Liu Xiao Feng zhi jue zhan qian hou

Based on Gu Long's Before and After the Duel, the third installment in the Lu Xiaofeng series, this was directed by Chor Yuen. Just as the title states, this is about the sword fight between Ye Gucheng (Jason Pai) and Ximen Chuixue (Elliot Ngok), which will be to the death on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Once friends, no one knows why they are engaging in such a battle and when Ximen postpones the duel, Lu Xiaofeng (Tony Liu) and his fellow martial artists Sikong Zhaixing (Lung Ting-sang), Hermit Pine (Shum Lo), Hua Manlou (Sun Chien) and Monk Honest (Walter Tso) decide to learn the why.

That takes them to gambling dens, to rumors of revenge, to finding out that Ye may have been poisoned and that his wife, Leng Qingqiu (Ching Li), has grown ill. Strange still, only Ximen can heal Ye from his affliction, but will he?

Which technique is stronger? Wavering Sword or Floating Goddess? While the story that gets you there is long and wandering, at least Lu Xiaofeng is one cool hero. He's nearly unstoppable with a sword and he has no issue telling those he fights exactly that. There are so many people with something to lose in this bet between two men, but when honor is in danger of being lost, that's when both will have to put their life on the line.

Tony Liu plays a hero (the same character from Clan of Amazons) tries to find out why two great heroes are fighting a duel. Many of the characters from Amazons are reprised. The usual Chu Yuan hijinks ensue. Yueh Hua and Ching Li have what amount to cameos in this one, Tony Liu really has to carry the movie. Too bad he's not given much to work with. His character is goofy and annoying, and his only reason for getting involved in the plot seems to be boredom and curiosity.

I must say, I thought Chu Yuan could do no wrong when adapting Gu Long works. This proved me wrong. It adds a bit of unfortunate comedy to the usual twisty "martial world" plotline. Even the art design is not up to the usual gorgeous standards.

Not awful, but not good. Stick with Magic Blade, Clans of Intrigue or Jade Tiger.