Seven Swords (DVD)

Adapted from renowned writer Liang Yu-Shen's timeless classic, Seven Swords tells the story of seven unlikely heroes gathered together to save a village from the massacre of a general that is seeking a fortune through killing... In the early 1600, the long ruling Ming Dynasty has been overthrown and the Manchurian invaders from the north have taken over the sovereignty, beginning what is known as the Ching Dynasty. In their highly oppressive reign, in order to prevent rebels developing revolutionary plots, the newly set-up government immediately imposes a ruthless emergency martial law, ordering all martial art practitioners to turn in their weapons to district officials or face summary execution. Wind Fire (Sun Hong-Lei), a military official from the previous dynasty, sees this as an opportunity to make a fortune for himself by helping to ruthlessly execute the new law. After eliminating all opposition, Wind Fire's final goal is to attack the village of Bowei Fortress... Fu Qingzhu (Lau Kar-Leung), a retired executioner from the previous dynasty, feels duty-bound to save Bowei Fortress. Bringing together Wu Yuan-Yin (Charlie Yeung) and Han Zhi-Ban (Lu Yi) to Mount Heaven to seek help from Master Shadow-Glow (Ma Jing-Wu), a hermit who leads a group of disciples of great swordsmanship. Agreeing to help, he orders four of his best disciples to go. Together with Chu Zhao-Nan (Donnie Yen), Yang Yun-Chong (Leon Lai), Mulong, and Xin Longzi the fellowship of seven swords is formed. However, on the journey to Bowei Fortress they find their provisions poisoned and trails of escape are marked with signs leading the enemy to them. They soon realize that there is an undercover spy among them who must be identified before Wind Fire's army reaches them... Produced, directed, and written by Tsui Hark, Seven Swords is an action-packed wuxia epic about love, betrayal, and heroism. Starring Asia's hottest stars, including award winning Hong Kong actor and singer Leon Lai, versatile actress Charlie Yeung, international action star Donnie Yen, award-winning China actors Sun Hong-Lei and Lu Yi plus Korean actress Kim So-yeon. With state of the art costume and set designs by Eddie Wong (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), and action direction by acclaimed martial arts choreographer, Lau Kar-Leung (Drunken Master 2), this is one full-blooded martial arts masterpiece you simply can't afford to miss!