As hackneyed as the wuxia story might seem on paper, a trim, well-timed plot and good character development prevent the film from getting bogged down in a plethora of costume-characters and gratuitous stunts. The plot is involved but not encyclopedic, and an outstanding cast raises it well above ground level. The action sends Bastard Swordsman skyrocketing through the roof.
Bastard Swordsman's reputation for mind-boggling action is well deserved. The kung fu and swordplay is frenetic but clean and tight, with little noticeable undercranking. Yes, they really do move that fast, and the wire work is excellent. Kudos to the actors, down to the very last stuntman, for their energy and prowess. And while the special effects are somewhat cheesy, as always in this wave of hectic wuxiapians from the 1980s, they are inventive and charming. For those unfamiliar with the genre, think Big Trouble in Little China's special effects and frenzied atmosphere. The wuxia action is outstanding but it is not painful, violent or even terribly tense. This is a simply a safe, fun little epic that most everybody should be able to enjoy.
Love, adventure, jeopardy and peril are universal themes. Add some truly outstanding mystical wuxia action, and it is no wonder Bastard Swordsman is so beloved by Eastern and Western fans alike. This film is a classic piece of entertainment.One that requires suspension of disbelief, of course, to make it highly rewarding.
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