Paula Hammond - Features EditorHong Kong’a take on Japan’s Lady Snowblood, Broken Oath is an action-packed tale of righteous vengeance directed by Jeong Chang-hwa (King Boxer) and starring the inimitable first lady of kung fu cinema: Angela Mao.
Orphaned and angry, Lotus (Mao) is raised by Buddhist nuns before she is exiled for her violent ways – and skipping classes to improve her martial arts skills. Finding herself alone in the world, she quickly comes to discover the truth of her past: that her father was once a respected member of the Imperial Court who was murdered in cold blood, and that her mother gave birth to her in a jail cell after being unjustly imprisoned for killing one of the culprits. With revenge on her mind and a newfound accomplice in tow (Bruce Leung, Magnificent Bodyguards), she sets out to track down the men responsible for tearing her family apart – armed with both her considerable martial arts prowess and a nest of scorpions with which to poison her enemies.
Broken Oath was made at the height of Mao’s fame, following roles in Hapkido, Lady Whirlwind, Enter the Dragon and When Taekwondo Strikes, Broken Oath. The fight choreography is top-notch, thanks to the work of Yuen Woo-ping — who was one of the most respected stunt coordinators in both Hong Kong (The Magnificent Butcher) and Hollywood (The Matrix). And, while the storyline won’t overly surprise you, there’s not doubt that is one of Angela Mao’s very best films.
Eureka’s latest release sees this Hong Kong classic, released on Blu-ray for the first time, from a sparkling 2K restoration.
Available as part of the Classics range from 21 October 2024 in the UK, and from 22nd October 2024 in North America. the Limited edition release of 2000 copies (per territory) will exclusively feature an O-card slipcase, and a collector’s booklet.
