available Mar 14, 2023Before he became known as the master of the bullet-riddled heroic tragedy, John Woo sharpened his trademark themes and kinetic action choreography with this whirlwind wuxia spectacle. Unaware they are caught in a deadly game of deception, a pair of rambunctious swordsmen (Wai Pak and Damian Lau) join forces to help a nobleman (Lau Kong) in his quest for vengeance. Paying thrilling homage to his mentor, martial-arts innovator Chang Cheh, Woo delivers both bravura swordplay set pieces and a bloodstained interrogation of the meaning of brotherhood and honor in a world in which loyalty is bought and sold.
The Criterion Collection
BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES
2K digital restoration, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio and uncompressed monaural soundtracks
Alternate English-dubbed tracks
Audio interview with director John Woo
New interview with Grady Hendrix, author of These Fists Break Bricks
Trailer
New English subtitle translation
PLUS: An essay by scholar Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park
New cover designed and illustrated by Alphaville
Plot (imdb):
A son tries to avenge his father, and gets two sword fighters to help him.
