“Blades of the Guardians” premiered officially on February 17, 2026, and our search for a thrilling wuxia is finally over. Director Yuen Woo-ping, a key figure in Hong Kong action cinema and a renowned architect of modern screen combat, takes on Xianzhe Xu’s Biao Ren manhua and delivers a truly exhilarating epic that features some of the most mind-blowing action scenes to have graced cinema screens in years.
The film follows Dao Ma (Wu Jing), a former Left Valiant Cavalry Guard turned bounty hunter, during the bleak years of the Sui Dynasty under the rule of the oppressive Emperor Yang Guang. By his side at all times is Xiao Qi (Charles Ju), a young boy whose identity remains a mystery for the better part of the story. They go about the usual routine that has served them well so far. Soon enough, Dao Ma will realize that he is only the second most wanted fugitive of the empire when Lao Mo (Tony Leung Ka Fai), the chief of Mo family clan and the former’s benefactor, entrusts him with escorting Zhi Shi Lang (Sun Yizhou) to Chang’an. At first, Dao Ma is hesitant, as his reputation and subsequent bounty follow him all the way to the imperial city; however, given the fact that Zhi Shi Lang is the Leader of the Flower Rebellion, making him the empire’s actual most wanted fugitive, Dao Ma realizes that he is merely the second most important target and, as is often the case in such stories, decides to take on the mission for the greater good of the people (and secretly, but most importantly, Xiao Qi’s).
The three of them are joined on this perilous journey that spans all the way across the steep Taklamakan Desert – and beyond – by Ayuya (Chen Lijun), Chief Mo’s prized daughter who can handle a bow and arrow better than any male character, and her aide, Ani (Xiong Jinyi). What starts as a mere entourage mission turns into a high-stakes manhunt operation as our main characters are chased down by multiple forces with conflicting motives, including independent fighters, regional powers in the Western regions, and imperial court forces. Among them, Dao’s former battle companion in the Left Valiant Cavalry, Di Ting (Nicholas Tse), chases after our protagonist, and Heyi Xuan (Cisha), Chief of the Heyi Clan and bloodthirsty suitor of Ayuya, craves power and glory as well as revenge for his called-off engagement. Circumstances – not trust – bring Shu (Yosh Yu), The Jade Faced Ghost, and Yan Ziniang (Li Yunxiao), Shu’s mischievous captive, in the turmoil, as they inevitably join the escort team, however, not without a fight or concealed motivations.
Genre legend Wu Jing portrays Dao Ma with precious care, adding all the necessary layers to this multifaceted character. At times, he is stern and cautious, and when the situation calls for it, he is ferocious and intense, reminding us of the true nature of a fugitive who lives up to their reputation. That is not to say that he is not caring and gentle at heart. In fact, for most of the film, Wu Jing’s portrayal of the lead is so endearing that you cannot help but feel empathy for the man and his cause from the very first scene. Wu Jing strikes a rare balance, doing the manhua’s character justice in a way only he knows how.
On the same note, there is so much to be praised about Yue opera singer Chen Lijun’s performance as Ayuya. It is, unfortunately, rare to witness such a well-fleshed-out female character, and even more rare to see such delicate and meticulous handling by a performer. Every time Chen Lijun graces the screen, she brings a new element to her charismatic and dynamic character, who ranges from empowered to empathetic and all the way to heartbreaking. This range is not limited to just the emotional aspect of Ayuya. Chen Lijun executes stunts with as much elegance as confidence. Truly a revelation.
Great anticipation also surrounded legendary Jet Li, who finally broke his long hiatus with his role here as Chang Guiren. The film does take pride in its mind-blowing all-star cast that manages to incorporate all four generations of Chinese action cinema, resulting in a rather monumental chronicling of tradition and inheritance. The impressive ensemble, other than the aforementioned, includes – but is not limited to – veteran Kara Hui, Max Zhang, Li Yunxiao, and Liu Yaowen, and they all do a masterful job of incorporating their unique skills and experience into the mix.
K-pop idols Wen Junhui from SEVENTEEN and Dong Sicheng / Winwin from NCT also have notable parts as Yuji Niuluo and Da Lai, respectively, and their moments to shine – and shine they do. Other than their commitment to the story and the delivery of their lines, their execution of hand-to-hand combat, weapon work, and horseback sequences is a testament to their vigorous training and hefty background. But that is not a surprise. What is more striking is the nature of their roles, diverting from the usual cookie-cutter parts we are used to seeing idols choose, which made this watch all the more entertaining.
Yuen Woo-ping, an industry legend known for his action choreography on The Matrix trilogy, as well as his work on “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “The Grandmaster”, is now back as a director, his main focus being the foundations of Chinese wuxia cinema. It only makes sense that Yuen is also in charge of the action, as his wish for wuxia here is not to be a surface dazzle, but a substantial display of discipline and humanity. To achieve that, production insisted on casting performers with actual physical training and “true skill”. Even the younger generation of performers was required to have a strong foundation in disciplines including martial arts training, opera performance, dance, and competitive sports. Stunt doubles were naturally deployed. Nonetheless, the cast was not only encouraged to perform their own action scenes whenever possible but also underwent rigorous physical training, which involved conditioning, endurance work, horsemanship, weapon handling, falls, impact control, and mounted archery. And the bet paid off, since the physical language of the film is, in fact, its strongest point.
It is not only the intense and gritty battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Large-scale pursuit sequences that take place in the desert regions of Western China are more than a backdrop to the story. They are part of a bigger picture. Yuen sees forests where others see trees, utilizing the unforgiving elements of fire, sand, wind, heat, snow, and uneven ground in battles under extreme conditions. Now our heroes’ resilience is magnified in a jianghu that is very much alive, almost like a character in its own right.
