Written by Ni KuangDirected by Chang ChehHong Kong, 1970

A hero need not be impervious to error. The most noble of heroes can in fact lack gravitas because they are too clean cut, too perfect. A character that can be led astray and commit errors in judgement will often make for much more compelling storytelling. The protagonist need not be written as someone with a ‘bad side.’ He or she can genuinely strive for upstanding citizenship, but by the nature of whom they are or the uncooperative circumstances beyond their control they experience failure on any number of levels. 1970s The Wandering Swordsman, from workaholic director Chang Cheh, plays with the idea of the imperfect hero with impressive results.

The Wandering Swordsman is Chang film that once again stars David Chiang, ostensibly playing the same character he so often did. He is a young, highly talented swordsman who runs, hops and pirouettes his way around the country, encountering crooks and other sorts of gangsters who earn their living through illegal means. He intercepts them before they can ever flee with their bounty and, in true Robin Hood fashion, donates most of the money to people in need. Of course he does so with a infectious glee that oftentimes has him come across as a smart ass. Part Robin Hood, part Peter Pen the Wandering Swordsman is contempt with his lot in life. One day he makes the acquaintance of Jiang Ning (Lily Li), a pretty if temperamental sword fighter, whom he rescues from a thug in the woods. Jiang Ning is member of a group of highly trained soldiers tasked with transporting a valuables from one town to another, but word soon gets out, resulting in various criminals scheming plans to foil their mission. With so many players, both good and bad, wanting to either help the escort or defeat it, will the Wandering Swordsman differentiate who is on which side?