This is a King Hu classic in all respects. It has a good plot, super super high level of intensity, a compelling soundtrack, and nice acting. However, I'm not sure what are King Hu's philosophy of film-making, but it is certainly different and uncomfortable. 90% of the time there's no dialogue at all, and when there is, they are often short and fastly spoken, which is also a step out of the traditional slow-speaking Shaw Brothers way in kung fu movies. All in all, I liked this movie better than Dragon Gate Inn. Still, it is quite far from a very good movie in my opinion.

[6/10]