Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Duel to the Death (1983)

If you’re even a slight fan of the wire effects laden variety of martial arts movie, you really need to see this one, because this was one of the first of that type of film. The climatic duel that the title refers to is among one of the best that this sub-genre has ever produced and you will be amazed by it.

The story features Damian Lau as a Chinese swordsman and Norman Tsui as a Japanese swordsman, each man has been chosen to represent their nation in a contest held once every decade. Set during the Ming Dynasty, the story refreshingly portrays both the Chinese hero known as the Sword Saint, and his Japanese counterpart Lord Hashimoto as likeable and equally decent men. Despite the fact that the centerpiece of the movie is their duel, neither is actually presented as the true villain. The true villains are those that are conspiring behind the scenes and the corrupt officials that are attempting to stack the odds in their favor.

Ching Siu-Tung marked his directorial debut with the enjoyable fantasy, but he also helped in the writing chores, and handled the fight choreography too. In that sense, one can truly call Duel to the Death Ching’s baby, and looking at the end result, Ching has every reason to be proud of the final product.

Between this movie, Tsui Hark’s Zu:  Warriors from the Magic Mountain, Sammo Hung’s the Prodigal Son, and Jackie Chan’s Project A, it is no surprise to see that the Golden Harvest production company was dominating the Hong Kong film industry in the early eighties. Not only were their pictures more imaginative than the competition, they were better produced, and incredibly more memorable than anything else out at the time. And, amazingly enough, all of these films have stood the test of time, and are well worth seeking out.

The action sequences in Duel to the Death are astonishingly well executed and a real treat for the eyes. The violence is rather cartoonish in nature, but it does get a bit bloody at times, and because of that I do feel the need to say this may not be appropriate for younger viewers. I’d say that it’s probably okay for those over the age of thirteen, but I’d rather leave that call for individual parents to make.

An exciting fantasy, the kind of movie that will stick in your mind for some time to come, and a visual treat too, Duel to the Death is one heck of a picture, and I highly recommend it. It may not be for everyone, but I think I’ve said enough to inform people that are reading this as to whether or not you are the kind of viewer that would get into this one or not.

-William J. White

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older