The Deadly Knives (1972)
A Shaw Brothers martial arts classic pitting a knife-throwing avenger against Japanese corruption and family betrayal in 1970s Hong Kong cinema.
The Deadly Knives - Movie Information
- Original Title: 落叶飞刀
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Jang Il-ho
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 29, 1972 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: 落叶飞刀 (CN), The Deadly Knives (US)
- Production Companies: Shaw Brothers
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Deadly Knives - Plot
Plotting to obtain the Yen family's land, dastardly Japanese plutocrat Omura bribes Yen nephew Hsu Chien to steal the family seal and land deed. When Hsu Chien is caught in the act, he viciously beats elderly Master Yen to death to cover his actions. Determined to avenge the wrongs committed on his family and his country, young master Yen Tzu Fei blazes a knife-throwing path of revenge that leads him to his love Yue Hua's father, who has corrupt connections with the Japanese.
The Deadly Knives - Trailer
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The Deadly Knives - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jang Il-ho
Main Cast
- Ching Li
- Ling Yun
- Lily Li
- Ching Miao
- Chen Yanyan
- Chan Shen
- Dean Shek Tin
- Liu Gang
- Jin Bong-jin
- Tang Ti
Writers
- Chung Kuo-heng
Producers
- Runme Shaw
The Deadly Knives - FAQs
What is The Deadly Knives about?
The Deadly Knives follows young Yen Tzu Fei, who sets out on a blade-fueled mission of revenge after a corrupt Japanese plutocrat schemes to steal his family's land, resulting in his grandfather's murder. The film weaves personal vengeance with anti-colonial themes, romance, and spectacular knife-throwing action.
Is The Deadly Knives based on a true story?
No, The Deadly Knives is not based on a true story. It's an original martial arts drama set during a period of Japanese influence in China, a common backdrop for Shaw Brothers films of the era. The story of the Yen family and their fight against corrupt foreign interests is entirely fictional.
Where can you stream or watch The Deadly Knives?
You can watch The Deadly Knives on FlixFling via subscription, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It's also available with ads on Mometu, giving you plenty of options to catch this Shaw Brothers classic.
What makes the knife-throwing action unique here?
Unlike the fist-and-foot combat typical of many Shaw Brothers films, The Deadly Knives centers its action around blade-throwing as a primary martial skill. Yen Tzu Fei's precision with flying knives gives the fight sequences a distinct, tense quality that sets the film apart from its contemporaries in the genre.
Who are the main actors in The Deadly Knives?
The film stars Ching Li as Guan Yue Hua and Ling Yun as the vengeful hero Yan Zi Fei, both beloved Shaw Brothers regulars. The supporting cast includes Lily Li, Ching Miao, Chen Yanyan, Chan Shen, and Dean Shek Tin, rounding out a strong ensemble typical of the studio's golden era productions.
How does the film handle its anti-Japanese themes?
The Deadly Knives uses Japanese villainy as a vehicle for nationalist sentiment common in early 1970s Hong Kong martial arts cinema. The corrupt plutocrat Omura and his collaborators represent foreign exploitation, while Yen Tzu Fei's revenge becomes a stand-in for broader resistance against colonial oppression and betrayal by those who collaborate with the enemy.
Who directed and produced The Deadly Knives?
The film was directed by Jang Il-ho and produced by Runme Shaw, one of the co-founders of the legendary Shaw Brothers studio. The screenplay was written by Chung Kuo-heng, with cinematography by Wu Cho-Hua and music composed by Stanley Chow Fook-Leung.
What are some similar films to The Deadly Knives?
If you enjoy The Deadly Knives, check out other Shaw Brothers classics like Crippled Avengers (1978), Clan of the White Lotus (1980), Kid with the Golden Arm (1979), and Dragon Fist (1979). For something more recent with a similar martial arts spirit, The Final Master (2015) and Ip Man: Kung Fu Master (2019) are worth your time.
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