NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: 88 Films Blu-ray (April 2025): 88 Films has transferred Kao Pao-shu's Lady with a Sword to Blu-ray. It is on a dual-layered disc with a maxed out bitrate. Lady with a Sword showcases the Shaw Brothers’ signature aesthetic: vibrant colors, elaborate sets, authentic period costumes, and dynamic fight choreography. The 1080P has an occasional waxy softness. Kao Pao-shu employs tight framing for emotional scenes (e.g., Fei Fei’s confrontation with Jin) and expansive shots for action, creating a rhythm that balances intimacy and grandeur. The use of red and gold hues - exported with depth by the Blu-ray - in costumes and sets reinforces the film’s passionate tone. Outdoor scenes, often shot on studio lots or nearby locations, feature lush forests, winding paths, and open courtyards. These settings are idealized with manicured foliage and clearings designed for choreography. There is occasional depth, and aside from the softness, this is a pleasing HD presentation.

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On their Blu-ray, 88 Films uses a linear PCM dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original Mandarin language. The sound effects in Lady with a Sword are exaggerated and stylized, typical of wuxia films, designed to heighten the visceral impact of action and immerse viewers in the mythical world. Sword clashes are rendered with sharp, metallic clangs -- each strike amplified to emphasize its force. The whoosh of blades slicing through the air adds a rhythmic pulse to fights, almost musical in its cadence. Punches and kicks land with exaggerated thuds, while blood spurts are accompanied by subtle squelches, balancing theatricality with restraint to avoid cartoonishness. There is minor depth - lacking spatial depth - in the uncompressed track. The operatic-style score, by Joseph Koo (Lady Whirlwind, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon, Broken Oath, The Skyhawk, Slaughter in San Francisco,) is typical of Shaw Brothers and blends traditional Chinese instruments (the erhu, pipa, and guzheng) with dramatic orchestral flourishes. It amplifies the tension of battles and underscores Fei Fei’s sorrow, though it can feel overstated in quieter scenes. 88 Films offers optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The 88 Films Blu-ray offers a new commentary by David West (Chasing Dragons: An Introduction to the Martial Arts Film,) a journalist and a Hong Kong cinema expert. He delves into Kao Pao-shu’s pioneering role as a female wuxia director in the male-dominated 1970s Shaw Brothers scene, comparing her to contemporaries like Chang Cheh. There are insights into Lily Ho’s career trajectory (Angel with the Iron Fists, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan,) Han Ying-Chieh’s choreography influence (The Big Boss,) and the film’s feminist themes - Fei Fei’s defiance of patriarchal pressures to forgive her fiancé. West contextualizes Shaw Brothers’ shift from wuxia to kung fu post and shares trivia, like the film’s Chinese title, Feng Fei Fei. His style is accessible, blending historical context with cast/crew anecdotes. It’s a highlight for fans and genre scholars. There is also a stills gallery running a couple of minutes. The package has a reversible sleeve featuring original Hong Kong art. 

Kao Pao-shu's Lady with a Sword centers on Feng Fei Fei (Lily Ho - Angel with the Iron Fists), a skilled martial artist driven by a quest for vengeance. The film is concise yet packed with action and drama, characteristic of the Shaw Brothers’ wuxia output. Its straightforward revenge narrative is enriched by Fei Fei’s internal struggle, making it more than a typical swordplay spectacle. Beyond revenge / justice, there are minor themes involving female agency and empowerment. Fei Fei is a compelling protagonist, blending physical prowess with emotional depth. Lily Ho’s performance captures her duality - fierce in battle yet vulnerable in moments of betrayal. Her swordsmanship, graceful and lethal, symbolizes her inner resolve, while her interactions with Hu Tou reveal a softer, nurturing side. Fei Fei’s arc is one of self-discovery as she learns to prioritize justice over personal desires. The restored visuals and audio on the 88 Films Blu-ray elevate the film’s charm. David West’s commentary has supplementary value, offering deep genre insights. This package should be considered a desirable release for wuxia fans. Comparables with strong female protagonists might be Come Drink with Me, The 14 Amazons, and A Touch of Zen.

Gary Tooze