Reviewed by: cal42
Date: 08/04/2006
Summary: Deception and Redemption
A young hero known only as the Wandering Swordsman (David Chiang) travels the land dealing out his own brand of justice which usually means robbing from the robbers and giving the proceeds to the less fortunate. He encounters Siao Ning Ji (Lily Li) who is escorting treasure on behalf of the Security Bureau. The Wandering Swordsman is deceived into thinking that Kung Wu (AKA Fail-Safe) and his gang of bandits are actually on the side of righteousness and helps in their plan to steal a horde of valuable treasure. When he learns that hes been duped, he must seek his own redemption and recover the treasure.
First of all, a warning. If youre turned off by wireworks on a large scale, avoid this film at all cost, as it is rather reliant on the technique. Still with me? Good
WANDERING SWORDSMAN is quite unique in that it doesnt feature Ti Lung at all. Not even a cameo. Perhaps he was on holiday, but knowing the Shaw Brothers treadmill he was probably off somewhere else shooting another film while this was made! Instead, we have Lily Li as co-star and the teaming isnt as bad as you might imagine. Ive often voiced the opinion that Chang Cheh couldnt really direct women very well, but at least in this he didnt try too hard in forcing some kind of romantic relationship between the two leads. It IS there, but beneath the surface - implicit rather than explicit. Thankfully, there are no tacky love scenes to slow things down.
The film remains a bit of a wasted opportunity however. Although the story and characters are strong, the whole Wuxia angle never really lights up the screen like you would expect, and sometimes feels a bit of a damp squib. That said, there are flashes of greatness and one great special effect when Chiang bursts through an inn roof. The finale also has some stirring moments. I dont think it would be giving too much away to reveal that the Wandering Swordsman is a doomed character, but his swansong is at least uplifting and his attempt at redemption heroic. Nice theme tune, too.
Theres a few early appearances by actors who would become Hong Kong regulars, such as Wu Ma (who sports a very unconvincing beard), a very young Yuen Shun-Yi (who would specialise in playing complete nut-bars in classics such as DREADNAUGHT and DRUNKEN TAI CHI), Yuen Woo-Pings brother Yuen Cheung-Yan, and of course everyones favourite bad guy Yeung Tze (AKA Bolo Yeung).
David Chiang indulges in a fair bit of horseplay in this one, verbally sparring with his foes. While the effect isnt likely to get you rolling with laughter in your seat, it is nevertheless a change from the usually staid lead characters usually served by Chang. If only we had a bit more oomph in the swordplay we could have had a bone-fide classic on our hands.
Reviewer Score: 6
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Reviewed by: c9a8l
Date: 12/05/2005
Summary: Young Leads David & Lily...GREAT COMBO !!!
I really enjoyed this movie very much !!! It showcases a young David Chiang & Lily Li in their debut movie together as Leads. It's great to be able to see young stars in the beginning of their careers.
David Chiang plays a naive young Robin Hood...stealing from the bad & giving to the poor. The movie shows David, wandering from place to place getting mixed up with various baddies.
I enjoyed the scene when David was in the restauraunt getting ready to pay for his meal. Another funny one was when David was in the Casino gambling.
Lily & David shine in this hidden gem, I enjoyed the music and the slow-mo towards the end. I probably favor this movie more so than others, because this was the one film I saw as a little girl and from that day on...fell instantly in LOVE with David Chiang...
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