I finally found Dragon Inn (1967), recently released on Criterion. I'd seen the remakes/reimaginings already, Dragon Inn (1992) and Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (2011), but hadn't seen the original, King Hu version.
As usual, the Imperial eunuchs are causing trouble. Cao Shiao-qin is trying to kill off the family of a rival general, who have fled to the west. His intelligence agencies set up an ambush at the Dragon Inn, a low-down spot near the border. They meet up with martial artist Shih Chun, who wants to meet innkeeper Tsao Chien for some unknown purpose. Another pair of fighters show up, one of whom is referred to a handsome young man, although she's clearly a woman... And it turns out that the innkeeper is quite a martial artist, too. These four will protect the general's family against the secret police, and eventually, the eunuch himself.
There are some nice little set pieces, like when someone tries to stab Shih Chun when he's drinking. He grabs the point of the sword between his thumb and finger, with the winecup balancing on the flat of the blade. The assassin can't move it in any direction, and is thrown back into the wall when he flicks the sword away.
But, and I may be jaded by more modern styles, the fighting is good but pretty old fashioned. There's no wirework (I think), but a lot stunt tricks. Also, the Tartars aren't as cool as in Flying Swords.
Still, it was great to see one of the old school wuxia movies. Hu made this in Taiwan, after making Come Drink with Me for the Shaw Brothers in Hong Kong. I think I liked Drink, better, but I'd watch more of these if I find them.
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