The Romance of Book & Sword

Dir: Ann Hui
Orig Story: Jin Yong
Scr: Chun Tin-nam
Prod Cos: Sil-Metropole, Yeung Tse Kong
Cast: Da Shichang, Zhang Duofu, Liu Jia, Guo Bichuan, Lü Yongquan
1987 | Colour | DCP | Cantonese (Dubbed) | Chi & Eng Subtitles | 88 min

Acclaimed director Ann Hui’s only wuxia film to date is an adaptation of the popular Jin Yong’s novel of the same title, retaining the original’s staging of martial adventures against a historical backdrop. The story focuses on the relationship between Qing Emperor Qianlong and his brother Chen Jialuo, leader of a rebel organisation, where family bond is pitted against national interest. The Romance of Book & Sword is the first chapter of a diptych, opening with the exposing of Qianlong’s real identity. Determined to overthrow the Qing monarchy, Chen attempts to convince his brother (by force and by persuasion) to restore Han Chinese rule. But Qianlong, ever wily and unwilling to relinquish power, makes a false pledge with Chen…

The film raises more questions about traditional values than the novel, contemplating on the issues of loyalty to the country, filial piety, brotherly love and comradeship between the likeminded and allegiance to idealistic causes—all of them factoring into the central conflict between Qianlong and Chen. While its fight scenes and the battle of wits between characters deliver great drama, the film also provokes deeper thoughts and reflections. Should the Emperor identify himself as a Manchu or a Han? If indeed a righteous hero should strive for the greater good, is Chen doing the right thing seeking to destroy the present peace and prosperity? Production of the film and its sequel (Princess Fragrance, 1987) took three years, and the actual shoot took eleven months, venturing to different Mainland locations including Jiangnan, north China and Xinjiang. Bill Wong’s cinematography masterfully evokes the epic quality of the original novel, fusing together elements of history and legend. The scene of the Qiantang River tidal bore, in particular, stands out for its poetic sense of majesty.

The original version of this film’s script was penned by Chiu Kang-chien, but original author Jin Yong later took over when Chiu’s progress slacked. After developing an outline, Jin was unable to continue. Ann Hui then sought out Chun Tin-nam to submit a new script, upon which this film was based.

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