Death Duel

Death Duel (San Shao Ye De Jian) (1977)

Runtime: 84 minutes

Directed by: Yuen Chor

Starring: Derek Yee, Candice Yu, Chin Ping Chen, David Chiang, Yun Ling

From: Shaw Brothers

My apologies for not posting this here right after I posted this review on Letterboxd. The past few days I was preoccupied w/ other things so that was also why I did not watch any films for several days; things are back to normal now and in fact... tonight I'll post a review of a movie I saw on the big screen yesterday: 

Surprisingly melancholy.

I am not describing my own mood, although I am expecting this to be the last review I'll be doing for the next few days due to me being preoccupied with other matters and not having any time for watching motion pictures. Rather, that is the unexpected description for a Shaw Brothers wuxia epic, one which does apply here. Someone giving props to this in a messageboard thread was the impetus for seeing my first film from this studio in way too many months.

The plot: The Third Master (Derek Yee making his movie debut) is great with his sword but does not wish any longer to deal with the pressures associated w/ being the best: everyone looking to challenge his skills, trying to usurp his title of being number one, having to constantly look over your shoulder, etc. Unluckily for him, circumstances even get in the way of his scheme of having a new life as a poor man who has to work at a brothel to earn a buck. Several plot twists subsequently follow.

The movie has a more complex plot than expected, resulting in many foes appearing; consequently, there is plenty of excitement between all the intrigue and action scenes, which of course are staged on the expected lavish Shaw Brothers sets-sometimes rather colorful-and there is no shortage of thrilling swordplay. Regrettably, while the idea of the story is rather interesting in how someone is unable to run from his past and is resigned to his fate, the execution of this convoluted story is not always great, sometimes leading to confusion. As others have noted, the passage of time is not always clearly noted, which only compounds things.

Even then, this was a solid Shaw entry that helped make Yee a star in that scene. An incredible badass ending will help make you forget some of the frustrating moments from earlier on, you know.