Last Hurrah for Chivalry


Last Hurrah for Chivalry is a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts film written, produced and directed by John Woo, and starring Damian Lau and Wei Pai. The film is a precursor to Woo's heroic bloodshed films. The film was released in the Hong Kong on 11 November 1979.

Plot

Last Hurrah for Chivalry is a story about two killers for hire in ancient China. The two assassins are master swordsmen with no allegiance. They decide to help out a local merchant, seeking revenge against a kung fu master. The plot contains multiple twists of deception, leaving characters wondering whom to really trust. The story ultimately ends with a revelation as to who truly has honor.

Cast

The film is a tribute to director John Woo's mentor, Chang Cheh. The stylish appeal also came from Akira Kurosawa influences. The main character Tsing Yi is an inspiration taken from the real-life assassin Jing Ke, who is historically remembered for his failed assassination attempt of Qin Shi Huang. The year the film was released is also the same year John Woo met Tsui Hark.

Box office

Last Hurrah for Chivalry had mediocre box office numbers.