The Sword (1980)
A brooding Hong Kong wuxia from the New Wave era, where one swordsman's obsessive quest for glory courts both legend and ruin.
The Sword - Movie Information
- Original Title: 名劍
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Patrick Tam Kar-Ming
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 14, 1980 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: Ming jian (HK), Mac (RS), Das tödliche Schwert (DE), Qılınc (AZ)
- Production Companies: Orange Sky Golden Harvest
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Sword - Plot
Swordsman Li Mak-Jan is on a quest to duel the powerful and reclusive Hua Qian Shu. But will a cursed sword and the intrigues of the martial world bring him fame or tragedy?
The Sword - Trailer
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The Sword - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Patrick Tam Kar-Ming
Main Cast
- Adam Cheng Siu-Chow
- Tien Feng
- Eddy Ko Hung
- Norman Tsui Siu-Keung
- Jade Hsu
- Bonnie Ngai Chau-Wah
- JoJo Chan Kei-Kei
- Lau Siu-Ming
- Lau Yat-Fan
- Lee Hoi-Sang
Writers
- Wong Ying
- Patrick Tam Kar-Ming
- Clifford Choi
The Sword - FAQs
What is The Sword about?
The Sword follows Li Mak-Jan, an ambitious swordsman obsessed with defeating the legendary recluse Hua Qian Shu. Along the way, a cursed blade and the treacherous politics of the martial world force him to confront whether his relentless pursuit of glory is worth the personal cost.
Does The Sword have a tragic ending?
The Sword leans into melancholy rather than triumph. Director Patrick Tam Kar-Ming subverts typical wuxia conventions, leaving the protagonist's quest shadowed by loss and moral ambiguity. It's less a celebration of martial heroism and more a meditation on obsession and the price of pride.
Where can you stream The Sword (1980)?
You can watch The Sword on Hi-YAH as part of a flat-rate subscription, or stream it for free on Plex and Plex Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Is The Sword part of Hong Kong New Wave cinema?
Yes, The Sword is considered a key early work of the Hong Kong New Wave. Patrick Tam Kar-Ming brought an art-house sensibility to the wuxia genre, using stylized visuals and introspective storytelling that set it apart from the more commercially driven martial arts films of the era.
Who are the main actors in The Sword?
The film stars Adam Cheng Siu-Chow as the driven swordsman Li Mak-Jan, with Tien Feng as the formidable Hua Qian Shu. The supporting cast includes Eddy Ko Hung, Norman Tsui Siu-Keung, Jade Hsu, and JoJo Chan Kei-Kei, all veterans of Hong Kong action cinema.
What makes The Sword different from other wuxia films?
Unlike most wuxia films that celebrate heroic combat, The Sword uses the genre to explore psychological obsession and moral decay. Patrick Tam's direction emphasizes mood and atmosphere over spectacle, and cinematographer Bill Wong Chung-Piu gives the film a visually distinctive, almost painterly quality.
How long is The Sword (1980)?
The Sword runs 85 minutes, making it a lean and focused watch. The tight runtime suits its stripped-back, introspective approach to the wuxia genre, keeping the tension and atmosphere taut from beginning to end without overstaying its welcome.
Is The Sword (1980) worth watching today?
Absolutely, especially for fans of Hong Kong cinema history. The Sword is a rare wuxia film that prioritizes atmosphere and character over action spectacle. Its place in the Hong Kong New Wave movement makes it essential viewing for anyone interested in how the genre evolved beyond its pulpy roots.
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