Tales of Chivalry

Seven Swords (4K Digitally Restored Version)

Dir/Prod: Tsui Hark
Orig Story: Liang Yusheng
Scrs: Tsui Hark, Cheung Chi-sing, Chun Tin-nam
Action Dir: Lau Kar-leung
Martials Arts Choreographers: Stephen Tung Wai, Xiong Xinxin, Lau Kar-wing
Prod Cos: Beijing Ciwen Digital Oriental Film & TV Production, Boram Entertainment, Meridian Pictures
Cast: Leon Lai, Donnie Yen, Charlie Yeung, Sun Honglei, Lu Yi
2005 | Colour | DCP | Mandarin, Cantonese & Korean | Chi & Eng Subtitles | 150min

Adapted from a beloved martial arts novel, Seven Swords unfolds against the backdrop of the Qing Dynasty, in a period when the Manchurian regime outlawed martial arts across China. The film boasts spectacular swordplay scenes choreographed by the renowned Lau Kar-leung, serving as his final masterpiece before his passing in 2013. Lau also assumes the role of one of the seven skilled, sword-wielding heroes challenging the oppressive Qing rule and a merciless bounty hunter preying on martial artists across the country. Director Tsui Hark, heavily influenced by the Western genre and Japanese samurai films, once again showcases his distinctive aesthetics while injecting new energy into the martial arts genre. He includes in this film a cave scene reminiscent of his debut The Butterfly Murders (1979). Meanwhile, Lau also makes reference to his acclaimed Martial Club (1981) with a gripping alley fight scene between Donnie Yen, one of the seven protagonists, and Sun Honglei, who plays the formidable bounty hunter. Shot amidst the stunning natural landscapes of northwestern China, Seven Swords juxtaposes magnificent scenery with breath-taking combat sequences, offering viewers a visually enthralling cinematic experience. Seven Swords was winner of Best Action Choreography at the 42nd Golden Horse Awards.

# Post-screening talk with Matthew Cheng

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