Rather than just looking at swordplay or martial arts from a material and physical perspective, they are interpreted as reasoning and philosophy, and as symbols of honor in [The Sword Identity], dismantling the conventional style of martial arts films. There are four keepers of martial arts in Ming Dynasty Guancheng district. One day, a warrior named Liang Hen-lu sends word of a challenge to the keepers. Believing that Liang’s blade is Japanese they decline the duel, and Liang himself is misunderstood as being Japanese. Now Liang must prove not only his martial skills but that he and his sword are not Japanese. In the end, it is revealed that his sword actually belonged to the retired legendary warrior and general Qui Dongyue. In the process of Liang’s sword finding its identity, Qui is able to rid himself of his resentment over his cheating wife and find peace. Xu Haofeng uses the sword as the subject of forgiveness, and as a symbol of artistic identity. Thus this quietly flowing martial arts film is simultaneously familiar and completely original. (KIM Ji-seok)