In this much-acclaimed swordplay epic, a group of bandits kidnap the governor's son, demanding their clan brother be released in turn for the release of the gov's son. Golden Swallow enters the bandits' world in search for his brother, the governor's son, and in hope to bring the evil-doers to justice. However, the task isn't as easy as Golden Swallow had hoped, and to accomplish it she needs the help of an old drunk, who also posesses a complicated identity. In the end it's the usual "good guys win, bad guys die" scenerio.

Come Drink With Me introduced the beautiful Cheng Pei Pei to the world & made an instant star out of her. It is directed by mega veteran King Hu, that being why it was so widely acclaimed. I do feel that it is somewhat overrated. The pacing is terribly slow, especially during action settings. A group of bandits can surround Golden Swallow for 3 minutes, all holding their swords, without a single move. Such creates tension and suspense, but can result in a LOT of fast-forwarding for the viewer; it is also a reference to many of King's other movies, most noticeble being Dragon Gate Inn, which actually had better swordplay. Speaking of swordplay, I guess I'm pretty much used to the lack of skills from the cast and directors. Just keep in mind that you're watching a movie from 35 years ago, when wire was nearly unheard of. But if only some wire was used to ENHANCE the fight scenes like I had hoped before laying my eyes on the old school films of this era and disappointed more than ever...

Now, Cheng Pei Pei; she is something special. The scene when she first arrives in town, wearing a large traditional Chinese hat & sitting in the inn seems identical to Brigitte Lin in Tsui Hark's Dragon Inn. In fact, my guess would be that Cheng Pei Pei was one of Brigitte's influences. Their natural appearances are quite similar, too, especially with that hat... you really couldn't tell who was who without careful examination had those 2 fine ladies been placed in the same room.

[6/10]