The Sword Stained with Royal Blood AKA Xin Bi Xue Jian • 新碧血劍 (1993)

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood (1993), also known as Xin Bi Xue Jian and originally released as 新碧血劍, is a Hong Kong wuxia film directed by Cheung Hoi-Ching. Based on the classic novel by Louis Cha (Jin Yong), the film stars Yuen Biao, Sharla Cheung, Danny Lee, Anita Yuen, Ng Man-tat, Elsie Yeh, and Elizabeth Lee. Combining swordplay, martial arts, fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, the film brings Jin Yong's story to the screen during the height of Hong Kong's 1990s wuxia revival. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors of classic Hong Kong wuxia and martial arts movies on DVD.

STORY OVERVIEW

After the death of Marshal Yuen, constable Yuen Shing-Chi becomes involved in a dangerous conflict when he encounters Ah Kau, a young woman whose identity is far more important than it first appears. Their journey brings them into the middle of a struggle involving the Wan family, rival martial artists, and the mysterious Golden Snake Man.

As Yuen becomes drawn deeper into the martial world, the legendary Golden Snake Sword becomes the center of a deadly confrontation. The Five Poison Sect and other powerful fighters also enter the conflict, forcing Yuen to choose between his sense of justice, his loyalty to his friends, and the complicated relationships surrounding the sword.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Sword Stained with Royal Blood features fast-paced wuxia swordplay, traditional martial arts, weapons fighting, acrobatics, and imaginative fantasy action. Yuen Biao brings his trademark speed and athletic movement to the role of Yuen Shing-Chi, while Danny Lee plays the mysterious Golden Snake Man. The film also features martial arts choreography associated with Hsu Hsia and Yuen Miu.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors of Yuen Biao movies, Hong Kong wuxia movies, and Jin Yong adaptations often seek out The Sword Stained with Royal Blood for its large ensemble cast and mix of swordplay, fantasy, comedy, and adventure. The film brings together Yuen Biao, Sharla Cheung, Danny Lee, Anita Yuen, Ng Man-tat, and Elizabeth Lee in a colorful 1990s Hong Kong martial arts production.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in Hong Kong in 1993, The Sword Stained with Royal Blood was part of the resurgence of wuxia and swordplay films during the early 1990s. Directed and produced by Cheung Hoi-Ching, the film adapts Louis Cha's classic novel while adding the fast-moving action, fantasy elements, and ensemble casting associated with Hong Kong cinema of the period.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Sword Stained with Royal Blood – English title
  • Xin Bi Xue Jian – Mandarin romanization of the original title
  • 新碧血劍 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 新碧血剑 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Cheung Hoi-Ching
• Producers: Cheung Hoi-Ching, Cheung King-ngam
• Screenplay: Cheung Hoi-Ching, Wai San
• Based On: The Sword Stained with Royal Blood by Louis Cha (Jin Yong)
• Production Company: Production Line Films
• Distributor: Regal Films Distribution
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
• Martial Arts Focus: Wuxia Swordplay, Traditional Kung Fu, Weapons Fighting
• Starring: Yuen Biao, Sharla Cheung, Danny Lee, Anita Yuen, Ng Man-tat, Elsie Yeh, Elizabeth Lee, Elvis Tsui, Wu Ma
• Music: Mark Lui, James Wong
• Cinematography: Ma Kam-cheung, Stephen Poon, Lau Hung-chuen
• Editor: Poon Hung
• Format: DVD
• Language: Cantonese
• Running Time: 96 Minutes
• Release Date: November 25, 1993
• Release Year: 1993

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.