The Sentimental Swordsman and the Heartless Sword

This film (drama)Also known as魔剑侠情，is aHong Kong, ChinaProducerwomen sex，At1981Released in year 。The dialogue language isMandarin Chinese，Current Douban rating7.3(For reference only)。

This film is adapted from the classic novel "The Sentimental Swordsman and the Heartless Sword" by Gu Long, directed and written by Chu Yuan, with Derek Yee playing "Little Li Flying Dagger" Li Xunhuan; during the peak period of new martial arts films, the "Gu Long, Chu Yuan, Derek Yee" trio became a famous iron triangle. Chu Yuan is the director who has adapted the most of Gu Long's martial arts novels to the screen, and it is acknowledged by Gu Long that he shoots faster than writing, while Derek Yee is the male star who has appeared in the most of Chu Yuan's films. Additionally, Fu Sheng plays "Left-Handed Godly Blade" Jing Wuming, Ng Man-tat plays the hero A Fei, Cheng Li plays Li Xunhuan's cousin Lin Shiyin, Ku Feng plays the leader of the Money Gang, Shangguan Jinhong, and Chu Xiangyun plays Lin Xian'er, who captivates A Fei. This film claims to be Chu Yuan's one hundredth work, and it remains his typical Gu Long-style martial arts film in recent years. While it can't be called groundbreaking, Chu Yuan undoubtedly put in considerable effort. If you haven't grown weary of the melancholy and drunken heroes in Gu Long's style and the "Maple" romantic mood in Chu Yuan's style, as well as their blend of new and old artistic expressions, this film does have some entertainment value. Chu Yuan previously made "The Sentimental Swordsman and the Heartless Sword" (i.e., Little Li Flying Dagger), but only adapted the first half of the original work; this film is the second half, and both segments have been aired on television. Little Li Flying Dagger, never misses his mark; he is also a cultured gentleman, deeply valuing loyalty and easily falling for traps, leading to loss of home and love, becoming a nostalgic "spitting blood poet." This character is indeed a bit special in the martial arts world. After the major twists of the previous installment, the film starts with Derek Yee's character, Little Li, quietly returning to his lover's hometown to hide away, gazing at her beautiful silhouette through the window without meeting her, until a crisis arises that requires Little Li to reveal himself and rise to the challenge. The reunion of old lovers occurs on a snowy night, where Chu Yuan captures a certain sorrowful mood, and throughout the film, there is a sense of helplessness. This old love story is only briefly touched upon in this film without excessive dragging, as the main focus remains on thrilling adventures. Many skilled martial artists seek out Little Li to duel over "martial arts rankings," while Little Li must deal with the formidable villain Ku Feng, resulting in numerous duel scenes that are not dull. The main storyline involves Little Li seeking assistance from old friend A Fei, but A Fei is enchanted by the scheming beauty Lin Xian'er, rendering him practically useless. Thus, Little Li exposes the woman's facade and strives to help A Fei regain his spirit, making for an interesting plot. If the previous installment depicted the betrayal of friendship, this film portrays the betrayal of love. Ng Man-tat plays the bewitched A Fei, while Chu Xiangyun plays Lin Xian'er (previously portrayed by Cheng Li); in addition, Yue Hua and Lau Wing appear as skilled martial artists bound by honor, and Lo Lieh plays a whimsical rogue, all delivering solid performances. Of course, Fu Sheng’s portrayal of the gang's assassin stands out, with the mystery of his right hand adding unexpected drama. This film features a rich plot and character development, yet the story is not as complete as the previous installment. For viewers unfamiliar with the previous installment or the original work, the character relationships may seem somewhat confusing. Fortunately, Chu Yuan made significant cuts to the original, allowing the plot to develop smoothly and lively, and the production design and cinematography are particularly thoughtful, visually stunning. However, to be strict, while Chu Yuan puts in effort, he significantly lacks innovation. The fight sequences, especially, feel too familiar; Derek Yee's fights with Yue Hua and Lau Wing have some clever moments, while others become increasingly chaotic. The worst part is when the two elite fighters, Ku Feng and Fu Sheng, fight Derek Yee, appearing clumsy and showcasing no skill, completely failing to match their level. Little Li's flying daggers ricochet like ping pong balls, resulting in a bit of distortion. Chu Yuan's adaptation of Gu Long has become rather numb; he manages to muster some spirit, but at times loses touch, akin to the effects of anesthetic from a needle. In the previous film, "Heroes Without Tears," Zhao Yazhi, after severing a leg, still managed to calmly hop away on one leg. In this film, Ng Man-tat gets run through by a long sword at the end yet behaves as if nothing has happened, acting wildly; this is the best proof of the director's sensory numbness. The film ends rather abruptly.