Have Sword, Will Travel (1969) April 22, 2007
Posted by Cal in : Wuxia, 1960s films , trackbackDiretor: Chang Cheh Starring: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Li Ching Action Diretor: Yuen Cheung-Yan, Tong Gai Territory: Hong Kong Production Company: Shaw Brothers
Engaged couple Siang and Yun Piao Piao (Ti Lung and Li Ching) help an aging and decrepit Kung Fu master transport some silver. However, lone swordsman Yo Li (David Chiang) inadvertently gets involved.
Have Sword, Will Travel is a typical Chang Cheh movie – buckets of blood, honour and nihilism going hand in hand. And like many Shaw Brothers films from the time, the first hour or so is pretty actionless – a deliberate attempt to give the final reel more emotional impact. While most of the early part of the film is preamble, it does set up the love triangle that is created when Piao Piao takes a shine to Yo Li - much to Siang’s annoyance. Also, the scene where Yo Li is forced to sell his horse is surprisingly moving.
The final half an hour is a brilliant showcase set in a magnificent old tower. The setting imposes some great atmosphere, although it has to be said that the frequent switches between exterior and studio shots is not particularly effective and are quite obvious. The swordplay here is extremely impressive for its day, and the usual buckets of blood are employed to great use. I’m sure Freud would have had something to say about all the ejaculations of blood on show here! Add to that the obvious needle between Siang and Yo Li, and it makes for quite an intriguing finale. Will Siang relent and let Yo Li help him when faced with insurmountable odds in the tower? Who will finally walk off with Yun Piao Piao?
This was clearly a major influence on the new wave of HK Wuxia films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers et al. But with all the fancy CGI and high production values, the new crop of HK swordplay films aren’t particularly better than the originals. Those that look down all HK films (except those embraced by Hollywood as being “not just a chop-socky but with an actual STORY”) would do well to check this out, providing they can stomach the intensely graphic (and still quite convincing) violence.
Comments»
First class film! The ending is wonderfully gory. If only all Shaw films were as good
Coincidentally, I watched this again just the other day and I liked it even more. I just love the brooding animosity between Ti Lung and David Chiang. I tried to count the on-screen deaths at the end but it was impossible - it’s got to reach triple figures, though! Sometimes a good massacre is what’s needed, and these early 70’s Chang Cheh films don’t disappoint. I’m going to be watching BOXER FROM SHANTUNG again soon and that’s another great bloodbath ending!
David Chiang is an ABSOLUTE GREAT ACTOR, this movie convinced me !
Thanks for your comment Stacey! I’m a fan of David too and you’ll find many more reviews for his films around here
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Does the “Iron Triangle” ever disappoint?
I’m glad to see so much love for this film! Out of the many, many Iron Triangle films I’ve seen, this certianly has a special place in my heart.