Cast: Adam Cheng Siu Chow, Norman Tsui Siu Keung , and Jade Hsu
Region: B
Label: Eureka
THE SWORD (1980) is Patrick Tam’s dazzling take on the classic wuxia adventure.
Believing that he is in possession of a cursed blade, the legendary swordsman Hua Qian Shu (Tien Feng, King Boxer) has retreated from the martial arts world to live in peaceful seclusion. However, his retirement has done nothing to dampen his reputation; a young warrior, Li Mak-jan (Cheng), wishes to challenge the master in order to test his own sword-fighting skill. But as Li searches for the reclusive Hua Qian Shu so that he might face him in combat, he finds himself entangled with old lovers and new rivals. Soon, it becomes apparent that the old master’s sword really might be cursed – and will, perhaps, bring nothing but tragedy to those who seek to wield it.
Best known as a key contributor to the Hong Kong New Wave as the director of My Heart is That Eternal Rose and the editor of Wong Kar-wai’s Days of Being Wildand Ashes of Time, Patrick Tam began his filmmaking career with The Sword: a love letter to the wuxiagenre starring Adam Cheng Siu Chow (Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain).
Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a brand new 2K restoration
Original Cantonese audio and optional English dub tracks (original mono presentations)
Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
New audio commentary by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
New audio commentary by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Andrew Heskins on The Sword – A new interview with film critic Andrew Heskins (easternKicks)
Forging Ahead– A new interview with martial arts cinema expert Wayne Wong onThe Sword and the wuxia genre
Original theatrical trailer
PLUS: A Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring an archival interview with director Patrick Tam and a new essay by East Asian cinema expert Leung Wing-Fai
