Return of the One-Armed Swordsman (Dragon Dynasty) – DVD Review
The Film:
What’s not to love about this 1969 sequel to an early Shaw Brothers’ classic, The One-Armed Swordsman? Chang Cheh (The 5 Deadly Venoms), one of the Shaw Brothers’ most prolific directors returns, as was series star Jimmy Wang Yu. The action is just cracked up from the first film; it’s a bloody, violent, film, a sequel that not only lives up to the first film, but at times, surpasses it. Return of the One-Armed Swordman packs absolutely everything we martial arts film fans love into an entertaining, memorable, kung fu classic.
Master Fang (Yu) is seemingly retired and living peacefully with his wife. When a gang of self-proclaimed sword kings offer a challenge, Master Fang refuses. They soon start terrorizing and killing every local expert, something that soon draws Master Fang reluctantly out as they come seeking his help. With his wife now threatened, he draws his half-broken sword into action once more. What is so appealing about the film, is the star Jimmy Wang Yu. His Master Fang is a reluctant participant in violence, something that only happens when he is cornered. The film isn’t as riotous with camp or comedy, but instead is a bloody foray into villain ego and hero solitude. Fang is at peace and he turns the other cheek multiple times at challenges, but once his wife is threatened, his instincts and swordplay is unleashed, protecting his family.
Maser Fang isn’t a hero because of what he does, but only since it calls for such action. The film might be considered a somber action film, if that makes sense, with the gravity of death and violence at the forefront. Don’t fret, though. This is a Shaw Brothers film and we get the blistering, non-stop action, mixed with some outrageous (at the time of 1969) violence. Some of Cheh’s directorial touches are readily apparent: the brotherhood comradely, heroic stances towards the oppressors, and honor. Of course, each villain gets an awesome introductory scene, with their name and weapon showcased. Return of the One-Armed Swordsman is one of the better sequels releases from the famous studio and that’s no easy feet considering the first is widely regarded as a genre classic. It’s because of the character’s emotional weight in between the wild action scenes, that will make this a memorable film for kung fu fans.
The DVD:
Audio/Video: Dragon Dynasty releases another stellar transfer from the Celestial Pictures catalog. Colors and details are high, bright, and easily apparent. There’s really no major print damage, either. The audio is equally as good for its Mandarin and English mono soundtracks. Kung fu fans will be easily pleased.
Sadly, much like their last Shaw Brothers film release, no extras. This is an especially shameful since the film is a classic and the first film got so many extras.
The Film: Rating: 
The DVD: Rating: 
