Green Dragon Inn

The movie Green Dragon Inn is a martial arts film from 1977, directed by Chin-Ku Lu. Set during the Ming dynasty, it tells the story of a group of travelers who seek refuge at the Green Dragon Inn during a storm. However, the travelers soon find themselves embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, betrayal, and violence.

The lead character is played by Hua Yueh, who portrays Gu, a skilled swordsman who reluctantly agrees to help a woman named Yu Feng (Polly Ling-Feng Shang-Kuan) find her missing husband. Yu believes that her husband has been taken captive by the innkeeper of the Green Dragon Inn, who is rumored to be involved in illegal activities. As Gu and Yu begin to investigate, they discover that the innkeeper is indeed involved in a smuggling operation that involves both stolen goods and human trafficking.

Lieh Lo plays the main villain, a ruthless and powerful general named Wu. Wu is involved in the smuggling operation, and he is not afraid to use violence to get what he wants. As Gu and Yu dig deeper into the innkeeper's illegal activities, they find themselves targeted by Wu and his henchmen, and they must use their martial arts skills to fight back and stay alive.

Although Green Dragon Inn is a martial arts film, it is also a complex and engaging story of honor, loyalty, and morality. The characters are well-developed, and the action scenes are well-choreographed and exciting. The film also explores some social and political issues of the time, including corruption and exploitation.

One of the standout features of Green Dragon Inn is its cinematography. The film was shot on location in Taiwan, and the scenery is stunning. From the rolling hills and mountain ranges to the bustling streets and crowded marketplaces, the film captures the beauty and chaos of Ming dynasty life.

The film's score is also noteworthy. Composed by Chih-Yuan Chen, the music captures both the excitement and the drama of the story. From the heroic themes associated with Gu and Yu to the ominous tones of Wu and his henchmen, the music adds depth and emotion to the film.

Despite being over forty years old, Green Dragon Inn remains a classic of the martial arts genre. Its mix of action, drama, and social commentary make it a film that is not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking. The performances by Hua Yueh, Polly Ling-Feng Shang-Kuan, and Lieh Lo are also excellent, and their characters remain memorable to this day.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of martial arts films or just looking for a compelling story, Green Dragon Inn is a film that should not be missed. With its thrilling action sequences, engaging storyline, and memorable characters, it is a true classic of the genre.