The Trail of the Broken Blade A.K.A. Trail of the Broken Blade • 斷腸劍 (1967)

The Trail of the Broken Blade (1967), also released as Trail of the Broken Blade, and originally titled Duan Chang Jian (斷腸劍), is an early Shaw Brothers wuxia classic directed by Chang Cheh. Starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Chiao Chiao, Chin Ping, Chen Hung-Lieh, and Ku Feng, the film combines swordplay, revenge, romance, honor, and sacrifice in one of Chang Cheh's important early martial arts productions.

STORY OVERVIEW

After avenging his murdered father by killing a corrupt official, young swordsman Li Yueh abandons his privileged life and the woman he loves to become a hunted fugitive. Pursued across the countryside, he faces ruthless enemies while seeking redemption and defending innocent people.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Trail of the Broken Blade features elegant sword duels, dramatic one-on-one battles, and the heroic action style that became central to Chang Cheh's filmmaking. Jimmy Wang Yu brings determination and intensity to the film's memorable martial arts confrontations.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Trail of the Broken Blade is an important early example of Chang Cheh's approach to wuxia cinema. Collectors appreciate Jimmy Wang Yu's commanding performance, emotional storytelling, traditional swordplay, and polished Shaw Brothers production values.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1967, The Trail of the Broken Blade arrived during Chang Cheh's rise as Shaw Brothers' leading martial arts director. Its themes of honor, sacrifice, and heroic tragedy helped establish ideas that would define his later classics.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Trail of the Broken Blade – International English title
  • Trail of the Broken Blade – Alternate English title
  • Duan Chang Jian – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Tyun Cheung Gim – Cantonese romanization
  • 斷腸劍 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 断肠剑 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Le Sabre Brisé – French release title
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh
• Action Director: Han Ying-Chieh
• Music: Wang Fu-Ling
• Cinematography: Tadashi Nishimoto
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu, Chiao Chiao, Chin Ping, Kiu Chong, Chen Hung-Lieh, Paul Wei Ping-Ao, Ku Feng, Fan Mei-Sheng, Wong Chung-Shun, Wu Ma
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Swordplay, Drama
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Swordsmanship
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 104 Minutes
• Release Year: 1967

Prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.