A brilliant film with an impressive 'who's who' 1970s castlist. Click on the links section on the left-hand task bar for a webpage with cast photos from this and several other films starring Mao Ying.

Back to the film, it really was more than I expected, a really engaging espionage affair. The introductory scene of the restaurant is superbly handled, the director Hu allowing us plenty of time to get a feel for the place and the period in which the proceedings take place, as well an introducing us to some of the key characters.

The second part of the film deals with Lee Khan and his presence in the Inn, the Inn being kept central pretty much throughout the film. This leads to much suspenseful interplay, plotting and political manoeuvring amongst the various characters, all culminating in a violent martial conclusion.

Without question recommeded.