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

The Magic Blade (1976), also released as The Moonlight Blade, was originally released as 天涯明月刀 (Tian Ya Ming Yue Dao / Tin Nga Ming Yuet Dou). 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 Li-li, the film combines mystery, political intrigue, elegant swordplay, 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 is drawn into a dangerous struggle surrounding the legendary Peacock Dart, a weapon feared throughout the martial world. As rival clans, assassins, and martial arts masters pursue the priceless treasure, every alliance conceals another betrayal. To uncover the truth, Fu must navigate a web of deception where trust is rare and every encounter could prove deadly without revealing the film's conclusion.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Magic Blade emphasizes fast, precise swordsmanship, hidden weapons, carefully staged duels, and suspenseful confrontations rather than large-scale battles. Action director Tong Kai combines graceful wuxia choreography with explosive moments of violence, while Chor Yuen's striking visual style, elaborate Shaw Brothers sets, dramatic lighting, and atmospheric cinematography create one of the studio's most visually memorable martial arts productions.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Magic Blade is highly regarded by collectors as one of Chor Yuen's finest collaborations with Shaw Brothers Studio and one of the strongest adaptations of a Gu Long novel. Ti Lung delivers one of his most memorable wuxia performances, supported by Lo Lieh, Ku Feng, and an outstanding ensemble cast in a story filled with mystery, shifting loyalties, and beautifully choreographed sword fights.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1976, The Magic Blade helped establish Chor Yuen as Shaw Brothers Studio's leading director of Gu Long adaptations. Alongside films such as Clans of Intrigue and Death Duel, it demonstrated how martial arts cinema could successfully combine detective-style storytelling, complex characters, and sophisticated visual design with outstanding wuxia action.

• 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 – Official Mandarin pinyin
  • Tin Nga Ming Yuet Dou – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chor Yuen
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chor Yuen
• Based on: The novel by Gu Long
• Action Director: Tong Kai
• Cinematography: Wong Yue-Tai
• Music: Frankie Chan
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: 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 Li-li
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 97 Minutes
• Release Year: 1976

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