A standout wuxia film heavily influenced by both the longstanding Japanese samurai tradition and the emergent Spaghetti Western, The Bells of Death is a fantastical tale of revenge produced by Shaw Brothers Studio, directed by the prolific Yueh Feng (Madam White Snake) and starring Chang Yi (Lady Whirlwind) in one of his earliest roles. Wu Fei (Chang) is a simple woodcutter - that is, at least, until he gives directions to a group of bandits he encounters on a lonely road, sending them in the direction of his family home. He returns to find the criminals have murdered his parents and younger brother - while his sister has been kidnapped, claimed by chief bandit Tao Ching Lung (Lam Kau, Drunken Master) as his new bride. Desperate for vengeance, Wu Fei finds a way forward when he encounters a master swordsman (Yang Chi-ching, Come Drink with Me), who takes the woodcutter under his wing and prepares him to take his bloody revenge. A markedly dark and gruesome wuxia film featuring a cadre of truly despicable villains, The Bells of Death boasts breathtaking cinematography by Pao Hsueh Li - who would go on to direct several wuxia films of his own - and features Hong Kong superstars Wu Ma and Sammo Hung in supporting roles.
- Region Code:
- Region B
- Duration:
- 88 minutes
- Original Language:
- Mandarin
- Extras:
- Language(s): Mandarin, English, Subtitles: English, Interactive Menu, Screen ratio 1 - 2.35:1, Mono, Booklet, Commentary: Frank Djeng (East Asian cinema expert); Mike Leeder and Arne Venema (action cinema experts)., Interviews: Wayne Wong (editor of 'Martial Arts Studies')., Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Gregory Sacre (Gokaiju).
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