The Flying Dagger

The brutal, B&W opening sequence was giving me Japanese vibes. I really enjoyed this Wuxia ensemble and Lo Lieh as a lead in one of his few heroic roles. Cheng Pei-pei did well in her role of the dutiful daughter and I was surprised that she wasn't an expert fighter in this but she got to show her range which was a plus for me.

This isn't top tier Chang Cheh, but it's fun and seems to be greatly influenced by "Yojimbo" and the morally grey samurai flicks that follow it. The plot is very simple, but there's lots of sword fighting and knife throwing and Lo is a very charismatic hero.

The dagger-throwing villain is iconic, but for all the film's bright red paint and Spaghetti Western vibe, the script is just too awful, Lo Lieh is pitiful in the lead, and the action is badly dated when compared with later Run Run Shaw productions.

This early swordplay movie from Shaw Brothers features Lo Lieh in a rare heroic role, the beautiful but deadly Cheng Pei Pei, and the rugged direction of Chang Cheh. Pitted against the evil Flying Dagger, the hero and heroine must combine their efforts to thwart his schemes. Classic Wuxia.