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Rendezvous with Death

Rendezvous with Death (1980)

Oct 17, 1980 1h 38m Action

Sun Chung had been recognized as an expert comedy and crime thriller director, but he was to gain even greater acclaim for his soulful, powerful, intelligent, and beautifully-made martial arts epics. This stands alongside The Deadly Breaking Sword and The Kung-fu Instructor as one of his very best. It’s not so much the plot – a master swordsman protects a treasure chest on a dangerous journey – that makes this great, but what Sun does with it, inspiring the cast and crew to some of their finest work.

Directed by Sun Chung

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Sun Chung
Writer
  • Ni Kuang
Producer
  • Mona Fong Yat-Wah

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Rendezvous with Death distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.

Director Sun Chung 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 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Rendezvous with Death took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 154 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 169 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1980, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: October 17, 1980
  • Runtime: 1h 38m

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