Watches
May 17, 2021
Another trademark Yuen Chor film for the Shaw Bros studios. He's clearly one of their most skilled directors, though his tendency to mix in other genres (like drama and romance) sometimes backfires. The romance certainly isn't the strongest part of The Bastard, the rest of the film offers plenty of compensation.
The plot is very basic. We follow an orphan who was brought up in a monastery. When he is of age, the monk sends him on a quest to find his father. On his way he befriends a female beggar, who joins him on his quest. When he finally meets up with his father, he isn't the man he hoped he would be.
The cinematography is well above par for a Shaw Bros production, the action scenes are proper, and the finale doesn't disappoint. The romance never quite finds its footing though and the performances are borderline acceptable. Chor's martial arts films rarely disappoint though and they offer a nice diversion from the more standard Shaw Bros productions.
More by the director
Yuen Chor

Descendant of the Sun

Duel for Gold

Heroes Shed No Tears

Iron Chain Fighter

Perils of the Sentimental Swordsman

Clans of Intrigue

Death Duel

Duel of the Century

Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan

Lust for Love of a Chinese Courtesan

Return of the Sentimental Swordsman

Sex, Love and Hate

Swordsman and Enchantress

The Black Lizard

The Lizard

The Magic Blade

The Proud Twins

The Roving Swordsman

The Sentimental Swordsman

The Spirit of the Sword

The Web of Death

Full Moon Scimitar

Killer Clans

Bat without Wings

Hong Kong 73

Lover's Destiny

Sleazy Dizzy

Sorrow of the Gentry

The Villains

Diary of a Big Man

Fascinating Affairs

Haunted Tales

The Big Holdup

The House of 72 Tenants

Farewell to a Warrior
