Battles of Honor and Betrayal

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MOVIE REVIEW
Shawscope Volume 3 [Limited Edition]
The One-Armed Swordsman –
Return of the One-Armed Swordsman –
The New One-Armed Swordsman (Triple Irons) –
The Lady Hermit –
Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan  –
The 14 Amazons –
The Magic Blade –
Clans of Intrigue –
Jade Tiger  –
The Sentimental Swordsman  –
The Avenging Eagle –
Killer Constable  –
Buddha’s Palm  –
Bastard Swordsman  –

Genre: Wuxia, Action, Drama, Adventure
Year Released: 1967 / 1969 / 1971 / 1971 / 1972 / 1972 / 1976 / 1977 / 1977 / 1977 / 1978 / 1980 / 1982 / 1983
Runtime: 1h 55m / 1h 45m / 1h 38m / 1h 45m / 1h 26m / 2h 5m / 1h 26m / 1h 42m / 1h 40m / 1h 36m / 1h 30m / 1h 38m / 1h 33m / 1h 33m / 1h 29m
Director(s): Cheh Chang / Cheh Chang / Cheh Chang / Meng-Hua Ho / Yuen Chor / Kang Cheng, Shao-Yung Tung / Yuen Chor / Yuen Chor / Yuen Chor / Yuen Chor / Chung Sun / Chih-Hung Kuei / Taylor Wong / Chun-Ku Lu
Writer(s): Cheh Chang, Kuang Ni / Cheh Chang / Kuang Ni / I. Fang Yeh / Kang-Chien Chiu / Yang Kao, Kang Cheng / Lung Ku, Kuang Ni, On Szeto / Lung Ku, Kuang Ni / Yuen Chor, Lung Ku / Yuen Chor, Lung Ku / Hung Chin, Kuang Ni / On Szeto / Suet-Fong Sui, On Szeto, Manfred Wong, Taylor Wong / Kuo-Yuan Chang, Chun-Ku Lu, Rui'an Wen, Ying Wong
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Chiao Chiao, Chung-Hsin Huang / Jimmy Wang Yu, Chiao Chiao, Chia Essie Lin / David Da-Wei Chiang, Ching Lee, Lung Ti / Pei-Pei Cheng, Lieh Lo, Szu Shih / Lily Ho, Hua Yueh, Betty Pei Ti / Hua Tsung, Mei Sheng Fan, Chung-Hsin Huang / Lung Ti, Lieh Lo, Li Ching / Lung Ti, Fei Ai, Shen Chan / Lung Ti, Feng Ku, Lily Li / Lung Ti, Li Ching, Derek Tung-Sing Yee / Sheng Fu, Lung Ti, Feng Ku / Kuan Tai Chen, Feng Ku, Jason Piao Pai / Derek Tung-Sing Yee, On-On Yu, Kara Ying Hung Wai / Norman Chu, Tony Liu, Jung Wang
Where To Watch: available November 26, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Embark on an epic exploration of martial arts cinema with SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3, a meticulously curated anthology from Arrow Video that compiles an impressive array of 14 iconic films from the legendary Shaw Brothers studio. This collection is a voyage through the evolution of the wuxia genre, from its roots in the turbulent 1960s to its stylistic apex in the 1980s. It offers a deep dive into a world where heroes, heroines, and complex antiheroes navigate the stormy waters of honor, betrayal, and destiny.

Central to SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3 is the revered One-Armed Swordsman trilogy, crafted by the visionary director Chang Cheh. This trio of films marks a significant evolution in the wuxia genre, blending traditional martial arts with complex storytelling. The series begins with "One-Armed Swordsman" (1967), where we meet a brave warrior who, despite losing an arm, protects his master from a lethal gang. The narrative escalates in "Return of the One-Armed Swordsman" (1969), as the protagonist is drawn back from his peaceful life into the chaos of combat, challenging the notorious Eight Kings, masters of unique and deadly martial arts styles. The trilogy culminates with "The New One-Armed Swordsman" (1971), introducing a new hero who must learn to fight and survive within the stringent honor codes after a personal tragedy.

The anthology shines a light on the narratives of strong female characters, each embodying resilience and power. "The Lady Hermit" (1971) stars Cheng Pei-pei as a relentless swordswoman on a quest to defeat the evil Black Demon, exploring themes of revenge and personal growth. In a darker narrative, "Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan" (1972) tells the story of a young woman's transformation into a fierce avenger, using her newfound martial arts prowess to overturn the brutal injustices she has suffered. "The 14 Amazons" (1972) continues this thread, portraying a band of female warriors from the Yang family who rise to avenge their slain relatives, challenging traditional gender roles within their society and the genre itself.

The collection is further supplemented by Chor Yuen’s cinematic adaptations of Gu Long’s novels, which introduce a more reflective and intricate dimension to wuxia films. "The Magic Blade" (1976) features a tale of two swordsmen united against a familiar foe in pursuit of a legendary weapon, weaving a complex web of alliances and betrayals. "Clans of Intrigue" (1977) follows a master thief accused of a heinous crime he did not commit, encapsulating themes of honor and redemption. "Jade Tiger" (1977) and "The Sentimental Swordsman" (1977) delve into the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by their protagonists, offering audiences a deeper look into the personal costs of their quests.

As the wuxia genre matured, the stories within SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3 began to reflect more nuanced and morally ambiguous themes. "The Avenging Eagle" (1978) and "Killer Constable" (1980) showcase protagonists grappling with their inner demons and real-world expectations, illustrating the evolution of character development in wuxia cinema. These films explore the darker aspects of heroism and the personal ramifications of their quests for justice.

The anthology captures the genre’s foray into the fantastical during the 1980s when wuxia films began incorporating larger-than-life elements and special effects. "Buddha's Palm" (1982) and "Bastard Swordsman" (1983) break new ground with their imaginative narratives and visual spectacles, combining traditional martial arts choreography with elements of fantasy and magic.

Each film is in SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3 has been lovingly restored to ensure pristine visual and audio fidelity, and it is presented in high-definition to capture every detail. The anthology is complemented by a wealth of supplementary materials, including expert commentaries, in-depth interviews, and a comprehensive booklet that provides historical context and cultural insights, enhancing the appreciation of these films’ contributions to cinema and culture.

SHAWSCOPE VOL. 3 is a tribute to the Shaw Brothers' enduring influence on martial arts cinema. It will be an essential collection for anyone interested in cinema, martial arts, and storytelling. This anthology not only entertains but also educates, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich narrative complexity and the dynamic evolution of the wuxia genre. It is a celebration of cinematic artistry, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Shaw Brothers, and an invitation to experience the depth and breadth of classic martial arts films. A must-have to accompany volumes 1 &2!

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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