Synopsis: The desert bodyguard Dao Ma is entrusted by his benefactor Patriarch Mo to escort the mysterious Zhi Shilang back to Chang-An, and is besieged by the riotous Hu Shang family. Patriarch Mo perishes defending the identity of Dao Ma as the left primus guard of the sinful family's orphaned baby Xiaoqi that Dao Ma had risked his life to save so many years ago, all because Zhi Shilang told him about Xiaoqi's and Dao Ma's mysterious destinies. (125 Mins)

 

Views: Legendary film-maker Yuen Woo Ping returns to the helm to bring us a hugely impressive live-action adaptation of popular Chinese comic book, Biao Ren – Blades of the Guardians. Although it had already been adapted as an animated television series in back 2023, with that itself being held in high regard by fans of the original manhua comic, Yuen accepted the challenge of bringing this blazing wuxia epic to the big screen. Interestingly, this started around the same time with the production finally taking 3 years to complete for release as Woo Ping wanted everyone cast to go through some tough training regimes. This included learning traditional martial arts, horse riding and other equestrian skills, swordsmanship and stunt-work so that they could meet the director's high standards for the action scenes involved. And honestly, it's very clear that all the hard work paid off. Harking back to many of Yuen Woo Ping's self-directed wuxia classics of the 90s, through to his later works such as True Legend (2010) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: Sword of Destiny (2016), as well as joining the ranks of similar modern action hits like 14 Blades (2010), Call of Heroes (2016), Double World (2020) and Tsui Hark's Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants (2025), Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert tells the tale of bounty hunter Dao Ma who travels the deserts with his young nephew, in search of wanted criminals to earn a living. But this talented fighter carries a secret that soon comes to light when a old friend from his past, soon catches up with him. Gaining a loyal band of warriors along the way, Dao Ma and his new friends face hordes of enemies, from corrupt Governors to power hungry clan leaders, fighting to survive in a land of deadly warriors!

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Leading the way is China's action-movie poster boy, Wu Jing, who returns to the traditional wuxia genre for the first time in ten years; last impressing with his martial arts skills in his role as Zhang Yi in Call of Heroes (2016). Of course, that's not to say that the man hasn't been busy in between then having directed and starred in the massive Wolf Warrior 2 (2017) as well as hits like Wandering Earth (2019), The Climbers (2019), The Sacrifice (2020), Battle at Lake Changjin 1 & 2 (2021), and Wandering Earth 2 (2023) among others, securing his name as one of China's most bankable stars. Here, as well as doubling-up duties as the leading producer of the film, Wu stars as heroic bounty hunter Dao Ma and does an incredible job in the role. Delivering a solid performance akin to that of his one in the aforementioned Benny Chan directed epic, Wu Jing lets us see that he was born to star in these roles and I was super happy to see him back in action. Accompanied by his young nephew, in what seems like a nod to the classic Lone Wolf & Cub manga respectively, the much loved actor was the perfect choice as Dao Ma and carries himself wonderfully, both in terms of the wuxia action and melodrama – dropping little moments of humour along the way which just adds to the charm of his character. Of course, it was Yuen who gave Wu Jing his first big break when he cast him as the lead of his film Tai Chi II (aka) Tai Chi Boxer back in 1996, so it seems quite fitting that both have joined forces once again to bring us an even more exciting film 30 years later...

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Yuen Woo Ping and Wu Jing bring a top cast together for this epic period piece, utilising some newer names as main characters and a few veterans of Hong Kong cinema in guest starring roles. These include global superstar Jet Li, returning to work with Woo Ping for the first time since The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) almost two decades earlier. Of course, the pair had created some genuine classics of Hong Kong cinema throughout the 1990s, so it was great to see them back on the same project once again. Likewise, both he and Wu had shared some previous time together in the past, albeit briefly, with The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) and Badges of Fury (2013). While his role was short, Li still leaves an impression as the ruthless Lord Chang – getting to show his worth as he takes on Wu Jing and the underrated Max Zhang, who also stars as a deadly swordsman in hiding – of course, returning to work with both Woo Ping and Wu Jing again after sharing previous projects over the years. Although their fight begins about 15 minutes into the story, the energy and choreography involved is equal to the climatic battle of many other films in this genre. While the wonderful Kara Hui and Yu Rong Kwong make small appearances, with the latter getting to throw a few quick moves in the background, the much loved Tony Leung Ka Fai guest stars as Lord Mo; friend to the band of heroes who joins them on their journey across the desert. Having just come off the 2025 box office smash hits, Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants and The Shadow's Edge alongside Jackie Chan, it was great to see him follow-up in another epic cinematic outing and see him credited with Jet Li once again after their time on the underrated and similarly themed League of Gods (2016). Interestingly, it's probably worth noting that Larry Yang, writer and director of The Shadow's Edge, was also behind the screenplay here for Blades of the Guardians, And finally, the handsome Nicholas Tse makes quite the impression as Dao Ma's old friend-turned-enemy Di Ting; a brutal fighter who wants revenge for his fallen brothers. Since making his film debut back in 1998, Tse has become one of Hong Kong cinemas most impressive action stars, and delivers some Donnie Yen-inspired kicks throughout his fight scenes with Wu Jing that will make viewers sit up and take notice.

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They are joined by fast-rising star Ci Sha – a young Norman Tsiu Siu Keung lookalike who starred with Tony Leung in the aforementioned hit film The Shadow's Edge just prior to this, where he played multiple roles as triplets. Here, Sha plays feisty Khan soldier Heyi who forces his army on Dao Ma and his team as he tries to force control as the new Khan leader. New actor Josh Yu Shi, who starred in Born to Fly and Creation of the Gods in 2023 (both of which were also released by Cineasia), does a great job in the role of Jade Face Ghost; another talented swordsman and bounty hunter that joins Dao Ma in his quest. Likewise, Sean Sun Yi Zhou was great as the young warrior official, Zhi Shi Lang. Interestingly, the role of leading female character, Ayuya, had initially been played by Nashi, the Mongolian/Chinese actress who starred alongside Ci Sha and Josh Yu in Creation of the Gods. But after some controversy came to light regarding her educational background, she was very quickly dropped from the production with the role recast that saw the lovely Chen Lijun taking over. This, in turn, led to an extended reshoot of her character's scenes, and increase in the overall budget, and the initial release date postponed as a result. Having mostly made her name on stage as an opera performer, including a new stage-play adaptation of New Dragon Gate Inn (2024), it's only fair to say that Chen makes her performance here stand-out in both the action and acting department. I must also add that fans should stick around for a surprise as the end credits role, to see Yuen Woo Ping himself make a small cameo while paying to his late-father's Drunken Master (1978) character, Sam Seed. It certainly brought a smile to my face.

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Offering stunning cinematography, gorgeous set pieces, detailed costumes, and state-of-the-art special FX, Blades of the Guardians delivers some of the finest wuxia action ever committed to film over the last ten years. Choreographed by Yuen Woo Ping and his team, with the talented and great Dee Dee Ku Huen Chiu taking the credit of action-director, the many fights and battles on offer are fast and furious for the most part, wonderfully filmed and executed, that show the creativity and talent of everyone involved. While I have never had the pleasure of reading the original comic books myself, I am very convinced that many of the epic scenes witnessed on screen have been quite faithful to its original source material, with numerous action scenes looking like panels that have been lifted from the pages themselves. Getting it's UK & Irish cinematic release on April 17th by Cineasia, Blades of the Guardians deserves to be seen on the big screen due to the nature of it's epic story telling and stunning visuals. It could be, quite possibly, the biggest and best film of the year and deserves to be supported on release with the hope that we see more stories on Dao Ma and company in the very near future!

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Overall: Quite possibly Yuen Woo Ping's finest moment yet, Blades of the Guardians is an exciting ride filled with wild characters, blistering wuxia action, and sweeping cinematography that's epic in every way!