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Golden Swallow (Jin Yanzi) Hong Kong
MIFF 2003 guest Cheng Pei Pei (Come Drink With Me) stars in this 60s action adventure also known by the evocative title, The Girl With the Thunderbolt Kick. Golden Swallow has seemingly given up her death-dealing ways until she is wrongfully accused of going on a bloody rampage against an evil clan. The actual culprit is closer to her than she could imagine, impersonating her to draw her out into the open. Golden Swallow has been separated from her childhood sweetheart, the notorious killer Silver Roc, for years but she follows Roc's trail of blood accompanied by close friend Whip Hand, who is also in love with her.
A complicated love triangle develops as Golden Swallow's affections are torn between the two men but all three must join forces against the ruthless clan. This innovative film is a perfect example of why Cheng Pei Pei's (nicknamed 'The Queen of Swords') characterisations were years ahead of their time. She was a truly independent, strong, intelligent female role model without sacrificing any femininity.
'My first personal favourite. This marked my 'Million Dollar Director' period and the peak of the wuxia genre.' -Chang Cheh
'after watching One-Armed Swordsman, Golden Swallow and Vengeance, I gained the feeling that I too could possess the kind of youthful romanticism of those heroes.' -John Woo
D Chang Cheh P Run Run Shaw S Chang Cheh, Tu Yün-chih WS Celestial Pictures Ltd L Mandarin w/English subtitles TD 35mm/Col/1968/105mins