To Kill a Mastermind A.K.A. The Deadly Breaking Sword • 風流斷劍小小刀 (1979)

To Kill a Mastermind, also released as The Deadly Breaking Sword, is a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts mystery produced by Shaw Brothers Studio and directed by Sun Chung. Blending political intrigue, dangerous conspiracies, and exciting martial arts action, the film delivers an engaging investigation filled with hidden identities, deadly assassins, and unexpected betrayals. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who appreciate authentic Hong Kong martial arts cinema on physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

A powerful criminal organization quietly expands its influence throughout the Empire, using secrecy, deception, and ruthless assassinations to eliminate anyone who stands in its way. As fear spreads through the Imperial Court, Yang Chen-yu is assigned the dangerous mission of exposing the mysterious leader behind the growing conspiracy.

His investigation uncovers hidden alliances, secret agents, and deadly enemies operating from the shadows. With every new discovery, the conspiracy grows larger and the danger more immediate, leading to a tense final confrontation where the fate of the kingdom rests on identifying the elusive mastermind before it is too late.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

To Kill a Mastermind combines martial arts action with detective-style storytelling, making every fight an important piece of the larger mystery. Rather than relying on nonstop combat, director Sun Chung carefully builds suspense through calculated sword duels, surprise ambushes, and encounters that gradually reveal the identities of friend and foe. The result is a martial arts thriller where investigation and action work hand in hand.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate To Kill a Mastermind for its intelligent blend of mystery, political intrigue, and traditional Shaw Brothers action. Sun Chung crafts a story driven as much by suspense and hidden conspiracies as martial arts spectacle, offering a refreshing alternative to straightforward revenge films. Its polished production values and carefully constructed plot make it an overlooked gem within the Shaw Brothers library.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released during the late 1970s, To Kill a Mastermind reflects Shaw Brothers Studio's continued evolution beyond conventional kung fu adventures. Sun Chung's emphasis on investigation, suspense, and political conspiracy demonstrated the studio's ability to combine sophisticated storytelling with exciting martial arts action, helping broaden the appeal of Hong Kong cinema during one of its most creative periods.

• Verified AKAs:
  • To Kill a Mastermind – English home video title
  • The Deadly Breaking Sword – Alternate English title
  • 風流斷劍小小刀 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 风流断剑小小刀 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Fēng Liú Duàn Jiàn Xiǎo Xiǎo Dāo – Mandarin pinyin
  • Fung Lau Tyun Gim Siu Siu Dou – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Sun Chung
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1979

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