The Fragrant Sword

The Fragrant Sword is a Hong Kong Martial Arts movie starring Stanley Fung. Yu Lap-chung has been executed for the murders of martial alliance members when the black-clad assailant to blame is still roaming free. Apprehended by the murder threats to the helmsman of Emei and Xueshan, Golden-clad Ambassador of the alliance solicits help from the security escort master Wai To, Yu in disguise spared from execution by his master who had a rapist stand in his place. The fake scholar ingratiates himself with Ai Ching-yee, daughter of the Mulberry Pillar Fortress helmsman Ai Pak-chuen and exposes the father's conspiracy with his sworn brother to rule the martial world by dispatching Ching-yee's senior disciple Sze-hung Ying to commit atrocities against the martial alliance. Yu cajoles Ching-yee into assisting in Sze-hung's capture and with the culprit handed over to the alliance, the young lovers wander away.

Directed by Chan Lit-ban, The Fragrant Sword leans on a strong ensemble — Stanley Fung Shui-Fan, Tam Sin-Hung, Fung Ngai — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1969.