A 'remake' of a Shaw Bros film "Death Duel", both based on a Gu Long wuxia fantasy novel. At times the film does have the feel of a studio lot bound film. But it is a modern production, with good production values, and sensible fight choreography while still being true to wuxia fiction and its world of wandering master swordsmen, magical swords, clans fighting for supremacy in the Jiang Hu.

The themes of redemption, and the futility of a senseless battle to be first, drive this film. I like films where characters grow and change. Those themes also make the film speak beyond its immediate setting of a martial arts subworld in China to be more universal.

A well balanced enjoyable martial arts film.