Watch Butterfly and Sword

Butterfly and Sword is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts movie directed by legendary filmmaker, Michael Mak. The movie features a star-studded cast including Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Michelle Yeoh, and Joey Wang, who bring the story of a heroic warrior and his female companions to life. Set during the Ming Dynasty period in China, Butterfly and Sword follows the adventures of two warriors: Flying Fish (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung) and Green Shadow (Michelle Yeoh). Flying Fish is a skilled swordsman who seeks revenge against a group of assassins who have murdered almost all of his family. He receives help from a group of female martial artists known as the Butterfly Clan, who are searching for a powerful sword known as the Peacock Dart. The sword has been stolen by a notorious villain named Jade Fox (Joey Wong), and the Butterfly Clan believes Flying Fish can help them retrieve it.

Flying Fish agrees to help the Butterfly Clan, and the two groups combine their skills to battle Jade Fox and her army of assassins. Along the way, Flying Fish and Green Shadow develop a relationship, deepening the plot's romantic aspect. The action in the movie is constant and exhilarating, as the protagonists and antagonists engage in epic sword fights and acrobatic combat.

The plot of Butterfly and Sword is not only action-packed but also filled with intrigue and twists. The story has a lot of surprises, and the characters' scripted developments keep you engaged throughout the movie. Each character is unique, and their motivations are diverse, which elevates the plot above a simple black-and-white morality tale.

Tony Chiu-Wai Leung's restrained performance is excellent as he captures the subdued and quiet demeanor of his character, Flying Fish. Michelle Yeoh's Green Shadow, on the other hand, takes on the yin to Flying Fish's yang. She portrays a fierce, strong-minded woman who holds her own in the male-dominated world of martial arts, leaving no doubt that she can take care of herself.

Joey Wong's Jade Fox is the evil villain that effortlessly commands the screen. She's regal, charismatic, and mystical, with a sense of humor, making it difficult not to enjoy her every time she appears on screen. Her character's backstory is complex, adding richness to the world and making her more than just another villain.

Aside from the cast, the movie is notable for Ivan Lai's stunning cinematography that complements the film's action sequences. The movie has excellent fight choreography, with the fight scenes choreographed by Sammo Hung who is well-known for his work in Hong Kong martial arts films. While the fight scenes are visually striking, they are also grounded in reality, with the combatants not wielding superhuman strength or invincibility.

The set design and costumes also add layer upon layer of details to the movie. The colorful clothing of the Butterfly Clan adds an elegance of its own, contrasting nicely with the dull colors of Jade Fox's outfits. The movie's setting that was filmed in ancient China provides an excellent backdrop, as well.

Additionally, the musical score by Frankie Chan and Roel A. Garcia is noteworthy, with themes that enhance the movie's overall feeling. The background score complements the movie's action sequence, and is not just an interruption, making the spectacle more memorable.

Overall, Butterfly and Sword is an engaging and thrilling movie. Fans of Hong Kong martial arts flicks will undoubtedly enjoy this movie's action, while those who prefer more in-depth plots and characters' development will not be disappointed. The script's twists and turns, along with the nuanced and relatable characters, make Butterfly and Sword a must-watch for both martial arts and action film buffs.