Cast
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Jimmy Wang Yu
as Gui Wu
Chin Ping
as Jin Lian Zhu
Ivy Ling Po
as Scarlet Maid / Gui Qiu
Elliot Ngok Wah
as Shen Shu-Wen
Lo Lieh
as Tu Ying
Margaret Hsing Hui
as Chin Ching-Yu
Petrina Fung Bo-Bo
as Jin Hsiao Ling
Pang Pang
as Ta Hsing
Ching Miao
as Chief Wei Fei-Hu
Lily Ho
as Wei Mei-Er
Lee Wan-Chung
as Master Wen
Wu Ma
as Bao Erh
Chang Pei-Shan
as Xiu Erh
Ku Feng
as Master Song
Hao Li-Jen
as Chief Li Guang Yuan
Crew
Director
- Hsu Tseng-Hung
Writer
- Shen Chiang
Producer
- Run Run Shaw
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Sword and the Lute distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Hsu Tseng-Hung brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1967, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Sword and the Lute took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1023 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1967, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Sword and the Lute shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Wrath of Vajra, which focuses more on action than character development, The Sword and the Lute subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Fist That Kills and Joe Bullet explore similar territory, The Sword and the Lute stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 20, 1967
- Runtime: 1h 27m
