The Golden Sword Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

The Golden Sword Blu-ray Movie Review

The Golden Sword is one of the best films included in the Shaw Brothers Classics: Vol. 1 collection so it makes some sense it is the last feature to be highlighted in the set. Shaw Brothers fans are in for a real treat with this film. Produced by Run Run Shaw, The Golden Sword features an original story by Kuang Ni (The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, Deadly Melody). Starring Yuen Kao and Pei-Pei Cheng. Co-starring Lai Wang, Pao-Shu Kao, Wei Lo, Chung-Hsin Huang, and Yen-Ching Ou.

Pai Yu-Lung (Yuen Kao) loses his beloved father overnight. As a result, Pai sets out on an epic journey to find his missing dad over the course of a ten-year journey across the land. Still unable to find his missing father, despite searching for him over the course of the past decade, Pai decides to try something new when he heads to a different part of the country to look for clues.

Along the epic journey, Pai meets Wei Chin-Fung (Pei-Pei Cheng). The search leads to unexpected allies – and what could the outcome be of these new alliances? Will Pai ever be able to find his long-lost father – who mysteriously disappeared overnight? Pai will stop at nothing to be reacquainted with family.

The performances are expectedly excellent. Yuen Kao and Pei-Pei Cheng are both impressive in their leading roles in the film. The dynamics between the two performers helps the storytelling to excel. Excellent acting and dedication to the respective roles. The charisma of the stars aids the film.

The stunts are some of the best and there are some outstanding sequences to cherish in The Golden Sword. Pei-Pei Cheng has some great moments throughout the film and the artistry of the stunts is something that adds a lot to the experience. Some of my favorite stunts are in The Golden Sword, showcasing just how beautiful and artistic martial arts films can be. Often the stunt work itself is something that feels poetic. There is a dance-like quality to some of the stunts and it is often mesmerizing just to watch the action unfold.

The cinematography by Cho-Hua Wu (Vengeance of a Snowgirl, Fists of Vengeance) adds a visual splendor to the production and filmmaking. Wu is a gifted cinematographer and the visual style apparent throughout the film makes the epic scope of the production feel all the more special. The Golden Sword is beautiful to look at and the lensing is certainly creative and serene.

The production merits are enormously high. The production design is true to the canvas. The art direction by Ching-Shen Chen (The Tiger and the Widow, Lightning Fists of Shaolin) impresses. Outstanding design elements.

The costumes by Kamber Huang (Dragon Swamp, The Jade Raksha) are right-at-home for the characters. The designs are creative and stylistic. The costuming is high quality across the board with the Shaw Brothers features and a great job was done with The Golden Sword.

The score composed by Fu-Ling Wang (The Big Boss, Dragon Swamp) is beautiful, evocative, and hypnotic. The music sweeps one up in a spell – it enriches the experience of the film. The score aids the dramatic scenes just as well as the action-packed fight sequences.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (The Avenging Eagle, Sons of the Good Earth), The Golden Sword is a great showcase for Chiang. The editing is tight and focused. The filmmaking is all the more engaging as a result. Chiang did great work with the feature.

Written and directed by Wei Lo (The Big Boss, Dragon Swamp), The Golden Sword is a great Shaw Brothers film, and it is a must-see for fans of these classic martial arts gems. Lo Wei became celebrated for directing hit films starring Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, including some of the earliest roles Jackie Chan starred in. The Golden Sword is a classic and the filmmaking is superb. Don’t miss this special film.

The Golden Sword Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, The Golden Sword is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The high-definition video presentation looks impressive on the release. The cinematography is well highlighted. The color reproduction impresses as well. The scan looks great and is free from any serious print wear or damage, such as scratches and tears. A solid encode by Shout Factory.

The Golden Sword Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles). The audio quality on the release impresses with good clarity and detail. The audio presentation capably provides the film with a good lossless encoding. Shout Factory did well with the audio on the release. Dialogue sounds clear and easy to understand while the score is a consistent highlight of the presentation.

The Golden Sword Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Filmmaker Gilbert Po

Celestial Trailer (HD, 1:05)

The Golden Sword Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Golden Sword is enormous fun and a must-watch for Shaw Brothers enthusiasts. Pei-Pei Cheng and Yuen Kao are terrific in this one. The filmmaking impresses with great production merits – including an outstanding score. The stunts in The Golden Sword are incredible and should not be missed. A strong presentation with a quality high-definition transfer and lossless audio. Highly recommended.