Hong Kong Synopsis
布衣神相
Just when audiences thought the director couldn't get more spectacular and outrageous, he unleashed this eye-filling, mind-bending "Martial Arts World" sequel of clan rivalries, ninja atrocities, wizard sorceries, and the mythical Silkworm style that changes our hero into a veritable Spider-swordsman. The screen practically explodes with colorful characters and kung-fu — all directed, co-written, and co-choreographed by Lu Chun-ku, and showcasing some of the best Shaw Brothers action stars. The original Bastard Swordsman was just the beginning, this superlative cult classic that out-phantasmagoricals the original.
Other Titles From Shaw Brothers
The 1983–1985 Hong Kong Window
In the crowded 1983-1985 Hong Kong release window, Return of Bastard Swordsman sits at #28 of 36. The leaderboard below contextualises its neighbours.
The 1980s Hong Kong Landscape
Catalog density by release year across the 1980s in Hong Kong, 151 titles in total. Highlighted year (yellow) is when Return of Bastard Swordsman premiered alongside 14 others.
Position in Catalog
Released alongside 14 other Hong Kong films in 1984.
The 196th Hong Kong title from Hong Kong we index (earliest catalogued entry: 1955).
Our Hong Kong catalog contains 836 titles in total (828 films).
Audience Engagement
11 audience reviews — more than 13% of Hong Kong films in our index.
Popularity sits at the 13th percentile among Hong Kong films.
Reception Benchmarks
Ranked #538 of 836 Hong Kong films indexed here (36th percentile by TMDB audience score).
Among Hong Kong Action productions specifically: #355 of 516 (top 69%).
Production Details
| Primary Country | Hong Kong |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Cantonese |
| Production Companies | Shaw Brothers |
| Runtime | 1h 35m |
| Release Date | May 8, 1984 |
| IMDb | tt0199385 |