The Lost Bladesman
Encyclopedia
The Lost Bladesman is a 2011 Hong Kong film adapted from the story of Guan Yu
crossing five passes and slaying six generals in Luo Guanzhong
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
. It stars Donnie Yen
as Guan, who also served as the film's action director. Written and directed by Alan Mak
and Felix Chong
. Filming began in March 2010 and wrapped up on 30 June 2010.
attending Guan Yu
's funeral - Guan's decapitated head is buried with a wooden statue in place of his body. The scene then flashbacks to 20 years ago: Guan Yu had been separated from his sworn brother
Liu Bei
, and he temporarily served Cao Cao while he waited for news of Liu's whereabouts. At the Battle of Baima
between Cao Cao and his rival, Yuan Shao
, Guan Yu slew Yuan's general Yan Liang
and lifted the siege on Baima. As a reward, Cao Cao recommended that the emperor
grant Guan Yu the title of "Marquis of Hanshou" (漢壽亭侯) and promote him to the rank of a lieutenant general (偏將軍).
Liu Bei's family and his concubine, Qilan, were staying in Cao Cao's territory together with Guan Yu. Cao Cao constantly presented Guan Yu with precious gifts, hoping that the general will be touched and decide to remain by his side, but Guan refused to renounce his loyalty to Liu Bei. When there were news that Liu Bei had sought refuge under Yuan Shao, Guan Yu negotiated with Cao Cao to release Liu Bei's family, and Cao agreed, while Qilan remained behind with Guan. As Cao Cao was aware that Guan Yu was secretly in love with Qilan, he tricked Guan into consuming food spiked with aphrodisiac
, in hope that Guan would express his feelings to Qilan and rape her as she was put under paralysis. However, Guan Yu managed to remain rational and did not take his sworn brother's concubine for himself. He and Qilan made preparations to leave Cao Cao after he knew Liu Bei's whereabouts from a messenger sent by Liu Bei himself.
Cao Cao's followers strongly opposed his decision to let Guan Yu leave, as they felt that Guan might become a threat to their lord in the future. Despite this, Cao Cao gave a strict order that no one was to stop Guan Yu. However, along the way, Guan Yu encountered resistance and had to fight his way through the passes. Guan Yu slew Kong Xiu
, Han Fu
, Meng Tan, Bian Xi
, Wang Zhi
and Qin Qi
, consecutively after they attempted to stop him. It was eventually revealed that it was the emperor, and not Cao Cao, who issued the order to kill Guan Yu. Guan Yu agreed to kill Yuan Shao and could not decide whether to stay or leave in favor of their relationship before reuniting with Liu Bei. However, before Qilan left, she pretended that she loved Guan Yu and said that she would ask for Liu Bei's consent so that they can marry in order to stop Guan from helping Cao Cao. Guan Yu refused and was stabbed by Qilan before the emperor sent assassins to kill him. After a final conversation, Guan Yu turned his back on Cao Cao and the emperor. He headed to reunite with Liu Bei, fighting on Liu's side against the rival states of Wei
and Wu
for the next two decades until his death.
The scene then turns back to Guan Yu's funeral. Cao Cao is sad and sheds tears for the loss of his friend. Before the film ends, Cao Cao makes some final remarks on how not him, but others such as Sun Quan
, Liu Bei
and Zhuge Liang
, are responsible for Guan Yu's death. In a post credits scene, Guan Yu is seen wielding his Green Dragon Crescent Blade upright and stroking his long beard.
and Felix Chong
initially sought actor Zhang Tielin
for the role of Guan Yu but Zhang turned down the offer, saying that he would "rather do Zhang Jizhong's The Water Margin
instead". The role was later offered to Donnie Yen, who also rejected initially, as he felt that he was unable to play the role well. The directors then offered the role again to Yen, explaining to him that if he took up the offer he would have a chance to show that he is not just another martial arts actor, but also a good actor.
Guan Yu
Guan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
crossing five passes and slaying six generals in Luo Guanzhong
Luo Guanzhong
Luo Ben , better known by his style name Luo Guanzhong , was a Chinese writer of the early Ming Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was also known as Huhai Sanren...
's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based on the events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history, starting in 169 and ending with the reunification of the land in...
. It stars Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film director and producer, action choreographer, and world wushu tournament medalist...
as Guan, who also served as the film's action director. Written and directed by Alan Mak
Alan Mak
Alan Mak Siu-Fai , born on 1 January 1968 in Hong Kong, is a writer, director, actor and producer.-Biography:In 1986, Mak studied at the School of Drama in the Hong Kong Academy for Performance Arts. Upon graduation in 1990, he started his movie career....
and Felix Chong
Felix Chong
Felix Chong Man-Keung is a Hong Kong screenwriter, film director and actor.He is one of the most celebrated screenwriters in Hong Kong and has won several prestigious awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards...
. Filming began in March 2010 and wrapped up on 30 June 2010.
Plot
The film opens with a scene of Cao CaoCao Cao
Cao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
attending Guan Yu
Guan Yu
Guan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
's funeral - Guan's decapitated head is buried with a wooden statue in place of his body. The scene then flashbacks to 20 years ago: Guan Yu had been separated from his sworn brother
Blood brother
Blood brother can refer to one of two things: two males related by birth, or two or more men not related by birth who have sworn loyalty to each other. This is usually done in a ceremony, known as a blood oath, where the blood of each man is mingled together...
Liu Bei
Liu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
, and he temporarily served Cao Cao while he waited for news of Liu's whereabouts. At the Battle of Baima
Battle of Boma
The Battle of Boma or Battle of Baima was the first of a series of battles that led to the decisive Battle of Guandu between the warlords Yuan Shao and Cao Cao in northern China during the prelude to the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
between Cao Cao and his rival, Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao
Yuan Shao was a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He occupied the northern territories of China during the civil war that occurred towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms era...
, Guan Yu slew Yuan's general Yan Liang
Yan Liang
Yan Liang was a military general serving under the warlord Yuan Shao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was slain by Guan Yu at the Battle of Boma.-Biography:...
and lifted the siege on Baima. As a reward, Cao Cao recommended that the emperor
Emperor Xian of Han
Emperor Xian of Han , personal name Liu Xie, style name Bohe, was the last emperor of the Han Dynasty period of Chinese history...
grant Guan Yu the title of "Marquis of Hanshou" (漢壽亭侯) and promote him to the rank of a lieutenant general (偏將軍).
Liu Bei's family and his concubine, Qilan, were staying in Cao Cao's territory together with Guan Yu. Cao Cao constantly presented Guan Yu with precious gifts, hoping that the general will be touched and decide to remain by his side, but Guan refused to renounce his loyalty to Liu Bei. When there were news that Liu Bei had sought refuge under Yuan Shao, Guan Yu negotiated with Cao Cao to release Liu Bei's family, and Cao agreed, while Qilan remained behind with Guan. As Cao Cao was aware that Guan Yu was secretly in love with Qilan, he tricked Guan into consuming food spiked with aphrodisiac
Aphrodisiac
An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual desire. The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexuality and love. Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable...
, in hope that Guan would express his feelings to Qilan and rape her as she was put under paralysis. However, Guan Yu managed to remain rational and did not take his sworn brother's concubine for himself. He and Qilan made preparations to leave Cao Cao after he knew Liu Bei's whereabouts from a messenger sent by Liu Bei himself.
Cao Cao's followers strongly opposed his decision to let Guan Yu leave, as they felt that Guan might become a threat to their lord in the future. Despite this, Cao Cao gave a strict order that no one was to stop Guan Yu. However, along the way, Guan Yu encountered resistance and had to fight his way through the passes. Guan Yu slew Kong Xiu
Kong Xiu
Kong Xiu is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He served as a military general under the warlord Cao Cao and was in charge of defending Dongling Pass...
, Han Fu
Han Fu (fictional)
Han Fu is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He served as a general under the warlord Cao Cao, and was appointed as Administrator of Luoyang...
, Meng Tan, Bian Xi
Bian Xi
Bian Xi is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was said to be a former Yellow Turban rebel who later surrendered to the warlord Cao Cao. During the Battle of Guandu in 200, Bian was tasked with guarding Sishui Pass...
, Wang Zhi
Wang Zhi (fictional)
Wang Zhi is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He served as a general under the warlord Cao Cao, and was appointed as Administrator of Xingyang...
and Qin Qi
Qin Qi
Qin Qi is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was a subordinate of Xiahou Dun, a general serving under the warlord Cao Cao. Qin was in charge of guarding a ferry point on the southern bank of the Yellow River...
, consecutively after they attempted to stop him. It was eventually revealed that it was the emperor, and not Cao Cao, who issued the order to kill Guan Yu. Guan Yu agreed to kill Yuan Shao and could not decide whether to stay or leave in favor of their relationship before reuniting with Liu Bei. However, before Qilan left, she pretended that she loved Guan Yu and said that she would ask for Liu Bei's consent so that they can marry in order to stop Guan from helping Cao Cao. Guan Yu refused and was stabbed by Qilan before the emperor sent assassins to kill him. After a final conversation, Guan Yu turned his back on Cao Cao and the emperor. He headed to reunite with Liu Bei, fighting on Liu's side against the rival states of Wei
Cao Wei
Cao Wei was one of the states that competed for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period. With the capital at Luoyang, the state was established by Cao Pi in 220, based upon the foundations that his father Cao Cao laid...
and Wu
Eastern Wu
Eastern Wu, also known as Sun Wu, was one the three states competing for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period after the fall of the Han Dynasty. It was based in the Jiangnan region of China...
for the next two decades until his death.
The scene then turns back to Guan Yu's funeral. Cao Cao is sad and sheds tears for the loss of his friend. Before the film ends, Cao Cao makes some final remarks on how not him, but others such as Sun Quan
Sun Quan
Sun Quan , son of Sun Jian, formally Emperor Da of Wu, was the founder of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He ruled from 222 to 229 as King of Wu and from 229 to 252 as Emperor of Wu....
, Liu Bei
Liu Bei
Liu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
and Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang
Zhuge Liang was a chancellor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He is often recognised as the greatest and most accomplished strategist of his era....
, are responsible for Guan Yu's death. In a post credits scene, Guan Yu is seen wielding his Green Dragon Crescent Blade upright and stroking his long beard.
Cast
- Donnie YenDonnie YenDonnie Yen is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film director and producer, action choreographer, and world wushu tournament medalist...
as Guan YuGuan YuGuan Yu was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty of China. He played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, of which Liu Bei was the...
(關羽), a general who serves Cao Cao briefly before leaving to reunite with Liu Bei - Jiang WenJiang WenJiang Wen is a Chinese film actor and director. As a director, he is sometimes grouped with the "sixth generation" that emerged in the 1990s. Jiang is also well known internationally as an actor, having starred with Gong Li in Zhang Yimou's debut film Red Sorghum...
as Cao CaoCao CaoCao Cao was a warlord and the penultimate chancellor of the Eastern Han Dynasty who rose to great power during the dynasty's final years. As one of the central figures of the Three Kingdoms period, he laid the foundations for what was to become the state of Cao Wei and was posthumously titled...
(曹操), a warlord and chancellor of the Han Dynasty - Alex Fong as Liu BeiLiu BeiLiu Bei , also known as Liu Xuande, was a warlord, military general and later the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history...
(劉備), a warlord and Guan Yu's sworn brother - Chin Siu-ho as Yan LiangYan LiangYan Liang was a military general serving under the warlord Yuan Shao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He was slain by Guan Yu at the Battle of Boma.-Biography:...
(顏良), a general under Yuan Shao who is killed by Guan Yu at the beginning of the film. - Betty SunBetty SunBetty Sun Li is a Chinese actress.She first entered show business by participating in 2001's Star Search, held by Singapore's Mediacorp...
as Qilan (綺蘭), Liu Bei's concubine and the love interest of Guan Yu - Andy OnAndy OnAndy On Chi-kit is a Chinese American actor and martial artist.-Biography:On was born on 11 May 1977, in Providence, Rhode Island. As a native to the USA, Andy On can speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese...
as Kong XiuKong XiuKong Xiu is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He served as a military general under the warlord Cao Cao and was in charge of defending Dongling Pass...
(孔秀), the general defending Dongling Pass - Shao Bing as Zhang LiaoZhang LiaoZhang Liao was a military general serving under the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He participated in many campaigns, including those against Yuan Shao's clan and the Wuhuan tribes...
(張遼), a general under Cao Cao and a close friend of Guan Yu - Calvin Li as Qin QiQin QiQin Qi is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was a subordinate of Xiahou Dun, a general serving under the warlord Cao Cao. Qin was in charge of guarding a ferry point on the southern bank of the Yellow River...
(秦琪), the archer who attempts to kill Guan Yu in the forest - Wang Po-chieh as Emperor Xian of HanEmperor Xian of HanEmperor Xian of Han , personal name Liu Xie, style name Bohe, was the last emperor of the Han Dynasty period of Chinese history...
(漢獻帝), the nominal ruler of the Han Dynasty - Wang Xuebing as Wang ZhiWang Zhi (fictional)Wang Zhi is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He served as a general under the warlord Cao Cao, and was appointed as Administrator of Xingyang...
(王植), the official in charge of Xingyang - Chen HongChen Hong (actress)Chen Hong is a Chinese actress, perhaps most famous for being the present wife of director Chen Kaige. They have a son together. In recent years, she has co-produced Together, The Promise and Forever Enthralled and also acted in these films...
as Lady GanLady GanLady Gan was Liu Bei's first wife and mother of Liu Shan. Very little is mentioned about her. She was posthumously named as Empress Zhaolie and was buried alongside Liu Bei.-See also:*List of people of the Three Kingdoms...
(甘夫人), Liu Bei's first wife - Zhao Ke as Lady MiLady MiLady Mi was the second wife of the warlord Liu Bei, who lived during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Lady Mi was the sister of Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, who previously served the warlord Tao Qian before joining Liu Bei's side...
(糜夫人), Liu Bei's second wife - Dong Yong as Xun YouXun YouXun You was an advisor to the warlord Cao Cao during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history. He later opposed Cao Cao taking the title of "King of Wei". His uncle, Xun Yu, was better known. In the Wade-Giles version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he and his uncle have the same name, Xun...
(荀攸), Cao Cao's advisor - Nie YuanNie Yuan-Early life:Nie was born in Zhenyuan County, Guizhou. His parents named his older brother and him "Zhen" and "Yuan" respectively to remind them not to forget their hometown...
as Han FuHan Fu (fictional)Han Fu is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He served as a general under the warlord Cao Cao, and was appointed as Administrator of Luoyang...
(韓福), a blacksmith in Luoyang who is an old friend of Guan Yu - Heizi as Meng Tan (孟坦), Han Fu's sworn brother
- Yu Ailei as Bian XiBian XiBian Xi is a fictional character in Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was said to be a former Yellow Turban rebel who later surrendered to the warlord Cao Cao. During the Battle of Guandu in 200, Bian was tasked with guarding Sishui Pass...
(卞喜), the general defending Yishui Pass - Sang Ping as Xu ChuXu ChuXu Chu was a warrior who lived during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history. He served as a bodyguard to the warlord Cao Cao. Gigantic and strong, yet simple-minded and honest, Xu Chu was referred to as "Dumb Tiger" by his fellow men...
(許褚), a general under Cao Cao - Zhou Bo as Pujing (普淨), a monk who heals Guan Yu
Production
Directors Alan MakAlan Mak
Alan Mak Siu-Fai , born on 1 January 1968 in Hong Kong, is a writer, director, actor and producer.-Biography:In 1986, Mak studied at the School of Drama in the Hong Kong Academy for Performance Arts. Upon graduation in 1990, he started his movie career....
and Felix Chong
Felix Chong
Felix Chong Man-Keung is a Hong Kong screenwriter, film director and actor.He is one of the most celebrated screenwriters in Hong Kong and has won several prestigious awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards...
initially sought actor Zhang Tielin
Zhang Tielin
Zhang Tielin , sometimes credited as Cheung Tit-lam, is a Chinese actor and film director best known for his role as the Qianlong Emperor in the Princess Pearl television series. He took up British citizenship in 1997.-Biography:...
for the role of Guan Yu but Zhang turned down the offer, saying that he would "rather do Zhang Jizhong's The Water Margin
The Water Margin (1997 TV series)
The Water Margin is a 1998 Chinese television series adapted from Shi Nai'an's classical novel of the same title. It was produced by CCTV with Zhang Jizhong as producer. It was first broadcast in China in January 1998...
instead". The role was later offered to Donnie Yen, who also rejected initially, as he felt that he was unable to play the role well. The directors then offered the role again to Yen, explaining to him that if he took up the offer he would have a chance to show that he is not just another martial arts actor, but also a good actor.
External links
- Donnie Yen eyes Guan Yu role amid flood of offers kungfucinema.com
- The Lost Bladesman at Hong Kong CinemagicHong Kong CinemagicHong Kong Cinemagic, sometimes referred to as HKCinemagic, is a bilingual website providing a repository for information about Chinese language films from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, and the people that created them. The website contains news, interviews, film reviews and a database of people,...