonders of acupuncture, he nurses Shan back to health, making him stronger than he ever was, and after his confrontation with Changqing (who threw wine on the old man), Tiansheng's resolved to use Shan to kill the hero as revenge.

left to right: Ngaai Fai and Ti Lung

Meanwhile, Changqing tells Linxyu he stopped Dao from killing Tiansheng, still believing he's not "TKD". She begs him to hear Yinggang's side of the story at the prison. Listening to her brother, he finds out she was right after all and frees him. With help from Yinggang and Linxyu, he plots to lure Tiansheng to the brothel and kill him. When Tiansheng shows up, he brings with him the new and improved Shan, and the guy's got a score to settle with Changqing....

Unlike Chung's previous two wuxias (The Proud Youth and TAE, both '78), Ni Kuang's script for TDBS is not an adaptation from a work of popular Chinese literature, which is a big plus. Minus the hang ups of a complicated scenario with too many characters to keep track of, the story (save for a few hiccups) flows nicely with no trace of padding. Along with a balance of the usual action and suspense is a marked streak of satire that pokes fun at the kind of movies that were Kuang's bread and butter, as evidenced by the narcissistic, quirky Changqing and the "loose cannon", comedy relief Dao. (Some consider Dao to be a Jackie Chan-type of clown, but I think Kuang could've been inspired by Sammo Hung as well.)

The cinematography by Cho On Sun and Lam Nai Choi is rich and atmospheric, notable for some flourishes with the Steadicam and the occasional use of a freeze frame for punctuating some of Dao's antics. The editing by Chiang Hsing Lung and Yu Siu Fung keeps pace with the varying tempos of the film with assurance, particularly giving a spark to Tong Gaai and Wong Pau Gei's fine action choreography, which keeps mostly to the ground except for rare wirework.

Another picture of Shih Szu, just for the heck of it.

With the cast, we have the novelty of some of the lead (and supporting) actors from TAE also appearing here. As Changqing, Ti Lung brilliantly plays it straight, subtly letting the viewer know he's enjoying his role of a pompous swordsman. Though some are turned off by his clowning, I think Fu Sheng gives likability to his grating interpretation of Dao, making him the perfect foil to Changqing. (Like on TAE, Sheng and Lung work well with each other.) Michael Chan Wai Man and Ku Feng are in familiar territory as Shan and Tiansheng, respectively, but they perform their parts well. While Shih Szu doesn't get to kick ass here, she demonstrates her acting range capably (in addition to looking lovely) as Linxyu. Compared to Szu, Lily Li Li Li gets a more involving (albeit limited) role as Jinhua, continually thwarting Dao's attempts to escape her until she goes too far. Among the supporting players, look for Chan Shen, Lam Fai Wong, Shum Lo, Wong Ching Ho and Kara Hui Ying Hung.

(Image Entertainment)

Two versions of TDBS are currently available. The IVL DVD has a good picture, but (like some other IVL reissues of Chung's films) newer music and foley are needlessly tacked on; while this import has no English dub, you do have the option of listening to the feature in Mandarin or Cantonese. The Image DVD is much better, having the original Mandarin and English soundtracks; the picture isn't quite as good as the IVL's, but it's not awful, either. Interestingly enough, after comparing the English subs on both discs, I notice there's a slight difference between parts of the translations, but they're not major ones. "Extras" on these discs are limited, ranging from photo galleries to trailers from Celestial Pictures.

I should say I have a slight bias toward TDBS, having seen it before TAE, and after watching both several times, I still get a kick out of TDBS, while conceding TAE is the stronger picture. With Kuang's original story, Chung doesn't have the (presumed) burden filming an adaptation can have, so he directs with a relish that carries over to the cast and crew. There's a near-perfect balance of light and dark that helps sell the heroes and the leading ladies; if the mood were all somber, it would be hard to find affinity with four people who aren't exactly amiable. Overall, TDBS is another enjoyable film with the winning combination of Chung, Lung and Sheng, and it's lamentable the fates conspired in such a way there wouldn't be any more.

Brother Fang Cuts to the chase: "A subversive send up of 'Old School' wuxia movies that doesn't lack for drama or thrills. An essential addition to your Shaw Brothers collection if you love Sun Chung, Ti Lung and Fu Sheng. Three and a half stars (out of four)."

Keeping it trivial....

Fang Shih-yu, Shaolin Temple.

P.S.-- Buy The Deadly Breaking Sword here.

The Proud Youth (1978), starring Wong Yu, Shih Szu, Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Ku Feng and Michael Chan Wai Man. Directed by Sun Chung.

(All images courtesy Celestial Pictures.)

IN 1978, Shaw Brothers director Sun Chung had four films released. Two of those were wuxia pictures. Of them, only The Avenging Eagle reached US theaters, eventually attaining a cult status with followers of HK action cinema. The Proud Youth (the first to be put out) never made it to American shores. With the recent DVD reissue of TAE still resonating among "old school" fans, I'll now examine the overlooked TPY and see how it holds up to the more analyzed classic.

The story centers around Nangong Song (Wong Yu), the top kung fu student of Luo Chaojun (Stanley Fung Shui Fan). The life Song has been living with Chaojun and the others in the Huashan Clan is about to get turned upside down.

Ling Yun

It starts when Chaojun's number two man, Shi Zhongying (Ling Yun), attempts to retire from the martial arts world. He's afraid the alliance of the Five Swords Clans (which the Huashan Clan is part of) will find out about his friendship with Gao Yun (Yue Wing). The man he plays music with is also a member of the evil Sun Clan, which the alliance plans to eradicate.

When the alliance chief gets word about the men's relationship, he stops Zhongying's retirement, ordering him to kill Yun. Zhongying refuses and pays a harsh price for it as his wife and children are slain. While Yun rescues Zhongying from the skirmish, he's not in time to prevent him from receiving a mortal wound. In seclusion, the two solemnly perform their composition, "Last Sound of the Empty Valley", knowing it will be their final time together to do so.

Wong Yu and Chan Wai Ying

Song misses the retirement ceremony. Encountering the rogue Hao Jeywing (Michael Chan Wai Man) along the way, he follows him and rescues a nun, Huizhi (Chan Wai Ying), from his clutches, getting injured in the process. Later, he happens to be recovering nearby where Zhongying and Yun are, and hearing them play, he and Huizhi go to investigate. After they tell him their story, he's sympathetic to their plight, and when they ask him to give their music to a musician so others may listen to it, he readily agrees. As Song and Huizhi leave, Yun and Zhongying die by a suicide pact.

Returning to the Huashan Clan, Song is punished for being with Huizhi by having to stare at the Cliff of Remorse for a year. Early into his sentence, he discovers an opening in the cliff that leads to a cave. Inside, the walls are covered with writings left by ten dead chiefs of the Sun Clan, who were lured in there by the Five Swords Clans many years prior, fearing the Sun Clan's "Chongyang Nine Swords Style" kung fu would dominate the martial arts world over the style of the Five Swords Clans. As Song ponders this revelation, he learns the "CNSS" (diagrammed on the walls) to pass the time.

Shih Szu

After enduring his penalty, Song searches for somebody to pass along Zhongying and Yun's music to. He finds Bai Yingying (Shih Szu), who he discovers is the daughter of Chief Bai (Ku Feng), the real ruler of the Sun Clan who was imprisoned ten years ago by the devious Sima Wuji (Tin Ching), usurper of his throne. She has recently gotten news that Shi (Wong Chung), a man loyal to Bai, broke out of the same prison and may know where he is. Song pledges to find Shi for her in hopes of freeing her father.

Once Chaojun finds out Song's been in the company of Yingying, he kicks him out of the clan. Song doesn't stop to dwell on it as he begins to look for Shi. Upon finding him, he and Shi then spring Bai from captivity. From there, Yingying joins the threesome in killing Sima Wuji and restoring her father as head of the Sun Clan. Song passes on a job offer from Chief Bai in hopes he can get back into the Huashan Clan.

left to right: Michael Chan Wai Man and Wong Yu

Meanwhile, Jeywing has resurfaced, and he's on a murder spree for a mystery benefactor, killing four of the Five Swords leaders and Chaojun's wife, Shouyi (Lau Wai Ling). Song finds the body of the woman he loved like a mother moments after he arrives home. Recognizing Jeywing's handiwork, Song swears to Chaojun he'll deal with him while his sifu attends a Five Swords conference. It's not long before Song, "CNSS" skills at the ready, locates Jeywing and is on the attack. What develops during the confrontation is the most unexpected thing Song will have to deal with out of all his adventures....

Stanley Fung Shui Fan

Like TAE, Ni Kuang's screenplay for TPY is adapted from a story by Chinese novelist Jin Yong; here, it's The Smiling, Proud Wanderer (serialized 1967-69). While I've yet to read anything of Yong's, I do know from research his writings are loaded with characters and plot twists; in addition, movies derived from his work are often said to come up short because a lot of stuff is left out. To read the plot summary of TSPW on Wikipedia and compare it to the finished movie, it's obvious things are missing from TPY. While the general structure of the script is okay, it's marred by a lack of some heart and unresolved plot points that make the final outcome not as satisfying as it should be (exacerbated by an abrupt ending).

Technically, Sun Chung and his production crew have made a pretty slick feature that make the story lapses tolerable. Key personnel who worked on TAE do their magic here. Cinematographer Nam Mai Choi's photography is never less than great; there's even use of the Steadicam, but it's not used extensively like it will be in later Chung films (like The Kung Fu Instructor). Film editors Chiang Hsing Lung and Chui Sui Lung keep the movie lively, especially making the marvelous fight choreography of Tong Gaai and Wong Pau Gei exciting, by 1978 standards.

Wong Yu

With the material uneven as it is, so it goes Wong Yu bears the most scrutiny by portraying the title character. For an actor who's remembered more for comedic roles (he was utilized most favorably in Lau Kar Leung's movies), he does all right as Song. When moments arise for levity or action, Yu's in his element, but he gets little chance to project himself dramatically, except when he finds Shouyi dead. To a point, he's upstaged by the subplot with Zhongying and Yun (easily the most compelling part of the narrative) due to the quality acting by Ling Yun and Yue Wing. Once the movie focuses on Song, it takes a while to warm up to him.

left to right: Ku Feng (with beard) Shih Szu,
Wong Chung and Wong Yu

The rest of the cast provides considerable support. Among them: Stanley Fung Shui Fan (also known for his work in comedies) is appropriately cold and authoritative as Chaojun. Michael Chan Wai Man gives another "heavy" part some nuances as Jeywing. Shih Szu is charming and elegant as Yingying, even getting to be physical in one of the action sequences. Ku Feng and Wong Chung aren't given much to do here, but their appearances are always more than welcome. (Chung also has the coolest weapon in the whole movie, which looks like a deadly, oversized pizza cutter.) Chong Lee gets the thankless role of Chaojun and Shouyi's daughter, whose pining for Song grows desperate once Yingying enters the scenario. (Why her picture's on the packaging of the IVL DVD is baffling since she's not a major player.) In addition, watch for Yau Chi Ling (Dirty Ho), Chan Shen (The Kiss of Death), Yeung Chi Hing (Disciples of the 36th Chamber) and Chin Yuet Sang (Lion Vs. Lion).

The IVL DVD has added-on music and sound effects, which are totally unnecessary, but most of what's tacked on is harmless except when a synthesizer is employed. Beyond this, it has the usual fine picture (anamorphic), decent sound and "extras" to be expected on IVL Shaws.

TPY is another good movie from Sun Chung, one of many waiting to be rediscovered by those who love TAE. As one of Chang Cheh's most talented disciples (after John Woo), Chung's directing on TPY still shows some of that influence, but his storytelling has evolved since the days of (for example) The Bloody Escape to favorable results. TPY is more ornate than TAE, like one of Chu Yuan's films based on a Gu Long novel, but it's not as confusing. Despite the flaws in Ni Kuang's script, Chung has made a watchable diversion that holds the viewer by great filmmaking, if not by substance.

Brother Fang cuts to the chase: "Not as emotionally involving or cohesive as The Avenging Eagle, The Proud Youth is still quality work from Sun Chung. The guy could direct. Seriously, pick this one up (and any other movies of his you can get your hands on) before it disappears. Three stars (out of four)."

Keeping it trivial....

Fang Shih-yu, Shaolin Temple.

P.S.-- Buy The Proud Youth here. Read more about Sun Chung here.