Review

Blades of the Guardians (2026) rises as a fierce, large-scale wuxia epic that combines bone-crushing martial arts with political tension and emotionally grounded storytelling. Adapted from the acclaimed manga Biao Ren, the film follows a seasoned desert mercenary tasked with escorting a mysterious fugitive across fractured, war-ravaged territories. This journey sparks deadly confrontations with assassins, rival clans, and the relentless forces of the empire.

Wu Jing commands the screen with a stoic, weathered performance, embodying a protector shaped by violence, duty, and survival. Nicholas Tse infuses his role with volatile energy as an unpredictable force, whose motives remain dangerously unclear. The return of Jet Li adds legendary weight to the film, elevating its mythic stature and reinforcing its reverence for classic martial-arts cinema.

Action is the film’s defining strength. Drawing heavily from traditional Hong Kong choreography, the combat emphasizes practical stunts, raw physical impact, and grounded swordplay over excessive CGI. Each fight feels brutal and consequential, unfolding as tactical duels rather than mere spectacle—perfectly aligning with the film’s mature, unflinching tone.

Visually, the film excels in its portrayal of stark desert landscapes and frontier settings, crafting an unforgiving world steeped in dust, blood, and steel. Beneath the violence, the film explores themes of loyalty, honor, sacrifice, and the irreversible cost of violence, lending emotional resonance far beyond standard action fare.

The pacing is intentionally epic and measured, focusing on world-building and character evolution. While this slow-burn approach may challenge viewers expecting constant combat, it rewards fans of classic, story-driven wuxia with depth, atmosphere, and lasting impact.

Quick Verdict

Brutal, grounded martial-arts action

Powerful performances from Wu Jing and Jet Li

Rich historical atmosphere with emotional weight

Deliberate pacing that favors substance over speed

8.4 / 10

Blades of the Guardians (2026) stands as a dark, intense wuxia epic that honors traditional martial-arts craftsmanship while delivering realism, character depth, and dramatic gravity—essential viewing for fans of serious historical action cinema.