One of the best kung fu movies of the last few years,Sword Masteris a standout remake of a Shaw Brothers classic from the 1970s. Released in 2016, the Chinese martial arts movie was directed by Derek Yee, a prominent and well-respected director in Hong Kong’s movie industry. Yee’s work as a filmmaker has earned him critical acclaim, with films likeProtégé,One Night in Mongkok, andLost in Timeearning him multiple accolades over the years. But while much of Yee’s current fame stems from his dramatic movies, it’s worth noting that he actually has his roots inold-school kung fu movies.
Sword Masterrevisits that underappreciated era in Derek Yee’s movie career. Before becoming a director, Yee was an actor, working primarily in martial arts movies, where he was often cast as the male lead. During the late 1970s and 1980s, Yee starred in a long list ofkung fu movies from Shaw Brothers. In fact, one of those movies served as the foundation for his return to the genre inSword Master.
Death Duel Is One Of Shaw Brothers' Best Kung Fu Movies
Death Duel Combines Great Storytelling & Superb Martial Arts Action
Sword Masteris a remake ofDeath Duel, a lesser-knownkung fu movie from the 1970s. In 1977’sDeath Duel, Derek Yee plays Third Master, a fighter renowned as the third greatest swordsman in the martial arts world. Having grown tired of the constant fighting that comes with the distinction, Third Master retreats from that life and tries to start over as a nobody. Of course, Third Master struggles to get away from his past, as various martial artists inDeath Duelare in pursuit of the fame that would come with beating him.
Death Duelalso featured Derek Yee’s half-brother, David Chiang, in the supporting role of Second Master. A major martial arts star in his own right, David Chiang headlined multiple Shaw Brothers kung fu movies in the early 1970s and was one of the studio’s top stars at that time.
His most notable challenge comes from Ling Yun’s Yen Shih-san. Interestingly, Yen isn’t portrayed as a villain, despite being Third Master’s greatest threat. Rather, he befriends Derek Yee’s character, but isn’t immediately aware of his true identity. Of course, the truth eventually comes out, forcing an epic battle between the two in the film’s climax.
Death Duelis a great kung fu movie, in part because of how it utilizes traditional themes associated with the genre without becoming just another standard martial arts flick.
Death Duelisa great kung fu movie, in part because of how it utilizes traditional themes associated with the genre without becoming just another standard martial arts flick. A race to become the world’s top fighter is hardly a unique concept, butDeath Duel’shandling of this particular premise is both interesting and emotionally compelling. It presents Derek Yee’s character as a sympathetic character, as it’s apparent that he has no choice but to fight - and perhaps even kill - someone he genuinely likes and respects as a friend. Ultimately,Death Duelsucceeds in delivering an engaging story about the cost of being the best.
Sword Master Is A Worthy Remake Of Death Duel
Sword Master Has The Feel Of An Old-School Martial Arts Movie
Considering thatDeath Duelis an under-the-radar film in Shaw Brothers' movie library, it wasn’t exactly high on the list of potential martial arts movies to be remade. Yet,Sword Mastereasily justified the new adaptation. In the 2016 movie, Derek Yee remains behind the camera, allowing a new face to fill the role of Third Master. InSword Master,Lin Gengxin’s take on Third Master starts the story as a man whose status as a homeless drunk conceals his legendary reputation.
Death Duelwas Derek Yee’s third movie role and his first time playing the main character. His first acting appearance came inJade Tiger, which was released in the same year and starred Ti Lung.
For the most part,Sword Masteris accurate toDeath Duel’sstory, surrounding Third Master with multiple skilled martial artists on the hunt for fame and glory. Similar to the original movie, at the heart of the story is a budding relationship between Third Master and Hsiao Li, a woman who works at the local brothel. Both movies also fixate on Third Master’s friendship-turned-rivalry and inevitable showdown with Yen. Their fight is central toDeath Duel’senduring appeal, andSword Masterdoesn’t disappoint in that regard, as it too goes to great lengths to ensure the final battle is satisfying.
