The early days of Chinese martial arts fantasy films were filled with ambitious storytelling but often lacked advanced special effects. In the 1970s, practical effects improved slightly, yet they still left much to be desired. Monsters were often just actors in elaborate costumes, and visual effects were minimal at best.
Here, we rank four ghostly and monstrous wuxia films from worst to best, evaluating their storytelling, effects, and overall impact.
1. The Web of Death (1976) – A Letdown of Arachnid Proportions
Directed by Chor Yuen, The Web of Death promised an exciting martial arts adventure with a fearsome giant spider. However, audiences were left disappointed when the so-called monstrous spider turned out to be tiny, static for most of its screen time, and animated in an unconvincing manner. Instead of being terrifying, the spider merely rears up like a horse and fires a laser beam, making the expert swordsmen cowering in fear look utterly ridiculous.
Chor Yuen, a celebrated director of Hong Kong cinema, was known for his romanticized martial arts films, many based on the novels of Gu Long. However, The Web of Death was one of his lesser works, made under the direction of Shaw Brothers studio. Despite a screenplay by prolific writer Ni Kuang and a cast that included Yueh Hua, Ching Li, and Lo Lieh, the film’s low production values and unconvincing effects overshadowed its potential.
The plot centers on two rival martial arts clans uniting to prevent a villain from unleashing a venomous, indestructible spider upon the martial world. While the story had promise, the weak execution and laughable monster placed it firmly at the bottom of our ranking.
2. Black Lizard (1981) – A Mysterious but Misleading Thriller
Another Chor Yuen-directed film, Black Lizard, is often confused with his earlier heist film The Lizard. Unlike the previous entry, Black Lizard does manage to evoke some of Chor’s signature atmospheric cinematography, similar to his classic The Sentimental Swordsman. However, the film’s biggest letdown is the titular monster.
The movie opens with what appears to be a giant lizard, but upon closer inspection, it looks like a rubber toy. Despite being central to the title, the creature barely appears again, and when it does, it could just as easily be a rock.
Fortunately, the film is more of a supernatural mystery than a monster flick. It follows a swordsman, played by Derek Yee, who leaves his fiancée for a two-year security mission. Upon his return, he is warned by a black-clad spirit warrior that his fiancée is doomed. He also meets a scarred fighter who carries a wooden mannequin of the woman in a coffin, deepening the eerie mystery.
The film is beautifully shot, mostly at night, with glimpses of ghostly figures in a garden adding to the supernatural ambiance. While the martial arts choreography is engaging, the film’s convoluted plot and misleading title keep it from ranking higher.
3. The Devil’s Mirror (1972) – A Wuxia Grindhouse Oddity
Directed by Sun Chung, The Devil’s Mirror is an unusual blend of martial arts and witchcraft. The film feels like a 1970s grindhouse movie, featuring eerie sets, skull-shaped fire pits, and tribal drummers. The story follows a witch and her Bloody Ghouls clan as they attempt to steal two magical feng shui mirrors that grant invincibility.
The film’s first half focuses on rival clans discovering that the thief is an outsider, while the mysterious “Fish Intestine Sword” plays an inexplicable role. The second half, however, delivers bizarre and thrilling visuals that make it stand out from other wuxia films of the era.
Sun Chung, who later became known for stylish action films like The Avenging Eagle, experimented with unique cinematography here, including an impressive 180-degree pan shot of a mass fight scene. The film also features a memorable performance by Lee Ga-sai as the evil witch, who later gained fame as a culinary columnist.
Despite its eccentricity, The Devil’s Mirror is a fascinating cult film, earning it a higher spot on our ranking.
4. Dragon Swamp (1969) – Classic Wuxia Fantasy at Its Best
Topping our list is Dragon Swamp, directed by Lo Wei, a filmmaker often criticized by Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan but respected for his work in the 1960s and 1970s. Unlike the previous entries, this film delivers solid storytelling, high production values, and compelling performances.
Featuring Hong Kong’s “Queen of Swords” Cheng Pei-pei, along with Yueh Hua and Lo Lieh, the film showcases intricate set designs, breathtaking cinematography, and well-executed action sequences. The story follows a young fighter, played by Cheng, on a mission to retrieve a stolen sword from Lo Lieh’s villain. Along the way, she discovers the enigmatic Dragon Swamp Master—an older woman also played by Cheng—adding an intriguing twist to the plot.
While Dragon Swamp doesn’t break new ground in special effects, its blend of martial arts and fantasy is well-balanced. The highlight is an inn fight scene reminiscent of Cheng’s legendary performance in Come Drink With Me. The film’s polished execution and engaging narrative make it the best of the four.
Hong Kong cinema has produced some of the most unique fantasy wuxia films, blending martial arts with supernatural elements. While these films may not have the high-budget effects of modern cinema, they offer a glimpse into the creativity and ambition of their time.
For more insights into classic Hong Kong films, visit inews, where we dive into the legacy of martial arts cinema and its greatest stars.
