The Magic Blade A.K.A. The Moonlight Blade • 天涯明月刀 (1976)

The Magic Blade (1976), also known as The Moonlight Blade, was originally released as 天涯明月刀 (Tian Ya Ming Yue Dao). Directed by legendary filmmaker Chor Yuen for Shaw Brothers Studio, this acclaimed wuxia adventure is based on Gu Long's celebrated novel. Starring Ti Lung, Lo Lieh, Ku Feng, Tang Ching, Li Ching, and Lily Li, the film combines mystery, political intrigue, elegant swordplay, hidden weapons, and lavish Shaw Brothers production design into one of the defining wuxia films of the 1970s. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Master swordsman Fu Hung Hsueh and his rival Yen Nan-Fei are drawn into a deadly struggle surrounding the legendary Peacock Dart, a weapon feared throughout the martial world. When the powerful criminal mastermind Yu seeks control of the weapon, the two swordsmen must put aside their rivalry and work together against a common enemy. Traps, poisons, assassins, and hidden motives surround them as they move closer to the truth.

Fu Hung Hsueh is entrusted with the Peacock Dart after its owner is attacked, making him a target for those determined to obtain the weapon. As Fu and Yen become caught in a series of elaborate schemes, they encounter dangerous opponents and shifting alliances while attempting to reach Yu and stop his plans. The journey turns into a battle of swordsmanship, strategy, and deception.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Magic Blade emphasizes fast, precise swordsmanship, distinctive weapons, hidden techniques, carefully staged duels, and suspenseful confrontations rather than conventional large-scale kung fu battles. Fight choreography by Tang Chia and Wong Pui-kei gives Fu Hung Hsueh's unusual blade a memorable presence, while Chor Yuen's elaborate sets, dramatic lighting, and atmospheric visual style create one of Shaw Brothers' most distinctive wuxia productions. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Magic Blade is highly regarded by collectors as one of Chor Yuen's standout collaborations with Shaw Brothers Studio and one of the notable screen adaptations of a Gu Long novel. Ti Lung's performance as Fu Hung Hsueh, supported by Lo Lieh, Ku Feng, Li Ching, and the rest of the ensemble, gives the film a memorable combination of mystery, swordplay, unusual weapons, and shifting loyalties.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1976, The Magic Blade was one of Chor Yuen's many adaptations of Gu Long's martial arts novels for Shaw Brothers. The Hong Kong Film Archive identifies it as a 1976 Shaw Brothers production and highlights its swordplay, weapons, and visual design, while also noting its place among the studio's important wuxia films. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Magic Blade – International English title
  • The Moonlight Blade – Alternate English title
  • 天涯明月刀 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 天涯明月刀 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Tian Ya Ming Yue Dao – Mandarin romanization
• Director: Chor Yuen
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang, Sze To On
• Based On: The novel The Magic Blade by Gu Long
• Action Directors: Tang Chia, Wong Pui-kei
• Cinematography: Wong Chit
• Music: Frankie Chan
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Mystery, Action
• Martial Arts Focus: Swordplay, Hidden Weapons, Traditional Wuxia
• Starring: Ti Lung, Lo Lieh, Ku Feng, Tang Ching, Li Ching, Lily Li
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 97 Minutes
• Release Year: 1976

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