The New One-Armed Swordsman (1971)
literal translation: New Only Arm Sword
cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Guk Fung, Wang Chun (Wong Chung), Yuen Shun Yi, Li Ching,
Cheng Hong-yip, and Chen Sing (Chan Sing)

"The New One-Armed Swordsman" doesn't star Jimmy Wang Yu (which may explain why this is The New...); nor does it follow the original's storyline, rather settling to tell a slight and skinny variation of the ole one-arm-is-better-than-two concept with Chang Che at the helm once again.

The base of the film is a weak structure that seems somehow, someway, gradually grow stronger as the action builds in a staggering upward momentum. Clinging on to this tower of swordplay, while simultaneously trying to sweep the script under the rug is star David Chiang who portrays the one-armed one and charismatic and sharp co-star Ti Lung.

Naturally, dueling schools face off towards one another daily in a barrage of sliced abdomens, thick discharged lines of blood exiting the mouth like chew, and skinned raw flesh wounds. Tempers flare and mouths run wild. On one particular day a well-versed swordsman named Lo Lei (Chiang) faces off against a master from a rival school.

A simple but torturous bet is placed: the looser cuts off their right arm in disgrace. What Lo doesn't realize is that the master's nanchaku (cross between a pair of nanchaks and a bo) is impossible to beat even with two swords and can deliver blows capable of crushing bones.

Beaten, Lo takes off his own arm even after the master calls off the bet. Staggering in severe pain Lo winds up at a shanty restaurant where he is hired as a waiter by a grumpy but cowardly old man.

Wanting to accept his fate Lo stops practicing martial arts, though he performs tricks with one arm like he never lost the other. There is no half-torched book here: Lo juggles, cleans tables, and waits like he had never had a right arm to begin with, though he is ridiculed for being a cripple by nearly every customer who comes through the door.

Of course Lo has a female companion (Li Ching), but this school-girl-in-a-woman's-body variation doesn't act as so much of a love interest to Lo, but rather as a caring and helpful sister.

Also joining the cast is another Shaw Bros. favorite; Ti Lung, who plays an old friend of Lo's and who likewise ends up joining in the fight against the nanchaku-wielding master who brags that it is impossible to beat him because it would take three swords to combat his weapon.

The finale should be a must-see for all interested in classical swordplay.