Blades of the Guardians [Movie Review]

Blades of the Guardians [Movie Review] | I saw the poster while buying a ticket for Qorin 2. Curious, I bought a ticket to watch it, not knowing what's waiting. 

SYNOPSIS

Blades of the Guardians (2026) Trivia

• Simplified Chinese 镖人：风起大漠
• Starring: Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, Yu Shi, Chen Lijun, Sun Yizhou, Ci Sha, Li Yunxiao, Tony Leungm Zhang Jin, Kara Wai, Zhang Yi, Jet Li & Liu Yaowen 
• Director: Yuen Woo-ping
• Producer: Wu Jing & Baimei Yu
• Production Company: Alibaba Pictures Group, Woo Ping Pictures, Beijing Dengfeng International Culture Communications Company, Mengqi Film, Eagle Media, Amazing Box, Huaxia Film & China Film Group
• Distributed by: Beijing Dengfeng International Culture Communications Company & Beijing Super Lion Culture Group 
• Release date: February 17, 2026
• Running time: 126 minutes
• Rating: MA
• Country: China
• Language: Mandarin
• IMDb: NA
• Tomatometer: Na
• Metascore: NA
• The film is based on the Chinese manhua Biao Ren by Xu Xianzhe, celebrated for its gritty tone, morally complex characters and strikingly cinematic fight scenes. 
• Before the live action film, it debuted as an animated series, earning praise for its mature storytelling and stylised action. 

Dao Ma drifts across the desert as a bounty hunter, taking whatever job keeps him and Xiao Qi alive. The boy is always by his side, watching, learning, surviving.

On one assignment, Dao Ma chooses wit over bloodshed. Instead of capturing the wanted man, he demands a replacement fee worth three times the bounty on the man’s head. Payment made, the fugitive walks free. Business concluded.

That night, the pair check into a quiet inn. Peace does not last.

A corrupt palace guard storms in, demanding protection money from the owner. When the man cannot pay, the guards turn cruel, harassing his wife and son to make a point. What they do not realise is that the innkeeper is no ordinary man. He is a fugitive martial arts master once feared as the Double Headed Snake.

Steel flashes. Bodies fall. The master cuts down most of the guards before he is finally overpowered, captured and dragged before their leader to be executed.

Dao Ma steps in. Together, Dao Ma and the Double Headed Snake fight through the remaining guards and kill the leader. Victory comes at a cost. The master is mortally wounded. As reinforcements close in, Dao Ma grabs Xiao Qi and flees, a palace battalion chasing close behind.

They escape to Maoji Village, where Ayuya, the village leader’s daughter and her warriors block the pursuing guards and force them back. Soon after, Lao Mo, the village chief, meets Dao Ma with an offer.

A simple escort mission to deliver a mysterious man named Zhishilang safely to Chang’an.

Ayuya insists on joining the journey, eager to see the imperial capital for herself, accompanied by her loyal soldier Ani. As they set out, it becomes clear that Zhishilang is no ordinary passenger. Power is shifting. Hidden factions move in silence. Assassins begin to surface, each driven by politics, vengeance or something far more dangerous.

Can Dao Ma deliver his charge to Chang’an and walk away untouched?

MY REVIEW

What I Like:  

• The action sequence brought me back to the good old kungfu action movies, way back then. 
• Beautiful story telling, not heavy as there were also funny moments.

What I Don't Like:

• Can I say none?

Will I Watch It Again: Sure, I don't mind watching it again.

Overall: 4.7/ 5.0

The pictures are taken from multiple sources on the Internet. Thank you.

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