Return of the Sentimental Swordsman (1981)

Dead people can’t use money

Three years after the events of The Sentimental Swordsman, Ti Lung is back in the title role to take on the Money Clan who is determined to rule the martial world. One of Shaw Brothers’ big money makers, Return of the Sentimental Swordsman had a star-studded cast with many famous Hong Kong actors in roles large and small.

Like many movies regarding the martial world, the large cast was needed so that duels could take place to see who was really the best. Aside from Ti Lung, Lo Lieh appeared as the leader of a beggar kung fu clan who worked for whoever paid best. Yueh Hua, Yuen Wah, Yuen Bun, Kara Hui, Tony Liu, and Ching Li all made appearances. The main characters aside from Ti, were Derek Yee as his friend who had been beguiled by a femme fatale since last they met, Ku Feng was the ruthless leader of the Money Clan, and Alexander Fu Sheng starred as Ku Feng’s adopted son.

Ti Lung’s character, Li Xun Huan had become a traveling alcoholic after the trials of the first movie. But like Michael Corleone in The Godfather II, every time he tried to get out of the martial world they kept pulling him back in. He needed to save his friend, A Fei, and stop the Money Clan’s nefarious plans. However, being ranked #3, he kept being challenged by those ranked below him to see if Little Li’s Legendary Daggers were as fast as rumored to be. Alexander Shu Fei as the Left Hand Sacred Knife pulled off a Princess Bride (1987 film-check it out if you haven’t!) moment that had me laughing.

The fights were adequate, some quite well choreographed, but many were more theatrical than fast and accurate. There were a variety of weapons and techniques used which was entertaining. Nearly everything was filmed on the movie lot, but the sets and scenery were better than some other Shaw productions.

Ti Lung made a sentimental and sympathetic character, though Alexander Shu Fei’s conflicted character was nearly as compelling. Derek Yee’s side-kick came across more pathetic then sympathetic. Lo Lieh’s short appearance was powerful as the playful and lethal beggar clan leader. Ku Feng nearly always turns in a powerful supporting performance, this time as the Big Bad.

If you enjoy old martial arts films and haven’t watched Return of the Sentimental Swordsman, this is one to check out, if only for spotting all the famous actors and bit players popping up on screen. Far from perfect and rated on my old, niche grading curve, this Sentimental Swordsman was an entertaining 90ish minutes fight for supremacy and honor.

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