Reviewed by: chrichtonsworld Date: 04/07/2023 Summary: Silkworm Technique rules! Before I start with the review, I have to state that I was totally surprised by the level of quality this film displays on the screen. Especially considering the time this has been made. I already wasn't that impressed with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but Bastard Swordsman who unfortunately will never get the worldwide recognition it deserves, is vastly superior and far less pretentious. Our main character, Yun Fei Yang, (played by Norman Chu) is severely disadvantaged simply because he is the product of a love affair and never recognized by his real father. Nobody knows who the real father is, but it never astonishes me how people look down on somebody while he himself can't do anything about it. I mean, he gets judged on his father deeds. I will never ever understand this. Anyway, our main character is not being offered the same opportunities in the martial arts school, while arguably he seems to be the most skilled. At one point we find out he receives training by a masked man. Now, it's very obvious he is the master. But for some reason, he doesn't want his pupil to know. Is he trying to protect him from certain dangers ahead? Or is he too ashamed or even too proud to confess this to his son? The film tries real hard to keep his secret identity, probably to juice up the story. But it's not that vital since very little is done with this. Then there is another fighter in the clan, Fu Yu Shu, (Tony Liu) who people love from the start. From how I had perceived this, he was an outsider. And obviously is too good to be true. It is utterly baffling why this guy is met with such high regard, as his intentions are completely nefarious. They can't even bare to look at Yun Fei Yang. Even Lun Wan (Leanne Lau), the sister, who at first stuck up for Yun Fei Yang is disgusted with him after she finds out that he is in love with her. It turns out that she wants to marry Fu Yu Shu and make babies with him alone. The fact that other, better men, want her hand in marriage is beyond her. I won't spoil the plot any further, but even if I wanted to, there is too much to cover since quite a lot is happening. It's not really that important because the focus of course lies completely on the combat, which you can expect from the Shaw brothers is excellent. Actually, if I think about it. It's quite insane. I always had this idea that earlier Hong Kong productions were more grounded and level-headed. It seems I was totally wrong on this notion, and this film exposes that truth. Next to the more traditional hand-to-hand combat, the fighters in this film also resort to ultra special skills which have to be seen to believe. A must-watch if you ask me, and even today is a total blast from start to finish! Reviewer Score: 9

Reviewed by: Sydneyguy Date: 02/05/2006 Summary: Above average A little over the top but the premise and the mystery of the main character make this better than your average SB movie. Today's generation would see Norman Chu Siu-Keung as a villian nowadays, its refreshing to show that he can play a hero also. Alex Man Chi-Leung gives his over the top villian a bit of nastiness. The ending obviously leads to a sequel Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: MrBooth Date: 01/05/2006 Summary: 7 - well realised fantasy wu-xia Every 10 years, the Wu Dang and Invincible Clan chiefs have a duel, and the past two times the Invincible Clan has won. The Wu Dang chief has been training hard for 10 years, but still isn't sure his skills are strong enough to win. His own master has retired for 20 years to study the Silkworm Technique, Wu Dang's greatest kung fu, but has been unable to reach the final stage. Norman Chu plays the BASTARD SWORDSMAN, a servant at Wu Dang clan who is picked on and bullied by the students and given rough justice by the masters. Everyone calls him bastard because he doesn't know who his parents were (using the traditional sense of the word rather than the British slang), and nobody will teach him kung fu... except a mysterious masked stranger who appears at night and has secretly been passing on some skills. Then bunch of other stuff happens that there's really no need to explain - it's a fairly typical wu xia story in the same vein as HEAVEN SWORD AND DRAGON SABRE. BASTARD SWORDSMAN is another of those fantasy wu xia that appeared in the early 80's, utilising heavy amounts of wirework and crude special effects to represent the kind of supernatural abilities that fighters were meant to be able to achieve in the wilder wu xia fiction. Director Tony Liu was one of the pioneers of this style, along with Ching Siu-Tung. Liu has help with the action direction from Yuen Tak, one of the best people for implementing crazy wire-based action. BASTARD SWORDSMAN features more of the wild and wacky action choreography that had previously been seen in HOLY FLAME OF THE MARTIAL WORLD, ZU: WARRIORS OF THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN etc. There's some imaginative duels choreographed and filmed well. There's also a good story, rife with the typical exaggeration and melodrama that makes a good wu xia pian. Don't expect the greatest acting or the highest production values, or a lot of depth and profundity... but do expect an enjoyable popcorn flick :) Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: pjshimmer Date: 12/07/2002 Summary: Shaw Brothers' best When I first saw this movie, I was astonished that Shaw Brothers (who is more famous for kung fu movies) were capable of producing such a masterpiece. Bastard Swordsman is no "Duel to the Death," but it's the best Shaw Brothers has ever done in the wuxia/swordplay genre. I absolutely love it. Just a shame that the much-anticipated "Silkworm technique" is not illustrated convincingly. [9/10]