Legend of the Liquid Sword


Legend of the Liquid Sword is a 1993 Hong Kong wuxia comedy film loosely adapted from the Chu Liuxiang Series by Gu Long. The film was written and directed by Wong Jing and starred Aaron Kwok as Chu Liuxiang. The film inspired the title of American rapper GZA's albums Liquid Swords and Legend of the Liquid Sword.

Synopsis

Chu Liuxiang is sent by his master, Dugu Qiubai, to attend a martial arts contest in Shaolin Monastery that is held once every ten years. On the journey, he meets Hu Tiehua and Zhongyuan Yidianhong. When Chu arrives at Shaolin, he fights with a Shaolin member called Wuhua but neither of them is able to defeat each other. They decide to have a match again on another day. One night, Chu meets Wuhua and strikes up a conversation with her. Both of them decide to enter the palace in search of adventure. They disturb the prince on his wedding night but are accidentally caught in a trap and only manage to escape with the help of their friends.
Meanwhile, Bat Prince breaks into Shaolin and kills Dugu Qiubai, the Demonic Cult's leader, and Wuhua's master. Bat Prince is actually the son of a Japanese ninja called Tianfeng Shisilang, and he wants to avenge his father. 17 years ago, his father came to challenge the three best fighters in China, but was defeated and committed suicide in shame. Bat Prince is not satisfied even after his victory and wants to dominate the jianghu. Chu is injured by Bat Prince in a fight and loses his powers. Wuhua takes him to the Holy Water Palace for treatment. Shuimu Yinji heals Chu's wounds and teaches him new skills, after which Chu faces the Bat Prince in a fight.

Cast

Distribution

Mei Ah Entertainment released a dual-subtitle DVD that they have since taken out of print. Xenon Pictures handled the United States release which basically contains the Mei Ah version with the only difference that the entire opening sequence was replaced with a card reading simply "Liquid Sword." The original burned-in subtitles are used.
The full uncut print runs 12 minutes longer than the Mei Ah and Xenon releases and was released in Taiwan on video by ERA Home Video.