Blades of the Guardians

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Blades of the Guardians

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2h 6m

Action

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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96%

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24 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

Four generations of martial arts stars unite! Directed by Yuen Woo Ping, icons like Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, and Jet Li come together for an epic martial arts event. In the desert, many groups, including escorts, the government, and merchants, are fighting for power. Dao Ma, a famous bounty hunter, takes a job to protect a man on the long road to the city of Chang'an. However, he discovers the person he is protecting is the empire's most wanted man, Zhi Shi Lang. Now, every greedy faction is hunting them, and a deadly battle for the prize begins.

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Keith Uhlich

(All (Parentheses)) (Substack)

Feb 21

Yuen Woo-ping knows how to direct wuxia action sequences, shocker, and additionally how to navigate a dizzying array of characters and locales so that any relational befuddlement becomes bliss.

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Simon Abrams

RogerEbert.com

Feb 18

3.5/4

The film stands out among Yuen Woo-Ping's best directorial credits thanks partly to its straight-ahead run-and-fight narrative as well as its focus on playful action, movie-star charisma, and pulpy melodrama.

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Aaron Neuwirth

We Live Entertainment

20h

8/10

Yuen Woo-Ping has been a martial arts choreographer for decades. Yet, here he is sitting with folks like George Miller and Ridley Scott, acting like they’re all much younger men, and delivering truly thrilling entertainment like no one’s business.

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Ben Miller

InSession Film

3d

B+

Blades of the Guardians is just too freaking cool. Don’t get too worried about the plot mechanisms, you’ll catch up eventually. Just sit back and take in the first-class martial arts action adventure.

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Anya Couture

Geek Vibes Nation

6d

9/10

Woo-Ping has brought back his signature fluid style in a new way. Blending fighting styles with wire work and a more intense incorporation of environmental influences during fights, Blades of the Guardians is by far his best modern work.

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Brent Hankins

The Lamplight Review

Feb 27

8/10

Woo-ping has once again proven himself a master of the genre, delivering a film packed to the gills with action that keeps finding new ways to surprise you just when you think you've taken its measure.

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Andrew

5d

The best Mandarin Wuxia movie in 10 years IMO! I like the Biao Ren (Blade Guardian) comic and knew it has anime version, but never expected it to become a movie. However, it did surprise me with such high quality! Also, I'm neutral about Wu Jing, but I had to admit he did an excellent job! I highly recommend this movie! Especially if you understand Mandarin. It's worthwhile!

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Chris L

5d

Best kungfu movie I see so far. Fighting is real and exciting! A must see movie.

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Andrew

5d

Constant action, solid acting, good story, fantastic kung fu. Jet Li still got it. Second act (desert chase, particularly the sand storm) was phenomenal. Well worth watching for all Wuxia fans.

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Francisco M

5d

I was blown away! The movie had nonstop action and it looked like they relied very little on CGI

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Charlie F

5d

LOVED IT! Best wuxia movie since Crouching Tiger. Gorgeous cinematography, incredible choreography and action sequences, great fx. Do yourself a favor and go see this!

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Don J

6d

Awesome period martial arts epic from the master director himself Yuen Woo Ping. Amazing fight choreography and sword play sequences. I was riveted throughout. And Wu Jing is a total badass.

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Woo-Ping Yuen

Director

Jing Wu

Actor

Nicholas Tse

Actor

Yosh Yu

Actor

Jet Li

Actor

Chen Lijun

Actor

Blades of the Guardians: Teaser Trailer

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Synopsis

Four generations of martial arts stars unite! Directed by Yuen Woo Ping, icons like Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, and Jet Li come together for an epic martial arts event. In the desert, many groups, including escorts, the government, and merchants, are fighting for power. Dao Ma, a famous bounty hunter, takes a job to protect a man on the long road to the city of Chang'an. However, he discovers the person he is protecting is the empire's most wanted man, Zhi Shi Lang. Now, every greedy faction is hunting them, and a deadly battle for the prize begins.

Director: Woo-Ping Yuen
Screenwriter: Tai-lee Chan, Larry Yang, Yu Baimei, Chao-Bin Su
Distributor: Well Go USA Entertainment
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 17, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 2h 6m