I really enjoyed this movie, but must admit I spent the whole time feeling disappointed at the same time.

The story is really good, delivering an interesting tale supported by mostly good acting. The fighting is a bit hit and miss, some of the fights are good others, not so much.

It then dawned on me that this movie screams 'remake', however I think we have missed the chance to see it at its best.

For those of you into this genre, picture this movie in your minds eye with Jet Li in it during his prime? OMG.

It would have been one of the all time classics!

DEATH DUEL is a notable film in the 'wuxia' cycle of director Chor Yuen, helping to cement a template that would see him through for seemingly dozens more similar movies. These all featured set-bound locales featuring tight but creative design work with pools, rivers, bridges, pagodas, forests, gardens and villas all lovingly crafted by Shaw's art directors. It also has a massive cast of notable stars and bit-players, from classic actor cameos (Lo Lieh, Ti Lung, David Chiang, Yueh Hua) to youthful newcomers such as main actor Derek Yee. The plot is on the light side and veers into parody at times with the amount of people getting continually bumped off, but it also has something to say about fame which keeps it interesting throughout. The action isn't as spectacular as some, but Yuen is a talented professional who knows what he's doing here.

If you are considered one of the best sword man ... well you know you will have others who will test that. And that is putting it mildly. It doesn't matter how you feel about things or how you treat others, it is about the title. Well that is what most would say of course.

Then again how much of a reason do we need to see Sword fights in a Shaw Brothers movie? Exactly! But it is refreshing to see that a plan is put in place, that while wicked and morally very low ... it is something many may have wondered ... like why don't you try a dirty trick on someone that is unbeatable? Here we get something that is satisfying and despicable at the same time. The story may seem like it is knitted together by a string but it still works. And consdering this probably was all shot in a studio ... well it really looks good for that. Not to mention the really good stunts (forget about the fake blood and enjoy it for what it is)