SHAWSCOPE Vol 3 - Blu-ray Review - The One-Armed Swordsman, The Return of the One-Armed Swordsman, and The New One-Armed Swordsman

Over the next three days, I’ll dive into the much-anticipated Shawscope Volume 3, a Limited-Edition Blu-ray box set poised to thrill martial arts aficionados and cinephiles alike. This collection packs a punch with 14 classic titles pulled straight from the vaults of Hong Kong’s legendary Shaw Brothers Studio, including fan-favorites The One-Armed Swordsman, Return of the One-Armed Swordsman, The New One-Armed Swordsman, The Lady Hermit, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan, The 14 Amazons, The Magic Blade, Clans of Intrigue, Jade Tiger, Sentimental Swordsman, The Avenging Eagle, Killer Constable, Buddha’s Palm, and Bastard Swordsman.

The One-Armed Swordsman (Disc 1)

The One-Armed Swordsman, directed by Chang Cheh and released in 1967, is an iconic Hong Kong martial arts film that reshaped the genre and established Shaw Brothers Studio as a leader in wuxia and kung fu cinema. This film tells the story of Fang Gang, a young swordsman who, after losing his arm, must find the will to adapt, survive, and confront his destiny. With its revolutionary themes, complex character arcs, and intense fight choreography, The One-Armed Swordsman is a compelling narrative of resilience and redemption that has influenced countless filmmakers and remains a classic.

The story centers on Fang Gang, played by Jimmy Wang Yu, a loyal and highly skilled disciple of Master Qi, a respected martial arts teacher. As a child, Fang’s father sacrificed his life to protect Master Qi, and since then, Fang has trained to become a formidable swordsman, feeling indebted to his master. Despite his dedication, Fang faces resentment from Qi's daughter, Pei-er, and the other disciples, who see him as an outsider due to his humble background.

One day, Pei-er, driven by jealousy and disdain, challenges Fang and unexpectedly severs his right arm during a fight, leaving him disabled. Humiliated and devastated, Fang retreats from the martial arts world, convinced he can no longer live up to his legacy. However, with the help of Xiao Man, a compassionate farm girl who finds and cares for him, Fang learns to adjust to his disability. She offers him a broken sword manual, and Fang eventually develops a unique, one-armed fighting style.

The film's dramatic tension escalates when Master Qi and his school are threatened by a rival clan, the Long-Armed Devil and his followers, who wish to eliminate Qi and his disciples. Despite his initial reluctance, Fang returns to protect his former master, leading to an epic showdown that tests his new abilities and inner strength. Through his journey, Fang not only overcomes his physical limitations but also redefines his understanding of honor, loyalty, and personal strength.

The One-Armed Swordsman was groundbreaking for its time, introducing a martial arts hero who is not defined by superhuman abilities but by his resilience and will to adapt. Chang Cheh’s direction departs from previous wuxia films, which often focused on graceful, fantastical swordplay and nobility. Here, he brings a grittier, more visceral realism to the genre, presenting Fang’s struggles and combat in a raw, almost brutal manner. The film's depiction of violence and physical limitations marked a shift in Hong Kong cinema, moving away from idealized heroes to ones who endure and overcome genuine hardships.

The film also explores themes of loyalty and self-identity, particularly through Fang's complicated relationships. While Fang is loyal to Master Qi, he becomes disillusioned with the martial arts world after his injury, feeling abandoned by the system he once respected. The presence of Pei-er adds another layer of complexity, as her envy and entitlement contrast sharply with Fang's humility and determination. Ultimately, Fang’s journey is not just about physical recovery but also about reclaiming his sense of self-worth outside of societal expectations and past obligations.

Another interesting thematic element is the gender roles portrayed in the film. While Pei-er embodies ambition and aggression, Xiao Man represents nurturing qualities, helping Fang during his vulnerable state and supporting his recovery. This contrast between the two women underscores the societal values of loyalty, humility, and companionship, aligning Xiao Man with Fang’s journey of self-rediscovery. The film’s treatment of Pei-er, however, is less forgiving, reflecting Chang Cheh’s sometimes traditional view of women in martial arts narratives.

Cinematographer Pao Hsueh-li creates striking visuals that complement the film’s intense narrative. Close-ups and dynamic angles heighten the emotional intensity, drawing viewers into Fang's journey and making each fight sequence a visceral experience. Chang Cheh’s signature style involves using the camera to immerse viewers in the physicality of combat, an approach that proved influential in subsequent martial arts films.

The fight choreography in The One-Armed Swordsman is another highlight, showcasing Fang’s transformation from a skilled swordsman into a more tactical fighter after losing his arm. Each confrontation Fang faces emphasizes his adaptation, using his unique one-armed fighting style in unexpected ways. Unlike other wuxia films that might prioritize acrobatics and fluidity, this film grounds its choreography in Fang’s limited but powerful movements, emphasizing strength, speed, and survival over finesse. This approach added a level of realism that was new to audiences at the time and influenced the direction of martial arts cinema.

The One-Armed Swordsman was a monumental success in Hong Kong, and it went on to inspire numerous sequels, spin-offs, and remakes, cementing Jimmy Wang Yu’s place as a martial arts legend. The film’s influence can be seen in later martial arts and action films, particularly those that feature protagonists overcoming physical limitations or characters who are forced to adapt their fighting styles to unique circumstances.

Moreover, The One-Armed Swordsman broke new ground in portraying a “damaged” hero who is nonetheless capable of greatness. Fang Gang’s journey has resonated with audiences as a story of resilience, showcasing that strength does not lie solely in physical prowess but also in courage and adaptability. This message has contributed to the film’s lasting appeal and iconic status.

The One-Armed Swordsman is a classic of martial arts cinema, distinguished by its compelling story, innovative fight choreography, and themes of resilience and honor. Chang Cheh’s groundbreaking approach transformed the genre, moving it towards a grittier, more character-driven style. Fang Gang’s journey from a wounded outcast to a hero who fights on his own terms continues to captivate audiences, marking the film as a timeless piece that speaks to the universal struggle to find strength in adversity. For fans of martial arts cinema and powerful storytelling alike, The One-Armed Swordsman is an essential viewing experience that remains relevant more than fifty years after its release.

Bonus Features

• Brand new 4K restoration by Celestial Pictures and L'Immagine Ritrovata
• Newly restored uncompressed Mandarin and English mono audio
• Newly translated English subtitles, plus optional hard-of-hearing subtitles for the English dub
• Brand new commentary by David West, author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film
• Newly filmed appreciation of the One-Armed Swordsman series by film critic and historian Tony Rayns
• Interview with actor Wang Yu, filmed in 2001
• Interview with actor Chiao Chiao, filmed in 2005
• Interview with actor Ku Feng, filmed in 2004
• Appreciation of director Chang Cheh's work by film historian Sam Ho, filmed in 2003
• Interview with Daniel Lee, director of the remake What Price Survival, filmed in 2004
• One-Armed Side Hustles, a brand new video essay by Brandon Bentley on Wang Yu's career playing amputee protagonists
• Theatrical trailers, and trailers for other films by Chang Cheh

The Return of the One-Armed Swordsman (Disc 2)

The one-armed warrior is back, and so is director Chang Cheh, bringing an explosive continuation to his 1967 smash hit in The Return of the One-Armed Swordsman (1969). Jimmy Wang Yu reprises his role as the legendary Fang Gang, the once-reclusive hero with a tragic past who’s now forced back into action. In a world steeped in blood oaths, revenge, and intense loyalty, Return amplifies the stakes and ups the ante on swordplay, proving that Chang Cheh and Shaw Brothers knew exactly how to captivate an audience eager for more wuxia mayhem.

In Return, we find Fang Gang reluctantly settled into a quiet life with his wife, Xiao Man (Lisa Chiao Chiao), leaving behind the brutal martial world he once called home. Fang, now a household name among Shaw Brothers fans, has sworn off violence. His days of heroism may seem over, but peace doesn’t last long for warriors like him. Soon enough, he's dragged back to the world of bloody duels when the “Eight Kings,” a ruthless alliance of martial arts clans, threaten his old master and force him back into battle.

What follows is a taut and thrilling journey through Chang Cheh’s world of stylized violence, driven by a plot that escalates with each clash. The Eight Kings are eager to crush all resistance and won’t rest until Fang and his allies are wiped from the martial arts map. As Fang attempts to gather allies, each confrontation with the Kings showcases the film’s choreographic precision and undeniable visual flair. Return pushes the boundaries of cinematic action, setting the standard for the genre while creating an indelible sense of tension that keeps audiences on edge.

The film carries over Chang Cheh’s signature themes: the code of the warrior, the price of loyalty, and the inevitability of sacrifice. Fang Gang is not a hero who enters battles lightly. He's a hardened fighter, one whose one-armed prowess only adds to his mystique. Chang Cheh presents Fang not just as a man, but as a symbol of resilience. When Fang finally picks up his weapon again, it feels as if a storm has been unleashed, turning even the smallest skirmishes into explosive set pieces.

Jimmy Wang Yu returns to the role with the same mix of vulnerability and bravado that won audiences over in the original film. He imbues Fang Gang with a kind of reluctant nobility, a man forced to re-enter a world he tried so hard to leave. Wang Yu’s performance anchors the film, capturing the weariness of a fighter who knows his way around death and bloodshed yet yearns for a simpler life. His chemistry with Lisa Chiao Chiao as Xiao Man adds a tender touch to the film, though her role ultimately underscores the tragic reality of loving a man fated to live by the sword.

On the technical front, Return is a masterclass in action cinematography and practical effects. The movie is packed with fight sequences that are as brutal as they are breathtaking. The Eight Kings, each with their own signature weapon and style, provide variety and keep the stakes high. These villains aren’t just bad guys—they’re personalities, each with distinct fighting techniques that challenge Fang’s skill and adaptability. Chang Cheh’s choreography brings a relentless ferocity to the scenes, eschewing the polished grace of typical wuxia battles in favor of a more raw and visceral energy. The one-armed fighting style forces Fang Gang to be strategic, showcasing his skill without the need for special effects or supernatural powers.

The production design is as lush and evocative as ever, with the Shaw Brothers sparing no expense on lavish sets and costumes that ground the film in its martial world. The sprawling, colorful backdrops give Return a mythic quality, enhanced by a soundtrack that pulses with every sword clash and gut-wrenching blow. Chang Cheh uses color and shadow to dramatic effect, making the violence almost operatic in style. The meticulous costume and set design allow Return to capture both the beauty and brutality of the wuxia genre in a way that feels grandiose without losing emotional weight.

While the story hits familiar beats from its predecessor, Return feels fresh and innovative thanks to its commitment to expanding Fang Gang’s arc. The themes of sacrifice and loyalty are amplified, giving Fang’s journey a bittersweet quality that highlights the impossibility of peace for someone with his abilities. Here, Chang Cheh presents a darker view of the martial arts world, one where codes of honor often lead to senseless bloodshed.

The Return of the One-Armed Swordsman ultimately surpasses its predecessor by pushing its hero into more harrowing circumstances and layering the narrative with a sense of tragedy that resonates beyond martial arts action. Chang Cheh crafts a story of a man fighting his enemies and his fate, bound to a life he cannot escape.

With high-stakes action, a strong narrative, and Jimmy Wang Yu’s commanding return, Return is a worthy continuation and a benchmark for martial arts sequels. For Shaw Brothers and Wuxia fans, it’s a definitive must-watch that solidifies the legacy of the one-armed swordsman. Cheh’s film does not merely continue the story—it elevates it, bringing the genre to new heights and leaving audiences craving more tales of heroic warriors and legendary battles.

The New One-Armed Swordsman (Disc 2)

The New One-Armed Swordsman, directed by Chang Cheh and released by Shaw Brothers in 1971, is a compelling reimagining of the one-armed hero’s tale, following the success of the original One-Armed Swordsman series. While the original films centered on Jimmy Wang Yu’s character, this installment introduces David Chiang as Lei Li, a skilled swordsman who must rebuild his life after a devastating injury. With its intense action sequences, complex character development, and a darker exploration of revenge and redemption, The New One-Armed Swordsman brings a fresh, nuanced perspective to the iconic story.

The film begins by introducing Lei Li, a highly respected swordsman who finds himself tragically betrayed by his honor and loyalty. Tricked into a duel with the ruthless, power-hungry Long-Armed Devil (Ku Feng), Lei Li loses his right arm and, with it, his sense of identity as a warrior. Broken and disillusioned, Lei Li swears off fighting, seeking a humble life as a tavern worker. However, his quiet existence is soon interrupted when he encounters Fang Gang, a fellow swordsman who recognizes Lei Li’s potential. But when Lei Li’s old nemesis begins terrorizing a nearby town, he realizes he must confront his past and embrace his destiny as a hero once more.

David Chiang’s portrayal of Lei Li gives the film its emotional depth. Unlike Fang Gang, Lei Li’s journey is one marked by bitterness and resentment, making his transformation all the more profound. Chiang brings a brooding intensity to the role, showing a character haunted by his past but ultimately driven to overcome his limitations. His one-armed fighting style, developed after losing his limb, showcases the physical and mental resilience needed to redefine himself as a warrior.

The fight choreography in The New One-Armed Swordsman is both brutal and elegant, with Chang Cheh’s direction capturing each duel with a sense of visceral realism. Lei Li’s signature weapon, a heavy broadsword, contrasts sharply with the agility and finesse of other fighters, emphasizing his determination to make his handicap a strength rather than a weakness. The climactic battles are masterfully staged, highlighting not only the physical demands of his new style but also the psychological intensity that accompanies each fight.

The film’s darker tone sets it apart from its predecessors. Themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption permeate Lei Li’s journey, marking this installment as a story of personal growth rather than just physical prowess. Chang Cheh emphasizes the loneliness and despair that come from loss, making Lei Li’s journey of self-rediscovery deeply impactful. While some characters follow traditional archetypes, the film’s nuanced exploration of Lei Li’s struggle with his identity adds depth and complexity.

From its stunning visuals to its layered narrative, The New One-Armed Swordsman is a standout in the wuxia genre, combining Shaw Brothers’ signature stylized violence with an intimate story of self-forgiveness. For fans of martial arts cinema, this film offers both high-octane action and a powerful message of resilience, cementing its place as a worthy addition to the legendary series.

Bonus Features

• Brand new 2K restorations of both films from the original negatives by Arrow Films
• Newly restored uncompressed Mandarin and English mono audio for both films
• Newly translated English subtitles for both films, plus optional hard-of-hearing subtitles for the English dubs
• Brand new commentary on Return of the One-Armed Swordsman by critic Samm Deighan
• Brand new commentary on The New One-Armed Swordsman by martial arts cinema expert Brian Bankston
• Theatrical trailers for both films

SHAWSCOPE Vol 3 will be released on Nov. 26th, if you pre-order from MVD today you can save 15% off the retail price! Look for part two of this three-part review tomorrow!