The One-Armed Swordsman

The One-Armed Swordsman

Year: 1967

Runtime: 116 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Chang Cheh

ActionDramaEpic heroesIntense combat and martial artsFantasy adventure heroism and swordplay

A noble swordsman, whose arm had been chopped off, returns to his former teacher to defend him from a villainous gang of rival swordsmen.

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Timeline & Setting – The One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The One-Armed Swordsman (1967). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Ancient China, wuxia era

The story unfolds in a traditional martial-arts world, where honor, lineage, and rival factions shape every decision. Festivals and ceremonies mark pivotal moments, such as the master’s birthday, emphasizing a culture of respect and succession. The era is defined by swordplay, secret techniques, and sudden acts of heroism amid political intrigue.

Location

Golden Sword School, Xiao Man's village, river crossing

The Golden Sword School serves as the central hub where master Qi Ru Feng trains his pupils and where rivalries surface. The narrative also moves through Xiao Man's village and a river crossing, underscoring moments of hospitality, danger, and fate. The film contrasts formal dojo spaces with rural, everyday locales to heighten the personal stakes behind martial glory.

⚔️ Martial Arts 🗺️ Adventure 💖 Romance

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:22

Main Characters – The One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

Meet the key characters of The One-Armed Swordsman (1967), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fang Kang (Jimmy Wang Yu)

A once-snubbed student from a humble background who struggles with pride and loyalty. He initially withdraws from the school’s politics but is driven to act when his master is threatened. After losing his arm, he embraces a new path and fights to protect those he loves, even at personal cost.

🗡️ Protagonist 🧭 Personal-growth ❤️ Romance

Xiao Man (Lisa Chiao-Chiao)

A compassionate peasant girl who nurses Fang Kang back to health and becomes his romantic partner. She passes down a half-burnt kung-fu manual that enables his transformation. Her care and belief in him catalyze Fang Kang’s resilience and growth.

💖 Love-interest 🕊️ Compassion 🗺️ Catalyst

Qi Ru-Feng

The respected master who invites his students to a birthday celebration to choose a successor. He remains a beacon of tradition and authority, even as his school faces existential danger from rival forces. His plight and age add gravity to the martial world’s code of succession.

🧭 Mentor 🛡️ Authority 🗡️ Duty

Long-Armed Devil

A ruthless antagonist who uses a sword-lock and orchestrates attacks on Qi Ru-Feng’s students. He embodies the external threat to the dojo and the rival forces seeking to dictate the master’s succession. His defeat marks a turning point for Fang Kang’s resolve.

⚔️ Villain 🗡️ Power 🧭 Threat

Cheng Tian-Shou (Smiling Tiger)

The other deadly figure aligned with the Long-Armed Devil, participating in the assault on the school. He represents a coordinated, high-stakes threat from the rival faction. His actions intensify the chaos surrounding Qi Ru-Feng’s birthday and the school’s future.

⚔️ Villain 💥 Rivalry 🧭 Strategy

Pei Er

Qi Ru-Feng’s spoiled daughter who clashes with Fang Kang and becomes an obstacle in his path. Her impulsive temper contributes to the acupuncture of the arm injury and heightens the personal stakes in Fang Kang’s journey. Her character showcases privilege and its consequences in the martial world.

💬 Antagonist 🧪 Conflict 🧭 Privilege

Fang Chang

Former servant who sacrifices himself to protect Qi Ru-Feng, embodying loyalty and selflessness. His ultimate act underscores the theme of sacrifice for the greater good of the master and the school. His legacy motivates Fang Kang to pursue both duty and personal happiness.

🛡️ Sacrifice 🤝 Loyalty 🗺️ Legacy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:22

Major Themes – The One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

Explore the central themes of The One-Armed Swordsman (1967), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Honor

The plot tests loyalty to a revered master and his school, forcing characters to choose between duty and personal desire. Fang Kang’s obligations to Qi Ru Feng clash with his desire for independence and happiness. The film uses battles and schemed plots to illustrate how the martial-arts code governs behavior. Choices about allegiance ultimately drive the fate of the school.

💪 Resilience

Fang Kang loses his arm but discovers a new form of strength, turning adversity into an edge in combat. The recovery is tied to support from Xiao Man and a half-burnt manual that reveals an alternate path to mastery. The one-armed style symbolizes adaptation and perseverance under pressure. The theme highlights how physical loss can lead to inner growth.

❤️ Love

Romance emerges between Fang Kang and Xiao Man, providing a counterpoint to the brutality of duels and schemes. Their bond fuels Fang Kang’s resolve to protect his master while seeking a peaceful life. Love becomes a catalyst for courage and a different kind of victory beyond titles. The relationship humanizes the martial world, showing tenderness amid violence.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:22

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The One-Armed Swordsman Summary

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The One-Armed Swordsman Timeline

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The One-Armed Swordsman Timeline

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