The Lost Bladesman

Dirs/Scrs: Alan Mak, Felix Chong
Action Director: Donnie Yen
Stunt Co-ordinator: Yan Hua
Presenters: Star Union Skykee International, Shanghai Film Group, Anhui Media, Star Union Skykee (Beijing), Shao Xing Sheng Xia, Shenzhen Zhishan, Dong Yang Teng Yuan
Cast: Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Sun Li, Alex Fong, Shao Bing
2011 | Colour | DCP | Mandarin | Chi & Eng Subtitles | 109min

A loose adaptation of the Chinese literary classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Lost Bladesman brings to life one of ancient China’s most revered figures: Guan Yu. Directed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, who are behind some of Hong Kong’s best-known blockbusters, the film features globally famous action star Donnie Yen as Guan, who also serves as the action director.

Guan Yu (Donnie Yen), a general serving his sworn brother Liu Bei (Alex Fong), is celebrated in Chinese culture as the embodiment of loyalty and righteousness. After a crushing defeat, Guan and Liu’s concubine, Qilan (Sun Li), fall into the hands of the powerful warlord Cao Cao (Jiang Wen). Rather than the outright villain of traditional portrayals, Cao is depicted here as a nuanced figure—manipulative, yet genuinely admiring of Guan’s honour and skills. He showers the general with honours and temptations, even exploiting Guan’s feelings for Qilan, in a bid to win him over.

But Guan remains resolute. On learning of Liu Bei’s whereabouts, he sets out on a perilous journey to rejoin him in an odyssey famously known as 'crossing five passes and slaying six generals'. Blending dazzling action with emotional depth, The Lost Bladesman offers a fresh take on a legendary hero torn between duty, honour, and desire.

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