The Thundering Sword (1967) is one of Chen Pei-Pei's more melodramatic roles and a well crafted film. To modern eyes, the execution and soundstages may seem quaint, but if you give yourself to the mood, it is a tragic and moving experience. It is also special because this is one of Cheng-Pei Pei's less heroic characters. She is something of a villain at the start of the movie and tries to turn a new leaf after falling in love. It is based on the introductory storyline in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, but modified to create a self-contained feature. This movie also seems to have served as the blueprint for Chor Yuen's Web of Death (1976). As I said, it is an old-fashioned melodrama, and even includes two musical sequences. I would encourage people to go in with an open mind and try to appreciate it in the context of its time. I have a review of the Thundering Sword up at easternKicks. Check it out to read my thoughts on the film.
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