BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS, the new feature from action filmmaker Yuen Woo-ping, opening theatrically across the U.S. and Canada on February 17
Set on a lawless desert frontier, the film follows Dao Ma, the second most wanted fugitive, tasked with escorting a mysterious prisoner—only to discover that his charge is the empire’s most wanted man. What begins as a routine mission escalates into a relentless pursuit, unfolding as a large-scale road movie shaped by grounded, physical combat and classical martial arts storytelling.
A Defining Figure in Action Cinema:From Yuen Woo-ping, whose work as both filmmaker and action choreographer has shaped modern screen combat—from DRUNKEN MASTER and FIST OF LEGEND to THE MATRIX, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, KILL BILL, and THE GRANDMASTER.
Action Stars Across Generations: Featuring Jet Li (HERO) in one of his first full-scale martial arts performances in years, alongside contemporary action figures Wu Jing (THE WANDERING EARTH), Nicholas Tse (RAGING FIRE), and Max Zhang (THE GRANDMASTER), with veteran dramatic presence from Tony Leung Ka-fai (ELECTION) and Kara Wai (MY YOUNG AUNTIE).
Physical Action Over Spectacle: Emphasizing close-quarters choreography, weight, and consequence over digital excess, the film foregrounds physical strain and impact—where violence leaves marks rather than spectacle.
