BASTARD SWORDSMAN was made during the period that Shaw Brothers were going back to the wuxia genre that had made them famous in the 1960s, with the added addition of fantastic elements and magical dimensions enhanced by the craze for 1980s-era special effects. Other films from this era include BATTLE WIZARD, HOLY FLAME OF THE MARTIAL WORLD, BUDDHA'S PALM, and SHAOLIN PRINCE, although Tsui Hark's non-Shaw film ZU: WARRIORS FROM MAGIC MOUNTAIN is by far the most famous.
Watching BASTARD SWORDSMAN, it's apparent just how much of the style of a film like this inspired the 1990s wire work heavy martial arts wuxias that were so big in Hong Kong. As for the film itself, it's more than watchable, although not up there with the likes of SHAOLIN PRINCE. The fantastic elements of the story are a little silly here and the viewer must be willing to sit through scenes of flying and giant silkworm cocoons and the like if they're going to enjoy it.
I liked the way that the under-appreciated Norman Chu (who burnt up the screen in HONG KONG GODFATHER) gets a good role in this, playing the usual put-upon servant who turns out to be a martial arts master. The supporting players are well drawn and include the imposing Tony Liu of INVINCIBLE ENFORCER fame. There are even small roles for three Venoms stars: Sun Chien, Wang Li, and Lo Meng, although none of them get much to do, particularly the first two, and Lo Meng just sort of disappears. The plot was a little complex and confusing for my liking although the action scenes are fun and help to keep things enjoyable. A sequel, RETURN OF THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN, followed.
Watching BASTARD SWORDSMAN, it's apparent just how much of the style of a film like this inspired the 1990s wire work heavy martial arts wuxias that were so big in Hong Kong. As for the film itself, it's more than watchable, although not up there with the likes of SHAOLIN PRINCE. The fantastic elements of the story are a little silly here and the viewer must be willing to sit through scenes of flying and giant silkworm cocoons and the like if they're going to enjoy it.
I liked the way that the under-appreciated Norman Chu (who burnt up the screen in HONG KONG GODFATHER) gets a good role in this, playing the usual put-upon servant who turns out to be a martial arts master. The supporting players are well drawn and include the imposing Tony Liu of INVINCIBLE ENFORCER fame. There are even small roles for three Venoms stars: Sun Chien, Wang Li, and Lo Meng, although none of them get much to do, particularly the first two, and Lo Meng just sort of disappears. The plot was a little complex and confusing for my liking although the action scenes are fun and help to keep things enjoyable. A sequel, RETURN OF THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN, followed.
