Dragon Inn (1967)

In the heart of an ancient empire, the Emperor's Eunuch, a cunning manipulator, orchestrates the execution of a powerful army commander, branding him a traitor. The commander's lineage is seemingly erased with the ruthless murder of his family. However, his youngest offspring, a son and a daughter, escape the bloodbath, expelled to the realm's outskirts. Their expulsion serves as a tantalizing ploy to lure the commander's wise confidant and adviser into a deadly trap. The Eunuch dispatches his covert Black Arrow Troop, a formidable force of secret police, with a chilling mission - assassinate the surviving children and their adviser. The stage is set for this sinister ambush at the atmospheric Inn of Dragon's Gate, a sequestered outpost on the empire's fringe. But the Eunuch's meticulous scheme begins to unravel with the unexpected arrival of enigmatic journeymen, their blades sharp, and their mastery of the sword undeniable. As the film unfolds, the Dragon Inn transforms into a battlefield of shifting allegiances, relentless pursuits, and electrifying swordplay. The secret agents, the deportees' escort, a smattering of mysterious travellers, the Eunuch's personal guard, and frontier soldiers all find themselves caught in a web of treachery and deceit. And at the heart of it all, the Eunuch, puppeteering the chaos from the shadows. "Dragon Inn" is an unforgettable foray into classic Asian cinema, pulsating with martial arts mastery reminiscent of "The Swordsman" and "Zatoichi" films. An intricate dance of loyalty, betrayal, and honor awaits those who step into the Dragon's den, where the line between friend and foe blurs, and survival hinges on the swift swing of a sword. A must-see for enthusiasts of traditional Chinese cinema, "Dragon Inn" is a symphony of suspense and skill, its melody echoing long after the final reel.

Dragon Inn is an action movie featuring Shih Chun and directed by King Hu.

Dragon Inn is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Dragon Inn on Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.