The Lost Bladesman

The Lost Bladesman

Year: 2011

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: Chinese

Directors: Felix Chong Man-Keung, Alan Mak Siu-Fai

ActionWarDramaHistory

Amid the Three Kingdoms turmoil, warlord Cao Cao—secret power behind the emperor—coerces the legendary warrior Guan Yu by seizing his beloved Qi Lan. After Guan Yu helps Cao Cao crush his rivals, he departs with Qi Lan to reunite with Liu Bei. Now deemed a threat, Guan Yu is pursued by imperial forces and must battle countless enemies to survive.

Tense
Sad ending
Emotionally heavy
High intensity
Fast pacing
Moderate complexity

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Lost Bladesman (2011)

Trace every key event in The Lost Bladesman (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Funeral of Guan Yu

The film opens with Cao Cao attending Guan Yu's funeral, where Guan Yu's severed head is laid to rest beneath a wooden statue in place of his body. The moment is stark and solemn, setting a tone of loyalty and legacy. Cao Cao's sorrow hints at the complex bond between them even as the broader politics of their world move on.

Present day Funeral site
2

Twenty years earlier: Guan Yu serves Cao Cao

A long flashback pulls us back to a time when Guan Yu temporarily serves Cao Cao while awaiting news of Liu Bei. The political stage is crowded and tense, with Cao Cao dominating the north and Liu Bei and Yuan Shao maneuvering for advantage. Guan Yu proves his loyalty through actions that will shape his later choices.

Twenty years earlier Northern lands
3

Battle of Baima: Guan Yu earns Cao Cao's wary respect

During the Battle of Baima, Guan Yu defeats Yan Liang and lifts the siege, showing prowess on the battlefield. His victory earns the wary respect of Cao Cao, though Guan Yu remains steadfast to Liu Bei. The duel marks a turning point in their uneasy alliance.

During the Battle of Baima Baima
4

Liu Bei's family and Qi Lan stay at Cao Cao's base

Liu Bei's family, including Qi Lan, stay within Cao Cao's base alongside Guan Yu. Cao Cao showers Guan Yu with gifts and tokens of favor in the hope of swaying him. Guan Yu, however, remains steadfast, refusing to renounce his vow to Liu Bei.

During this period Cao Cao's base
5

Guan Yu negotiates Liu Bei's family's release

Guan Yu negotiates with Cao Cao to secure the release of Liu Bei's family. Cao Cao agrees, but Qi Lan remains behind with Guan Yu, a constant reminder of a possible personal future that could pull him away from Cao Cao.

While Liu Bei seeks shelter with Yuan Shao Cao Cao's base
6

Cao Cao's test: Guan Yu's loyalty under pressure

Cao Cao, always a strategist, hatches a cruel test that uses Guan Yu's hidden affection for Qi Lan as leverage to force a confession. Guan Yu endures the temptation and resists, choosing to protect Qi Lan and the possibility of a different life rather than betray Liu Bei.

During the test Cao Cao's base
7

Departure grows urgent; Cao Cao gives a dangerous order

As Liu Bei's whereabouts become known, Guan Yu and Qi Lan prepare to depart. The road ahead becomes a gauntlet as Guan Yu must cut a path through the passes. Cao Cao issues a strict order: no one is to stand in Guan Yu's way.

As departure approaches From Cao Cao's base toward the passes
8

Guan Yu defeats Kong Xiu in the passes

Guan Yu opens the way by defeating Kong Xiu, carving a path through the treacherous passes. His blade remains a symbol of loyalty as he presses toward Liu Bei. The confrontation underscores the personal costs of his vow.

During the escape The passes
9

Guan Yu defeats Han Fu and Meng Tan

Guan Yu continues forward, defeating Han Fu and Meng Tan in swift clashes. Each victory reinforces his commitment to Liu Bei and the fragile balance of power along their route. The looms of pursuit grow more intense with every encounter.

During the escape The passes
10

Guan Yu defeats Bian Xi, Wang Zhi, and Qin Qi

In rapid succession, Guan Yu overpowers Bian Xi, Wang Zhi, and Qin Qi, clearing the way for his departure. These victories cement his reputation as a fearless loyalist willing to pay any price for his oath. The trail grows bloodier as he moves to break free.

During the escape The passes
11

Emperor Xian orders Guan Yu killed; Qi Lan betrays

A pivotal revelation arrives: Emperor Xian, not Cao Cao, issues the order to kill Guan Yu. Qi Lan pretends affection to derail Guan Yu's aid, but is killed in the crossfire when Emperor Xian's assassins strike. The betrayal seals the transformation of Guan Yu's choices.

Before Guan Yu can reunite with Liu Bei Imperial court / scene of crossfire
12

Guan Yu rejects Cao Cao; returns to Liu Bei

Guan Yu refuses to compromise his bond with Liu Bei and chooses to head back to join him in the struggle against their rivals. He turns away from Cao Cao and the emperor, committing to the cause they share. The road back marks a new, enduring chapter of loyalty.

Immediately after the betrayal Roads toward Liu Bei
13

Two decades of pursuit and final reflection

Guan Yu dedicates the next two decades of his life to reuniting with Liu Bei and shaping the broader struggle that will define his legacy. The scene returns to Guan Yu's funeral, where Cao Cao's sorrow is tempered by a hard, reflective honesty about responsibility. The film emphasizes how memory and loyalty endure beyond the battlefield.

Two decades later (present day reflection) Funeral site / Cao Cao's base
14

Post-credits: the legend endures

In a quiet post-credits moment, Guan Yu stands with his Green Dragon Crescent Blade at his side, stroking his long beard as if to remind viewers that history is never finished and that the legend endures beyond the final scene. The image reinforces the timeless quality of his vow and its impact on the saga.

Post-credits Post-credits scene

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:47

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Narrative Summary

The plot typically involves a powerful political figure manipulating a heroic character through emotional leverage, forcing them into a conflict between their sworn oaths and their personal attachments. The narrative unfolds through a series of battles and confrontations, driving towards a climax where the cost of honor becomes devastatingly clear.

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