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''Duel to the Death'' is a 1983 Hong Kong/South Korean film starring Damian Lau and Norman Chu. It is the directorial debut of Siu-Tung Ching. It is often considered to be one of the last in the era of the old Hong Kong Kung-fu films.
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''Duel to the Death'' is a 1983 Hong Kong/South Korean film starring Damian Lau and Norman Chu. It is the directorial debut of Siu-Tung Ching. It is Creator/ChingSiuTung and often considered to be one of the last in the era of the old Hong Kong Kung-fu films.
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* {{Wuxia}}
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* {{Wuxia}}{{Wuxia}}
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Trope that better fits the description
* PassiveAggressiveKombat: When characters from the two nations talk together, there is often a lot of false politeness, with barbs hidden just under the surface. The exception is when Hashimoto and Ching Wan speak to each other, as it's clear they share a sense of mutual respect.
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* PolitenessJudo: When characters from the two nations talk together, there is often a lot of false politeness, with barbs hidden just under the surface. The exception is when Hashimoto and Ching Wan speak to each other, as it's clear they share a sense of mutual respect.
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[[quoteright:316:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/duel_to_the_death.jpg]]
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* ThePerilsOfBeingTheBest: In at least one of the dubs, Ching Wan is all too aware that whoever wins will probably spend the rest of their life being challenged by swordsmen eager to become famous. Ching Wan is keenly aware of just how much this is likely to suck, and expresses sadness at the thought of having to live in such a manner, constantly forced to kill these challengers just to survive. [[spoiler:Even if Ching Wan were to survive his various wounds from the duel, considering that the fight ends with him losing all the fingers on one hand and having the other arm cut off entirely, he probably won't have to worry about any of that. Not many swordsmen are eager to challenge a warrior who will never be able to hold a sword again. It's doubtful that he would appreciate the irony, however.]]
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* ThePerilsOfBeingTheBest: In at least one of the dubs, Ching Wan is all too aware that whoever wins will probably spend the rest of their his life being challenged by swordsmen eager to become famous. Ching Wan is keenly aware of just how much this is likely to suck, and expresses sadness at the thought of having to live in such a manner, constantly forced to kill these challengers just to survive. [[spoiler:Even if Ching Wan were to survive his various wounds from the duel, considering that the fight ends with him losing all the fingers on one hand and having the other arm cut off entirely, he probably won't have to worry about any of that. Not many swordsmen are eager to challenge a warrior who will never be able to hold a sword again. It's doubtful that he would appreciate the irony, however.]]
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'''Tropes associated with this work:'''
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* DeathSeeker: Hashimoto after he decides to [[spoiler:refuse orders to throw the fight]]. He knows he will be branded a traitor to Japan and only dying in battle or winning the duel (or both) will have any chance of saving him, his school, and his family rom dishonor.
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* DeathSeeker: Hashimoto after he decides to [[spoiler:refuse orders to throw the fight]]. He knows he will be branded a traitor to Japan and only dying in battle or winning the duel (or both) will have any chance of saving him, his school, and his family rom from dishonor.
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* BadAss: There are plenty of them around, from Shaolin masters to WarriorPoet Ching Wan, to the Chinese fighter with the huge broadsword and fancy moves, but Hashimoto probably has the most obvious attitude and demeanor of one. He can easily check off the boxes for stoicism, overwhelming ability, being a {{Determinator}} who won't back down from anything, and tending to win his fights in a [[CurbStompBattle curb stomp]].
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* WorldOfBadass: This film features tons of badasses, including Shaolin masters, WarriorPoet Ching Wan, [[EnsembleDarkhorse the Chinese fighter with the huge broadsword and fancy moves]], but Hashimoto probably has the most obvious attitude and demeanor of one. He can easily check off the boxes for stoicism, overwhelming ability, being a {{Determinator}} who won't back down from anything, and tending to win his fights in a CurbStompBattle.
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* DueToTheDead
* TheDyingWalk: The film ends with [[spoiler:Ching Wan starting to walk away from the conclusion of his duel with Hashimoto. Considering the sheer number of severe wounds Ching Wan has, it's pretty strongly implied that it's a case of this, where he's just leaving the site of the duel so he can die in peace.]]
* TheDyingWalk: The film ends with [[spoiler:Ching Wan starting to walk away from the conclusion of his duel with Hashimoto. Considering the sheer number of severe wounds Ching Wan has, it's pretty strongly implied that it's a case of this, where he's just leaving the site of the duel so he can die in peace.]]
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* DueToTheDead
DueToTheDead Hashimoto and Ching Wan pay a visit to the shrine where all the past combatants have been buried, and are both affected by it.
* TheDyingWalk: The film ends with [[spoiler:Ching Wan starting to walk away from the conclusion of his duel with Hashimoto. Considering the sheer number ofsevere serious wounds Ching Wan has, it's pretty strongly implied that it's a case of this, where he's just leaving the site of the duel so he can die in peace.]]
* TheDyingWalk: The film ends with [[spoiler:Ching Wan starting to walk away from the conclusion of his duel with Hashimoto. Considering the sheer number of
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** Hashimoto cheerfully gives a child being picked on by bullies advice on how to defend himself, and is deferential to both his master and the Japanese government when he is assigned his mission, but when ambushed by a strange man in costume, Hashimoto cuts the man (actually Hashimoto's sensei in disguise) down without hesitation or even questioning who the man is or why he's trying to fight Hashimoto. This establishes him as decent and good natured in general, but completely ruthless in battle and to fight without having a good reason or knowing what he's fighting for.
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** Hashimoto cheerfully gives a child being picked on by bullies advice on how to defend himself, and is deferential to both his master and the Japanese government when he is assigned his mission, but when ambushed by a strange man in costume, Hashimoto cuts the man (actually Hashimoto's sensei in disguise) down without hesitation or even questioning who the man is or why he's trying to fight Hashimoto. This establishes him as decent and good natured in general, but completely ruthless in battle and willing to fight without having a good reason or knowing what he's fighting for.
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* WouldntHitAGirl: Sheng Nan meets Hashimoto not long after he enters Japan challenges him to a fight. He quickly overwhelms her, then stops and proclaims that he doesn't fight against women when he sees through her PaperThinDisguise.
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* WouldntHitAGirl: Sheng Nan meets Hashimoto not long after he enters Japan China challenges him to a fight. He quickly overwhelms her, then stops and proclaims that he doesn't fight against women when he sees through her PaperThinDisguise.
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* ActionGirl: Sheng Nan, the latest descendant of Holy Sword House, and only daughter of its current Lord. She and Ching Wan have more than a slight interest in each other.
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* ActionGirl: Sheng Nan, the latest descendant of Holy Sword House, and only daughter of its current Lord. She She's a highly capable fighter, if not in in the class of Hasimoto and Ching Wan. Naturally, she and Ching Wan have quickly develop more than a slight interest in each other.
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* BadAss: Plenty, but Hashimoto probably has the most obvious attitude and demeanor of one.
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* BadAss: Plenty, There are plenty of them around, from Shaolin masters to WarriorPoet Ching Wan, to the Chinese fighter with the huge broadsword and fancy moves, but Hashimoto probably has the most obvious attitude and demeanor of one.one. He can easily check off the boxes for stoicism, overwhelming ability, being a {{Determinator}} who won't back down from anything, and tending to win his fights in a [[CurbStompBattle curb stomp]].
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* BigBad: Arguably, The Shogun with Kenji serving as his [[TheDragon Dragon]], albeit [[spoiler:the shogun only appears briefly and never gets any comeuppance]].
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* BigBad: Arguably, The Shogun with Kenji serving as his [[TheDragon Dragon]], albeit [[spoiler:the shogun only appears briefly and never gets any comeuppance]].comeuppance other than his plan failing]].
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* BoisterousBruiser: Hashimoto appears to start the movie as this, cheerfully instructing a young boy how to hold his own against dojo bullies and then partying hard with his friends. The death of his sense helps turn him into a stoic badass focused only on winning the duel.
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* BoisterousBruiser: Hashimoto appears to start the movie as this, cheerfully instructing a young boy how to hold his own against dojo bullies and then partying hard with his friends. The death of his sense sensei helps turn him into a stoic badass focused only on winning the duel.
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* DeathSeeker: Hashimoto after he decides to [[spoiler:refuse orders to throw the fight]]. He knows he will be branded a traitor to Japan and only dying in battle or winning the duel (or both) will alleviate that at all.
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* DeathSeeker: Hashimoto after he decides to [[spoiler:refuse orders to throw the fight]]. He knows he will be branded a traitor to Japan and only dying in battle or winning the duel (or both) will alleviate that at all.have any chance of saving him, his school, and his family rom dishonor.
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* {{Determinator}}: Hashimoto. In at least one dub Ching Wan cites this as the thing he admires most about Japanese warriors.
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* {{Determinator}}: Hashimoto. Hashimoto is one, and won't back away from any fight regardless of the odds or who he's taking on. (Well, aside from [[WouldNotHitAGirl his refusal to fight Sheng Nan anymore after realizing that he's fighting a woman]], although he already had her defeated.) In at least one dub Ching Wan cites this as the thing he admires most about Japanese warriors.warriors, and feels that most of the Chinese fighters he has known lacked the sort of determination needed to truly master their skills. Deconstructed towards the end of the movie [[spoiler:when Ching Wan is completely baffled by Hashimoto's insistence on still fighting the duel, despite the fact that Hashimoto seemingly has nothing to gain from it and the only possible result will be piling on yet more death and mayhem.]]
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* EstablishingCharacterMoment: the fighters are first characterized by their interactions with their masters.
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* EstablishingCharacterMoment: the fighters are first characterized by their interactions with their masters.EstablishingCharacterMoment:
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** Hashimoto stoically receives his mission from the Japanese government, then kills his master, who ambushed him as his final test. Thus, Hashimoto is shown as an honorable but ruthless warrior.
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** Hashimoto stoically receives cheerfully gives a child being picked on by bullies advice on how to defend himself, and is deferential to both his mission from master and the Japanese government, then kills government when he is assigned his master, who mission, but when ambushed him as his final test. Thus, by a strange man in costume, Hashimoto cuts the man (actually Hashimoto's sensei in disguise) down without hesitation or even questioning who the man is shown or why he's trying to fight Hashimoto. This establishes him as an honorable decent and good natured in general, but completely ruthless warrior.in battle and to fight without having a good reason or knowing what he's fighting for.
** Sheng Nan's comes from helping a helpless Chinese woman kill the two samurai who killed the woman's husband, and clashing against both Hashimoto and Ching Wan. It shows her to have a keen sense of justice and be a skilled fighter, but also that she tries too hard to live up to her attempts at passing herself off as hardass swordsman.
** The Zen Monk arrogantly tries to provoke the monks at the Shaolin Monastery he is visiting into a fight to prove the superiority of the Japanese, gives condescending faux compliments to his hosts, and when the bout is interrupted by Ching Wan almost immediately after it starts, the Zen Monk nonetheless proclaims that he was victorious despite having landed only a single blow. SmugSnake and BitchInSheepsClothing all the way.
** Sheng Nan's comes from helping a helpless Chinese woman kill the two samurai who killed the woman's husband, and clashing against both Hashimoto and Ching Wan. It shows her to have a keen sense of justice and be a skilled fighter, but also that she tries too hard to live up to her attempts at passing herself off as hardass swordsman.
** The Zen Monk arrogantly tries to provoke the monks at the Shaolin Monastery he is visiting into a fight to prove the superiority of the Japanese, gives condescending faux compliments to his hosts, and when the bout is interrupted by Ching Wan almost immediately after it starts, the Zen Monk nonetheless proclaims that he was victorious despite having landed only a single blow. SmugSnake and BitchInSheepsClothing all the way.
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* GeniusBruiser: Ching Wan is scholarly and philosophical in addition to being a warrior.
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* GeniusBruiser: Ching Wan is [[WarriorPoet scholarly and philosophical philosophical]] in addition to being a warrior.
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* KarmaHoudini: [[spoiler:The Shogun. Sure, his plan failed, but it's doubtful anyone can punish him for it.]]
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* KarmaHoudini: [[spoiler:The Shogun. Sure, his plan failed, but it's doubtful not as if anyone can punish him for it.the evils deeds done trying to carry out his plan and all the death and destruction it caused.]]
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* PolitenessJudo: There is a lot of false politeness in several conversations, with barbs underneath the surface.
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* PolitenessJudo: There When characters from the two nations talk together, there is often a lot of false politeness in several conversations, politeness, with barbs underneath hidden just under the surface.surface. The exception is when Hashimoto and Ching Wan speak to each other, as it's clear they share a sense of mutual respect.
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* RegretfulTraitor: [[spoiler:Sheng Nan does not approve of her father's plan to help the Japanese and possibly undermine China, and tries to convince him to change his mind. She goes along with the early steps of his plan by helping him capture Ching Wan, but is clearly guilty about her involvement to betray Ching Wan and her countrymen, and being called out by Hashimoto for her actions makes her free Ching Wan.]]
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* TakeThat: The film aims some societal criticism at both Japan and China, criticizing the militarism and war mongering of Japanese history and the ambitious, greedy warlords who only care about themselves or their family line that have played such a large role In China's past.
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There\'s a trope that fits this better now.
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* LonelyAtTheTop: In at least one dub, Ching Wan expresses sadness at how this is probably the fate of whoever is the top swordsman, especially since they will spend the rest of their life being challenged by other martial artists looking to make a name for themselves. [[spoiler:Considering how the movie ends, even if Ching Wan were to miraculously survive his wounds, he probably won't have to worry about any of that. It's doubtful that he would appreciate the irony, however.]]
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* ThePerilsOfBeingTheBest: In at least one of the dubs, Ching Wan is all too aware that whoever wins will probably spend the rest of their life being challenged by swordsmen eager to become famous. Ching Wan is keenly aware of just how much this is likely to suck, and expresses sadness at the thought of having to live in such a manner, constantly forced to kill these challengers just to survive. [[spoiler:Even if Ching Wan were to survive his various wounds from the duel, considering that the fight ends with him losing all the fingers on one hand and having the other arm cut off entirely, he probably won't have to worry about any of that. Not many swordsmen are eager to challenge a warrior who will never be able to hold a sword again. It's doubtful that he would appreciate the irony, however.]]
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* TheDyingWalk: The film ends with [[spoiler:Ching Wan starting to walk away from the conclusion of his duel with Hashimoto. Considering the sheer number of severe wounds Ching Wan has, it's pretty strongly implied that it's a case of this, where he's just leaving the site of the duel so he can die in peace.]]
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* GratuitousNinja: The film features quite a lot of ninja action, including kamikaze exploding ninja, kite-riding ninja, naked lady ninja, and giant voltron ninja.
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* InstantAwesomeJustAddNinjas: The film features quite a lot of ninja action, including kamikaze exploding ninja, kite-riding ninja, naked lady ninja, and giant voltron ninja.
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* AllLovingHero: Ching Wan.
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* BloodKnight: Hashimoto fights to test and better himself, rather than to earn glory or political power.
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* BloodKnight: Hashimoto fights to test and better himself, rather than to earn glory or political power. power.
* BoisterousBruiser: Hashimoto appears to start the movie as this, cheerfully instructing a young boy how to hold his own against dojo bullies and then partying hard with his friends. The death of his sense helps turn him into a stoic badass focused only on winning the duel.
* BoisterousBruiser: Hashimoto appears to start the movie as this, cheerfully instructing a young boy how to hold his own against dojo bullies and then partying hard with his friends. The death of his sense helps turn him into a stoic badass focused only on winning the duel.
* CombatByChampion: The whole point of the duel, although [[spoiler:the Japanese are planning to use it as the first step to ''actual'' combat and conquering China, see ThePlan below.]]
* DeathSeeker: Hashimoto after he decides to [[spoiler:refuse orders to throw the fight]]. He knows he will be branded a traitor to Japan and only dying in battle or winning the duel (or both) will alleviate that at all.
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** Hashimoto stoically receives his mission from the Japanese government, then kills his master, who ambushed him as his final test. Thus, Hashimoto is shown as an honorable but ruthless warrior.
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** Hashimoto stoically receives his mission from the Japanese government, then kills his master, who ambushed him as his final test. Thus, Hashimoto is shown as an honorable but ruthless warrior. warrior.
* ExpectingSomeoneTaller: When Ching Wan travels through a Chinese city, he encounters a man drawing how he imagines Ching Wan would look, which bears no resemblance to the real thing. When Ching Wan tells the man his drawing isn't accurate, (without mentioning who he is) the artist's response is to essentially go on about all the attributes of his portrait and say that a fighter as powerful as Ching Wan would surely look just like that.
* ExpectingSomeoneTaller: When Ching Wan travels through a Chinese city, he encounters a man drawing how he imagines Ching Wan would look, which bears no resemblance to the real thing. When Ching Wan tells the man his drawing isn't accurate, (without mentioning who he is) the artist's response is to essentially go on about all the attributes of his portrait and say that a fighter as powerful as Ching Wan would surely look just like that.
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* HonorBeforeReason: Hashimoto refuses to engage in dishonorable actions, even when his Shogun is demanding it.
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* HonorBeforeReason: Hashimoto refuses to engage in dishonorable actions, even when his the Shogun is demanding it.
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* ImpoverishedPatrician: The Lord of Heavenly Sword House. Things haven't gotten quite as bad as the page description, but he keenly feels the loss of his family's reputation and influence.
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* ImpoverishedPatrician: The Lord of Heavenly Sword House. Things haven't gotten quite as bad as the page trope description, but he keenly feels the loss of his family's reputation and influence.
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* KickTheDog: [[spoiler:Almost obligatory for a Japanese fighter in a Hong Kong production. Although Hashimoto's rigid honor prevented him from following the Shogun's underhanded plot, it also drives him to insist that the duel still take place in the end. He even kills Ching Wan's unarmed master to force him into the fight. We know who we're supposed to be rooting for in the end]].
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* KickTheDog: [[spoiler:Almost obligatory for a Japanese fighter in a Hong Kong production. Although Hashimoto's rigid honor prevented him from following the Shogun's underhanded plot, it also drives him to insist that the duel still take place in the end. end, when it's clear the only thing it would succeed in doing is causing more pointless death. He even kills Ching Wan's unarmed master to force him into the Ching Wan to fight. We know who we're supposed to be rooting Perhaps a way for in the end]]. production to make us root for the Chinese fighter instead of the Japanese at the very end. (It ''is'' a Hong Kong film, after all)]].
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* LonelyAtTheTop: In at least one dub, Ching Wan expresses sadness at how this is probably the fate of whoever is the top swordsman, especially since they will spend the rest of their life being challenged by other martial artists looking to make a name for themselves.
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* LonelyAtTheTop: In at least one dub, Ching Wan expresses sadness at how this is probably the fate of whoever is the top swordsman, especially since they will spend the rest of their life being challenged by other martial artists looking to make a name for themselves. [[spoiler:Considering how the movie ends, even if Ching Wan were to miraculously survive his wounds, he probably won't have to worry about any of that. It's doubtful that he would appreciate the irony, however.]]
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* TheMessiah: Ching Wan.
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* PetTheDog: Our first indication that Hashimoto is more than just a killer is when he takes a young fencing student aside and teaches him how to defend himself against his larger comrades.
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* PetTheDog: Our The first indication that Hashimoto is more than just a killer is when time we meet Hashimoto, he takes a young fencing student aside and teaches him how to defend himself against his the older and larger comrades.dojo mates that are bullying him.
* SinisterMinister: The Zen Monk is something of a SmugSnake who imagines that he's more clever and tough than he really is. He's also completely ignoring any actual Buddhist teachings in favor of cooperating completely with the Shogun for material gain.
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* TrialByCombat
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* WouldntHitAGirl
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* WouldntHitAGirlWouldntHitAGirl: Sheng Nan meets Hashimoto not long after he enters Japan challenges him to a fight. He quickly overwhelms her, then stops and proclaims that he doesn't fight against women when he sees through her PaperThinDisguise.
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* DoubleJump: A rare film example, when both duelists jump into the air and then jump again by pushing off of their own swords.
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* SteppingStoneSword: Both duelists jump off of their swords in midair.
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* PetTheDog: Our first indication that Hashimoto is more than just a killer is when he takes a young fencing student aside and teaches him how to defend himself against his larger comrades.
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* BloodKnight: Hashimoto fights to test and better himself, rather than to earn glory or political power.
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* DefectorFromDecadence: [[spoiler:Hashimoto's eventual decision not to aid the Shogun's plan to weaken and attack China (see ThePlan below for full details on that) is the most emotionally gripping part of the movie.]]
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* DefectorFromDecadence: [[spoiler:Hashimoto's eventual decision not [[spoiler:Hashimoto refuses to aid the Shogun's underhanded plan to weaken and attack China (see ThePlan below for full details on that) is the most emotionally gripping part of the movie.China, finding it dishonorable.]]
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* DisproportionateRetribution: A couple of Japanese men are in China. While in the city, they see a puppet show where Hasimoto (and, by extension, Japan) are humiliated and beaten in the duel, much to the delight of the crowd. [[JerkAss So they kill the puppeteer for the insult]].
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* DisproportionateRetribution: A couple of Japanese men are in China. While in the city, they see a puppet show where Hasimoto Hashimoto (and, by extension, Japan) are humiliated and beaten in the duel, much to the delight of the crowd. [[JerkAss So they kill the puppeteer for the insult]].
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* [[spoiler:DownerEnding]]
* DuelToTheDeath: Well, with that title...
* DuelToTheDeath: Well, with that title...
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* [[spoiler:DownerEnding]]
DownerEnding
* DuelToTheDeath:Well, with that title...The film centers around one.
* DuelToTheDeath:
* EstablishingCharacterMoment: the fighters are first characterized by their interactions with their masters.
** Ching Wan is deferential to his majestic Shaolin mentors, then goes out into the forest to say goodbye to his wacky hermit kung fu master, showing that he is both wise and humble.
** Hashimoto stoically receives his mission from the Japanese government, then kills his master, who ambushed him as his final test. Thus, Hashimoto is shown as an honorable but ruthless warrior.
** Ching Wan is deferential to his majestic Shaolin mentors, then goes out into the forest to say goodbye to his wacky hermit kung fu master, showing that he is both wise and humble.
** Hashimoto stoically receives his mission from the Japanese government, then kills his master, who ambushed him as his final test. Thus, Hashimoto is shown as an honorable but ruthless warrior.
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* HonorBeforeReason: Hashimoto.
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* HonorBeforeReason: Hashimoto.Hashimoto refuses to engage in dishonorable actions, even when his Shogun is demanding it.
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* IgnoredEpiphany: [[spoiler:Ching Wan and Sheng Nan both try to convince Sheng's father that working with the Japanese is wrong. He hesitates at first, perhaps realizing that the scheme will probably be uncovered and the Japanese won't lift a finger to save him afterwards, but he ultimately tries to backstab Ching Wan at the first opportunity. He misses and fatally wounds his daughter instead.]]
* ImplausibleFencingPowers: And how!
* ImplausibleFencingPowers: And how!
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* IgnoredEpiphany: [[spoiler:Ching Wan and Sheng Nan both try to convince Sheng's father that working with the Japanese is wrong. He hesitates at first, perhaps realizing that the scheme will probably be uncovered and the Japanese won't lift a finger to save him afterwards, but he ultimately tries to backstab Ching Wan at the first opportunity. He misses and fatally wounds his daughter instead.]]
* ImplausibleFencingPowers:And how!The sword fighting is quite in the realm of fantasy. At one point while plummeting to the earth, they put their swords beneath their feet and jump off their swords to go back up again.
* ImplausibleFencingPowers:
* InstantAwesomeJustAddNinjas: The film features quite a lot of ninja action, including kamikaze exploding ninja, kite-riding ninja, naked lady ninja, and giant voltron ninja.
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* KickTheDog: [[spoiler:Okay Hashimoto, we understand that your sensei's dying words were telling you to win the duel, and that you will be dishonored and reviled in Japan for not going along with the plot against China. We also understand that winning a duel with Ching Wan is the only possible chance of saving your name, or that of your dojo. But was it really necessary to kill the fatherly old monk so you could force Ching Wan to fight?]]
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* KickTheDog: [[spoiler:Okay Hashimoto, we understand [[spoiler:Almost obligatory for a Japanese fighter in a Hong Kong production. Although Hashimoto's rigid honor prevented him from following the Shogun's underhanded plot, it also drives him to insist that your sensei's dying words were telling you to win the duel, and that you will be dishonored and reviled in Japan for not going along with the plot against China. We also understand that winning a duel with still take place in the end. He even kills Ching Wan is the only possible chance of saving your name, or that of your dojo. But was it really necessary Wan's unarmed master to kill the fatherly old monk so you could force Ching Wan him into the fight. We know who we're supposed to fight?]]be rooting for in the end]].
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* MutualKill: [[spoiler:The ending strongly implies that Hashimoto and Ching Wan die of their wounds.]]
* {{Ninja}}
* {{Ninja}}
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* MutualKill: [[spoiler:The ending strongly implies that both Hashimoto and Ching Wan die of their wounds.]]
* {{Ninja}}]]
* {{Ninja}}
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* PaperThinDisguise: Neither Hashimoto or Ching Wan are fooled by Sheng Nan dressing like a man.
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* PaperThinDisguise: Neither Hashimoto or Ching Wan are fooled by Sheng Nan dressing like in drag. Some Western viewers might not even realize at first that she's trying to pass as a man.
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* StrawmanPolitical: Surprisingly averted. The movie takes pains to show the good and bad of both nations, rather than movies like {{Bruce Lee}}'s FistOfFury (aka TheChineseConnection), where all of the Chinese were oppressed saints and all the Japanese arrogant, ruthless assholes.
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* CynicismCatalyst: Hashimoto becomes much more serious and driven after the death of his sensei. It may also be why [[spoiler:when Hashimoto tries to force Ching Wan to fighting him, he does it by killing Ching Wan's mentor/father figure.]]
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Dead Little Sister was renamed. Check to see if the example actually fits before readding.
Deleted line(s) 18 (click to see context) :
* [[DeadLittleSister Dead Sensei]]: For Hashimoto. Which is a major motivation for him. [[spoiler:At the end, when Ching Wan refuses to fight Hashimoto, he kills Ching Wan's abbot/Shoalin mentor to force him into fighting.]]
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Deleted line(s) 42 (click to see context) :
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off has to qualify]]]].
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generic use gets generic trope
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
* DefectorFromDecadence: [[spoiler:Hashimoto's eventual decision not to aid the Shogun's plan to weaken and attack China (see XanatosGambit below for full details on that) is the most emotionally gripping part of the movie.]]
to:
* DefectorFromDecadence: [[spoiler:Hashimoto's eventual decision not to aid the Shogun's plan to weaken and attack China (see XanatosGambit ThePlan below for full details on that) is the most emotionally gripping part of the movie.]]
* ThePlan: [[spoiler:The plan of the Japanese general (or the Shogun, depending on the translation) is to invite only prominent martial artists of China to view the duel, kidnap them on their way, and bring them to Japan where the strengths and weaknesses of their martial arts can be examined to aid Japan in conflict with China. In return for his help, the Lord of Heavenly Sword House will get to substitute Sheng Nan for Ching Wan (after incapacitating Ching Wan) and the Japanese general will have Hashimoto throw the fight, restoring Heavenly Sword House to its former position as the most respected school in China.]]
Deleted line(s) 55 (click to see context) :
* XanatosGambit: [[spoiler:The plan of the Japanese general (or the Shogun, depending on the translation) is to invite only prominent martial artists of China to view the duel, kidnap them on their way, and bring them to Japan where the strengths and weaknesses of their martial arts can be examined to aid Japan in conflict with China. In return for his help, the Lord of Heavenly Sword House will get to substitute Sheng Nan for Ching Wan (after incapacitating Ching Wan) and the Japanese general will have Hashimoto throw the fight, restoring Heavenly Sword House to its former position as the most respected school in China.]]
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* BigBad: Arguably, The Shogun with Kenji serving as his [[TheDragon Dragon]], albeit [[spoiler: he lives to the end]].
to:
* BigBad: Arguably, The Shogun with Kenji serving as his [[TheDragon Dragon]], albeit [[spoiler: he lives to the end]].[[spoiler:the shogun only appears briefly and never gets any comeuppance]].
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* [[spoiler: KarmaHoudini: The Shogun. Sure, his plan failed, but it's doubtful anyone can punish him for it.]]
* [[spoiler:KillEmAll: By the end of the movie the only character who's still alive and sane is Ching Wan, and he's been stabbed, had one arm cut off and lost all the fingers from the hand on his remaining arm, so his odds of living are virtually zilch.]]
* [[spoiler:KillEmAll: By the end of the movie the only character who's still alive and sane is Ching Wan, and he's been stabbed, had one arm cut off and lost all the fingers from the hand on his remaining arm, so his odds of living are virtually zilch.]]
to:
* [[spoiler: KarmaHoudini: The [[spoiler:The Shogun. Sure, his plan failed, but it's doubtful anyone can punish him for it.]]
*[[spoiler:KillEmAll: KillEmAll: By the end of the movie the only named character who's still definitely alive and sane is Ching Wan, [[spoiler:Ching Wan]], and he's been stabbed, stabbed in the chest, had one arm cut off and lost all the fingers from the hand on his remaining arm, so his odds of living are virtually zilch.]]long term prospects aren't looking all that good.
*
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* LonelyAtTheTop: In at least one dub, Ching Wan expresses sadness at how this is probably the fate of whoever is the top swordsman, especially since they will spend the rest of their life being challenged by other martial artists.
to:
* LonelyAtTheTop: In at least one dub, Ching Wan expresses sadness at how this is probably the fate of whoever is the top swordsman, especially since they will spend the rest of their life being challenged by other martial artists.artists looking to make a name for themselves.
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* [[spoiler: MutualKill: The ending implies Hashimoto and Ching Wan die]]
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]]]].
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]]]].
to:
* [[spoiler: MutualKill: The [[spoiler:The ending strongly implies that Hashimoto and Ching Wan die]]
die of their wounds.]]
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off''has'' has to qualify]]]].
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off
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* [[spoiler: TheQuisling: The Lord of Heavenly Sword House.]]
to:
* [[spoiler: TheQuisling: The [[spoiler:The Lord of Heavenly Sword House.]]
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* BigBad: Arguably, The Shogun with Kenji serving as his [[TheDragon Dragon]], albeit [[spoiler: he lives to the end]].
* [[spoiler: KarmaHoudini: The Shogun. Sure, his plan failed, but it's doubtful anyone can punish him for it.]]
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* {{Narm}}: [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]]]].
to:
* [[spoiler: MutualKill: The ending implies Hashimoto and Ching Wan die]]
* {{Narm}}:[No No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]]]].
* {{Narm}}:
* NoNameGiven: We only known The Lord of the Holy Sword House by his title.
* [[spoiler: TheQuisling: The Lord of Heavenly Sword House.]]
* [[spoiler: TheQuisling: The Lord of Heavenly Sword House.]]
Changed line(s) 46 (click to see context) from:
* StrawmanPolitical: Surprisingly averted. The movie takes pains to show the good and bad of both nations, rather than movies like {{Bruce Lee}}'s FistsOfFury (aka TheChineseConnection), where all of the Chinese were oppressed saints and all the Japanese arrogant, ruthless assholes.
to:
* StrawmanPolitical: Surprisingly averted. The movie takes pains to show the good and bad of both nations, rather than movies like {{Bruce Lee}}'s FistsOfFury FistOfFury (aka TheChineseConnection), where all of the Chinese were oppressed saints and all the Japanese arrogant, ruthless assholes.
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* WelldoneSonGuy: The main reason Ching Wan cares about the Duel is because he is trying to please his various mentors and father figures.
to:
* WelldoneSonGuy: WellDoneSonGuy: The main reason Ching Wan cares about the Duel is because he is trying to please his various mentors and father figures.
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None
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* {{Narm}}: [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM][[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]]]].
to:
* {{Narm}}: [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[http://www.where [[spoiler:[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM][[spoiler:the com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]]]].
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None
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* {{Narm}}: [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM][[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]][/url].
to:
* {{Narm}}: [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [url=http://www.[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM][[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]][/url].qualify]]]].
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* {{Narm}}: [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [urlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM][[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]][/url].
to:
* {{Narm}}: [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [urlhttp://www.[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM][[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]][/url].
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Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* IgnoredEpiphany: [[spoiler:Ching Wan and Sheng Nan both try to convince Sheng's father that working with the Japanese is wrong. He hesitates at first, perhaps realizing that the scheme will probably be uncovered and the Japanese won't lift a finger to save him afterwards, but he ultimately tries to backstab Ching Wan at the first opportunity. He misses and fatally wound his daughter instead.]]
to:
* IgnoredEpiphany: [[spoiler:Ching Wan and Sheng Nan both try to convince Sheng's father that working with the Japanese is wrong. He hesitates at first, perhaps realizing that the scheme will probably be uncovered and the Japanese won't lift a finger to save him afterwards, but he ultimately tries to backstab Ching Wan at the first opportunity. He misses and fatally wound wounds his daughter instead.]]
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]].
to:
* {{Narm}}: No [No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:the [urlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y5j-V4ozFM][[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]].qualify]][/url].
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Changed line(s) 1,3 (click to see context) from:
''Duel to the Death'' is a 1983 Hong Kong/South Korean film starring Damian Lau and Norman Chu. It is the directorial debut of Siu-Tung Ching.
The plot follows a contest held every ten years where the greatest swordsman from Japan faces the greatest swordsman from China in a duel to the death for their nation's honor. As a duel approaches, Chinese champion Ching Wan and Japanese champion Hashimoto uncover a plot to rig the fight. The m0vie follows their delving into the conspiracy.
The plot follows a contest held every ten years where the greatest swordsman from Japan faces the greatest swordsman from China in a duel to the death for their nation's honor. As a duel approaches, Chinese champion Ching Wan and Japanese champion Hashimoto uncover a plot to rig the fight. The m0vie follows their delving into the conspiracy.
to:
''Duel to the Death'' is a 1983 Hong Kong/South Korean film starring Damian Lau and Norman Chu. It is the directorial debut of Siu-Tung Ching.
Ching. It is often considered to be one of the last in the era of the old Hong Kong Kung-fu films.
The plot follows a contest held every ten years where the greatest swordsman from Japan faces the greatest swordsman from China in a duel to the death for their nation's honor. Asa duel one of these duels approaches, we follow Chinese champion Ching Wan as he leaves his life of seclusion at a Shaolin monastery and Japanese champion Hashimoto leaving Japan under tragic circumstances and traveling to China. Both head to Holy Sword House, the location where the first such duel was fought, and where the descendants of the Chinese representative who won that duel still live and host the bout every time it is fought.
Meanwhile, something strange is going on throughout China. Notable Chinese fighters and sites famous for their martial arts are being attacked by ninja. As the time of the duel comes closer, Ching Wan and Hashimoto uncover a plot to rig thefight. fight for sinister purposes. The m0vie movie follows their delving into the conspiracy.conspiracy.
Note: there are at least two fairly different English dubs, so depending on which one you've seen (or if you've seen the movie subtitled or in the original language) your experience of the tropes used could be different.
The plot follows a contest held every ten years where the greatest swordsman from Japan faces the greatest swordsman from China in a duel to the death for their nation's honor. As
Meanwhile, something strange is going on throughout China. Notable Chinese fighters and sites famous for their martial arts are being attacked by ninja. As the time of the duel comes closer, Ching Wan and Hashimoto uncover a plot to rig the
Note: there are at least two fairly different English dubs, so depending on which one you've seen (or if you've seen the movie subtitled or in the original language) your experience of the tropes used could be different.
Changed line(s) 7 (click to see context) from:
* DuelToTheDeath: SoYeah...
to:
* ActionGirl: Sheng Nan, the latest descendant of Holy Sword House, and only daughter of its current Lord. She and Ching Wan have more than a slight interest in each other.
* BadAss: Plenty, but Hashimoto probably has the most obvious attitude and demeanor of one.
* BarehandedBladeBlock: Subverted. [[spoiler:Ching Wan grabs Hashimoto's blade with one hand out of desperation during the final duel. Hashimoto responds by rotating the blade, severing Ching Wan's fingers.]]
* BreakTheHaughty: The last time we see [[spoiler:the Lord of Heavenly Sword House]], he's a gibbering wreck bawling over the body of [[spoiler:Sheng Nan]] and repeating a MadnessMantra.
* ConservationOfNinjutsu: The ninjas always attack in large numbers, so they're fairly weak. They are clever though, and often overwhelm opponents through unorthodox tactics or sheer numbers.
* CurbStompBattle: Hashimoto vs Sheng Nan. She does better fencing with Ching Wan, but it becomes clear that she's outclassed in that fight too.
* [[DeadLittleSister Dead Sensei]]: For Hashimoto. Which is a major motivation for him. [[spoiler:At the end, when Ching Wan refuses to fight Hashimoto, he kills Ching Wan's abbot/Shoalin mentor to force him into fighting.]]
* DefectorFromDecadence: [[spoiler:Hashimoto's eventual decision not to aid the Shogun's plan to weaken and attack China (see XanatosGambit below for full details on that) is the most emotionally gripping part of the movie.]]
* {{Determinator}}: Hashimoto. In at least one dub Ching Wan cites this as the thing he admires most about Japanese warriors.
* DisproportionateRetribution: A couple of Japanese men are in China. While in the city, they see a puppet show where Hasimoto (and, by extension, Japan) are humiliated and beaten in the duel, much to the delight of the crowd. [[JerkAss So they kill the puppeteer for the insult]].
* DistractedByTheSexy: Ching Wan's abbot is attacked by ninjas and he does well fighting them off, until one of the ninjas suddenly strips, revealing that she is a woman. When he looks down and prays against desire, she uses a net to capture him.
* [[spoiler:DownerEnding]]
* DuelToTheDeath:SoYeah...Well, with that title...
* BadAss: Plenty, but Hashimoto probably has the most obvious attitude and demeanor of one.
* BarehandedBladeBlock: Subverted. [[spoiler:Ching Wan grabs Hashimoto's blade with one hand out of desperation during the final duel. Hashimoto responds by rotating the blade, severing Ching Wan's fingers.]]
* BreakTheHaughty: The last time we see [[spoiler:the Lord of Heavenly Sword House]], he's a gibbering wreck bawling over the body of [[spoiler:Sheng Nan]] and repeating a MadnessMantra.
* ConservationOfNinjutsu: The ninjas always attack in large numbers, so they're fairly weak. They are clever though, and often overwhelm opponents through unorthodox tactics or sheer numbers.
* CurbStompBattle: Hashimoto vs Sheng Nan. She does better fencing with Ching Wan, but it becomes clear that she's outclassed in that fight too.
* [[DeadLittleSister Dead Sensei]]: For Hashimoto. Which is a major motivation for him. [[spoiler:At the end, when Ching Wan refuses to fight Hashimoto, he kills Ching Wan's abbot/Shoalin mentor to force him into fighting.]]
* DefectorFromDecadence: [[spoiler:Hashimoto's eventual decision not to aid the Shogun's plan to weaken and attack China (see XanatosGambit below for full details on that) is the most emotionally gripping part of the movie.]]
* {{Determinator}}: Hashimoto. In at least one dub Ching Wan cites this as the thing he admires most about Japanese warriors.
* DisproportionateRetribution: A couple of Japanese men are in China. While in the city, they see a puppet show where Hasimoto (and, by extension, Japan) are humiliated and beaten in the duel, much to the delight of the crowd. [[JerkAss So they kill the puppeteer for the insult]].
* DistractedByTheSexy: Ching Wan's abbot is attacked by ninjas and he does well fighting them off, until one of the ninjas suddenly strips, revealing that she is a woman. When he looks down and prays against desire, she uses a net to capture him.
* [[spoiler:DownerEnding]]
* DuelToTheDeath:
Changed line(s) 9,10 (click to see context) from:
* TenPacesAndTurn
* TrialByCombat
* TrialByCombat
to:
* TenPacesAndTurn
FriendToAllLivingThings: Ching Wan.
*TrialByCombatGeniusBruiser: Ching Wan is scholarly and philosophical in addition to being a warrior.
* HandicappedBadass: [[spoiler:The Lord of Heavenly Sword House, thanks to a pair of prosthetic legs.]]
* HonorBeforeReason: Hashimoto.
* IGaveMyWord
* IgnoredEpiphany: [[spoiler:Ching Wan and Sheng Nan both try to convince Sheng's father that working with the Japanese is wrong. He hesitates at first, perhaps realizing that the scheme will probably be uncovered and the Japanese won't lift a finger to save him afterwards, but he ultimately tries to backstab Ching Wan at the first opportunity. He misses and fatally wound his daughter instead.]]
* ImplausibleFencingPowers: And how!
* ImpoverishedPatrician: The Lord of Heavenly Sword House. Things haven't gotten quite as bad as the page description, but he keenly feels the loss of his family's reputation and influence.
* [[spoiler:KillEmAll: By the end of the movie the only character who's still alive and sane is Ching Wan, and he's been stabbed, had one arm cut off and lost all the fingers from the hand on his remaining arm, so his odds of living are virtually zilch.]]
* KickTheDog: [[spoiler:Okay Hashimoto, we understand that your sensei's dying words were telling you to win the duel, and that you will be dishonored and reviled in Japan for not going along with the plot against China. We also understand that winning a duel with Ching Wan is the only possible chance of saving your name, or that of your dojo. But was it really necessary to kill the fatherly old monk so you could force Ching Wan to fight?]]
* LetsYouAndHimFight: The movie makes clear to us that both Ching Wan and Hashimoto are good young guys who start growing to like, respect, and trust each other before they have to fight to the death.
* LonelyAtTheTop: In at least one dub, Ching Wan expresses sadness at how this is probably the fate of whoever is the top swordsman, especially since they will spend the rest of their life being challenged by other martial artists.
* MeleeATrois
* TheMessiah: Ching Wan.
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]].
* {{Ninja}}
* PaperThinDisguise: Neither Hashimoto or Ching Wan are fooled by Sheng Nan dressing like a man.
* PolitenessJudo: There is a lot of false politeness in several conversations, with barbs underneath the surface.
* {{Pride}}: The main flaw of the Lord of Heavenly Sword House.
* TheResenter: [[spoiler:The Lord of Holy Sword House has spent his life hating the fact that his family is neither appreciated by the Chinese people, and are not chosen as China's duelists, despite his certainty that they're the best. This lead him into working with the Japanese...]]
* SpannerInTheWorks: [[spoiler:The schemers on both the Chinese and Japanese sides didn't count on Sheng Nan falling for and helping Ching Wan, or that Hashimoto would choose his sense of honor over nationalism.]]
* StrawmanPolitical: Surprisingly averted. The movie takes pains to show the good and bad of both nations, rather than movies like {{Bruce Lee}}'s FistsOfFury (aka TheChineseConnection), where all of the Chinese were oppressed saints and all the Japanese arrogant, ruthless assholes.
* TakingYouWithMe: When the ninjas are being overwhelmed while attacking Ching Wan's monastery, they elect to do this rather than be captured.
* TreacherousAdvisor: Both Kenji, (the Zen Monk) and [[spoiler:the Lord of Heavenly Sword House]].
* TrialByCombat
* XanatosGambit: [[spoiler:The plan of the Japanese general (or the Shogun, depending on the translation) is to invite only prominent martial artists of China to view the duel, kidnap them on their way, and bring them to Japan where the strengths and weaknesses of their martial arts can be examined to aid Japan in conflict with China. In return for his help, the Lord of Heavenly Sword House will get to substitute Sheng Nan for Ching Wan (after incapacitating Ching Wan) and the Japanese general will have Hashimoto throw the fight, restoring Heavenly Sword House to its former position as the most respected school in China.]]
* WelldoneSonGuy: The main reason Ching Wan cares about the Duel is because he is trying to please his various mentors and father figures.
* WireFu
* WouldntHitAGirl
* {{Wuxia}}
*
* HandicappedBadass: [[spoiler:The Lord of Heavenly Sword House, thanks to a pair of prosthetic legs.]]
* HonorBeforeReason: Hashimoto.
* IGaveMyWord
* IgnoredEpiphany: [[spoiler:Ching Wan and Sheng Nan both try to convince Sheng's father that working with the Japanese is wrong. He hesitates at first, perhaps realizing that the scheme will probably be uncovered and the Japanese won't lift a finger to save him afterwards, but he ultimately tries to backstab Ching Wan at the first opportunity. He misses and fatally wound his daughter instead.]]
* ImplausibleFencingPowers: And how!
* ImpoverishedPatrician: The Lord of Heavenly Sword House. Things haven't gotten quite as bad as the page description, but he keenly feels the loss of his family's reputation and influence.
* [[spoiler:KillEmAll: By the end of the movie the only character who's still alive and sane is Ching Wan, and he's been stabbed, had one arm cut off and lost all the fingers from the hand on his remaining arm, so his odds of living are virtually zilch.]]
* KickTheDog: [[spoiler:Okay Hashimoto, we understand that your sensei's dying words were telling you to win the duel, and that you will be dishonored and reviled in Japan for not going along with the plot against China. We also understand that winning a duel with Ching Wan is the only possible chance of saving your name, or that of your dojo. But was it really necessary to kill the fatherly old monk so you could force Ching Wan to fight?]]
* LetsYouAndHimFight: The movie makes clear to us that both Ching Wan and Hashimoto are good young guys who start growing to like, respect, and trust each other before they have to fight to the death.
* LonelyAtTheTop: In at least one dub, Ching Wan expresses sadness at how this is probably the fate of whoever is the top swordsman, especially since they will spend the rest of their life being challenged by other martial artists.
* MeleeATrois
* TheMessiah: Ching Wan.
* {{Narm}}: No matter which version you're watching, the bit where [[spoiler:the Zen monk's head randomly explodes after being chopped off ''has'' to qualify]].
* {{Ninja}}
* PaperThinDisguise: Neither Hashimoto or Ching Wan are fooled by Sheng Nan dressing like a man.
* PolitenessJudo: There is a lot of false politeness in several conversations, with barbs underneath the surface.
* {{Pride}}: The main flaw of the Lord of Heavenly Sword House.
* TheResenter: [[spoiler:The Lord of Holy Sword House has spent his life hating the fact that his family is neither appreciated by the Chinese people, and are not chosen as China's duelists, despite his certainty that they're the best. This lead him into working with the Japanese...]]
* SpannerInTheWorks: [[spoiler:The schemers on both the Chinese and Japanese sides didn't count on Sheng Nan falling for and helping Ching Wan, or that Hashimoto would choose his sense of honor over nationalism.]]
* StrawmanPolitical: Surprisingly averted. The movie takes pains to show the good and bad of both nations, rather than movies like {{Bruce Lee}}'s FistsOfFury (aka TheChineseConnection), where all of the Chinese were oppressed saints and all the Japanese arrogant, ruthless assholes.
* TakingYouWithMe: When the ninjas are being overwhelmed while attacking Ching Wan's monastery, they elect to do this rather than be captured.
* TreacherousAdvisor: Both Kenji, (the Zen Monk) and [[spoiler:the Lord of Heavenly Sword House]].
* TrialByCombat
* XanatosGambit: [[spoiler:The plan of the Japanese general (or the Shogun, depending on the translation) is to invite only prominent martial artists of China to view the duel, kidnap them on their way, and bring them to Japan where the strengths and weaknesses of their martial arts can be examined to aid Japan in conflict with China. In return for his help, the Lord of Heavenly Sword House will get to substitute Sheng Nan for Ching Wan (after incapacitating Ching Wan) and the Japanese general will have Hashimoto throw the fight, restoring Heavenly Sword House to its former position as the most respected school in China.]]
* WelldoneSonGuy: The main reason Ching Wan cares about the Duel is because he is trying to please his various mentors and father figures.
* WireFu
* WouldntHitAGirl
* {{Wuxia}}
