Original subtitles

BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES PAVILION

LOST MANUAL ON BREAKING THE SWORDPLAY STANCES OF ALL CLANS

Amitabha (Buddha be praised). I have been humbly waiting for you.

I know what is in your mind.

You want to go out there and test your martial arts skills, don't you?

If you really want to go, then go.

"Winning is not a blessing; losing is not a curse."

Those Japanese sorcerers failed in their mission and wasted their lives for nothing.

Amitabha. What a pity.

Abbott, I believe they were acting in accordance with their national character.

As students of martial arts, I feel that we should also emulate their perseverance.

And in this respect, many of us Chinese could hardly compare.

Ching Wan, I surmise it is your belief that the mid-autumn duel is inevitable?

I have been training here at Shaolin Temple for over a decade.

This duel will be the best opportunity to test myself.

Amitabha!

Ching Wan, sometimes an opportunity is insignificant.

On the contrary, a duel is not the sole alternative to resolution.

That is just a matter of opinion.

As you are a scholar, brother, you perceive things differently.

In the martial arts world, a duel is the only way to resolve conflicts.

The Japanese have always viewed victory and defeat with utmost importance.

After all these years at Shaolin,

have you still not grasped the futility of winning and losing?

Abbott, you are right.

Precisely because of how seriously the Japanese feel about this duel

every 10 years, would they be content if I do not attend?

It's not just the Japanese. You, our little brother, will not be content either.

Executive Producer: Raymond Chow Man-Wai

Planning: Louis Sit Chi-Hung

DUEL TO THE DEATH

Starring: Norman Tsui Siu-Keung

Damian Lau Chung-Yan

Flora Cheung Tin-Oi

Executive Producer: Cheung Yan Kin Music: Michael Lai Siu-Tin

Cinematographers: Danny Lee Yau-Tong, Lau Hung-Chuen

Editor: Peter Cheung Yiu-Chung

Screenwriters: Manfred Wong, David Lai Dai-Wai, Jiang Lung

Martial Arts Choreography: Tony Ching Siu-Tung, Lau Chi-Ho

Directed by: Tony Ching Siu-Tung

Welcome, Master from afar.

Please.

Like Xuanzang and Bodhidharma, who came to seek the holy sutras,

I envy that your Han culture has such a long and respectable heritage.

Kinya, kinya (Peace with Buddha). You are too kind, Master.

Shaolin martial arts is renowned around the world.

Sadly, it is now in decline and can hardly withstand the test of time.

Unlike our Kinkaku monastery, which is now flourishing at its most glorious.

That is not true indeed.

Without our ancestors' hard work, we would have no such strong heritage.

This monastery has been a sacred ground to Chinese Buddhists for centuries.

I believe not even the Kinkaku monastery of your country

can begin to compare.

Shaolin's 72 unique martial arts techniques are world renowned.

According to you, Abbott, they must have been the fruits of your ancestors' labour as well.

Yet how many of your disciples today have a full grasp of their achievements?

The goal of practising martial arts

is to improve one's health, protect the country and help the weak.

It is not for reaping fame and fortune.

Very well said!

So, Abbott, are you implying that Shaolin martial arts is the most superior?

Tsui Fook of the Qin dynasty took 3,000 Chinese boys and girls to Japan.

They stayed and settled themselves there.

This proves that China and Japan are really one family.

As monks, we should value harmony above all. Why dwell on determining whose martial arts is better?

Abbott, you are kind and sagacious.

But I am not as wise as you, therefore I still long for winning and fame.

I just want to seize this opportunity to affirm Shaolin Kung Fu's validity.

My martial arts skills are shallow,

and I am not the representative of this duel between China and Japan.

Master, I believe you've come all this way just to arrange this event?

A great institution like Shaolin

doesn't even have one person to come out and fight me?

And I thought Shaolin represented the zenith of martial arts

when you don't even have one person that can carry your ancestors' legacy.

Please teach me.

Pardon my disrespect.

Amitabha!

I am Yun Bei of Shaolin Temple. Your martial arts is impressive indeed.

A Scholar Monk of Shaolin! You flatter me.

My kung fu is so rudimentary, I am not even ranked in my own country.

It's pure luck that I was able to win over the warrior monk by a move or two.

Younger brother, we are all monks.

You should treat our guest with courtesy.

Our representative for the duel, Miyamoto Ichiro

is chosen from among thousands of our Yagyu clan's Shinkage Sect.

On the second day of the ninth month,

he shall await your representative at the House of the Holy Sword.

I take my leave now.

Amitabha.

Ching Wan, once that Japanese monk finds out what you did,

he will be filled with utter disgrace.

I knew you couldn't tolerate his arrogance.

Only my elder brother would treat him as a guest.

If we keep tolerating him, he'd think we're afraid of him.

That's why I wanted to teach him a lesson.

Even if Abbot found out, he wouldn't blame you.

Good! You really know my temper.

We've been together for so many years now, uncle. Of course I know your temper!

Ching Wan, I really hope I can see you defeat the Shinkage candidate.

I must leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow.

Before you go, you should visit that old and stubborn master of yours.

Hey, why did you hit me so hard? We're only practising!

- I didn't! - Yes you did!

Admit it! You're just not as good as me!

Uncle.

See? He needs help!

- Is he for real? - Are you done? Get back here!

Thank you!

Come on! Fight!

Hit him! Hit him!!

He's so useless!!

"Yagyu"

Uncle, I defeated him! Thank you so much!

Goodbye!

I am Miyamoto Ichiro, 4th generation disciple of Yagyu's Shinkage Sect.

I bow to you, Shogun.

Preserving the honour of Japan's martial arts rests on your shoulders.

Your servant shall not disappoint you, even if it means sacrificing my life.

Make good use of this precious sword.

Yes!

Thank you, Shogun.

"Alcohol"

Big brother, why aren't you dancing?!

Go! Come on!

A toast, for our big brother! Cheers!

- Master! - Master!

I hope you shall bring honour and glory to Shinkage.

Yes.

Big brother. Here!

Let's drink. Cheers!

Let's have another round!

- Where's big brother? - He's leaving? Don't let him slip away!

Don't go yet, big brother. Have another drink!

I have to go home now. Can't keep you company anymore.

"Alcohol" "Eel, Sake, Oden"

Who are you??

Master!

There is no higher honour than to die at the hands of a superior Samurai.

Yes.

Remember... you have to pursue glory... for Shinkage.

- Recite Shinkage's first scripture now. - Yes.

"Those who practise martial arts must fight to win

and attack to conquer.

This is Shinkage's first motto.

Forsake compassion in combat.

If the gods get in the way, vanquish them.

If it's Buddha who tries to thwart you, destroy him with all your might.

With such determination, one will attain the highest peak of martial arts.

Confront obstacles with fearless spirit.

Be it the incarnation of a devil or a god. Show no fear and overcome all with valour..."

"Amh" [Symbolises the first Buddha] "Hou'in" [Symbolises Buddhism]

"Sincerity and Honesty" "Grhapati" [Householder]

Hey, chicken! Chicken?

Chicken!

- Chicken, where is Master? - He is coming!

Catch me!

Serves you right!

Bad chicken! Go to Hell!

Master is sensitive. Stop teasing him.

I'll deal with you later!

I told you to catch me! Why didn't you?

You told me to catch you, so I didn't. Because you always say the opposite thing!

Right, right.

Why are you looking for me?

Not for you. I came to visit Chicken.

- But, your brother did ask me to see you. - You're pissing me off!

- Careful, don't fall! - I'm not old!

And those monks aren't young either!

Chicken, come here.

- Am I really that old? - Your coffin is waiting for you!

What?! No feed for you this month!

Don't you worry about me.

Well, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself.

I'm telling you. Don't embarrass me.

If you lose the duel, don't you dare come back to see me!

If I lose, I won't live to see you anyway.

I'll wait to see you in hell then.

I'm not cursing you. I'm just not sure how well those old monks have taught you.

If you had doubts, you wouldn't have sent me to them to learn swordplay.

- Still begrudge me for leaving you there? - I know you did it for my own good.

I knew you had the potential

to be chosen to represent China in the duel one day.

I wanted you to fulfill my dream.

- He's lying! - I'll poison you!

- And this is why you raised me? - Aren't you honoured to be chosen?

All I know is that I'm fighting in this duel to repay you.

I wasn't hoping you'd repay me when I adopted you!

I don't understand, why do you value success or failure so much?

Chicken, let's go!

Fine. Do what you want! What's the use of raising you?

Now that you're all grown up, you don't need me any more!

- Don't get too excited! - Who says I'm excited?!

Master!

- Master, are you all right? - Don't touch me!

- I don't have a disciple like you! - Master!

I'll win the duel for you. I promise!

Chicken, take good care of Master.

Goodbye!

- Miss him already? - Mind your own business!

I, Miyamoto Ichiro, have come to China

to prove that Japanese swordsmanship is invincible!

Bah! I am the Sword Saint! How dare you?!

So this is the kind of sword the Chinese use?

Hey, stop touching it! You break it, you buy it!

Scram! I don't do business with Japanese!

I'm telling you, this is China. You can't throw your weight around here!

Gentlemen? There are seats upstairs.

All right.

What a wonderful show!

Hurry! Hurry up with your painting!

Are you done? Do you really know how to draw?

Stop rushing me! Let me finish writing these two words!

All right, all done!

- Doesn't he look like the Sword Saint? - Are you sure he looks like this?

He looks more like Lord Kwan than the Sword Saint.

Right, just like Lord Kwan!

What do you know? Have you actually met him?

The Sword Saint looks magnificent with his long beard and phoenix-like eyebrows!

People like you are so ignorant!

Back then, even when the Emperor asked me to draw him, I had to think about it!

Brother Fok, the upcoming duel between the Sword Saint and Miyamoto Ichiro...

Who do you think will prevail?

If I knew, I wouldn't have accepted

House of the Holy Sword's invitation and come South!

This is what makes the duel so alluring!

Senior, with your connection,

I assume I can watch the duel with you without any problem?

I have heard that only a handful of the invitations were sent out.

All those invited are respected masters and chiefs from the major clans.

And you? Just be content with watching the puppet show!

- Cheers! Cheers! - Cheers.

Miyamoto! Surrender now and you can still go back to Japan and eat Sushi!

I, Miyamoto, am a Samurai! I won't lose so easily!

I shall cut you up like Sushi! Cut, cut, cut!

Fine, and I shall peel you like a carrot!

Go and collect the money now.

Hey kids, should I peel off his shirt?

Yeah! And his trouser too!

Thank you. Thank you all!

My old man!

My dear husband!!

Hold it!

You killers must repay with your lives. Blood for blood!

Don't regret later.

Madam, please hold this.

Please help this poor lady with the burial.

Not much good comes from carrying a sword.

Are you Miyamoto Ichiro from the Shinkage Sect of the Yagyu Clan?

I really want to learn from you.

I am in China to fight one person only.

And that person is me!

I do not fight women!

You must be Kaneda.

The shogun sent me to accompany you to the House of the Holy Sword.

Thank you.

Their selected representative is known as the Sword Saint.

Are you confident that you can defeat him?

It is rare to have such a worthy opponent. I shall give it my all.

How is your injury?

It's not serious.

Your swordplay is of the highest calibre. You must be from some famous clan.

But I am a novice before a true master.

I am not the master, and you aren't a novice.

Can you gather more branches for the fire?

Before you leave, can you tell me one thing?

Miss, why do you disguise as a man?

THE HOUSE OF THE HOLY SWORD

Great Monk, why do the Chinese always like to use plum blossoms as a symbol?

Their branches are thin and fragile. Perhaps the Chinese see something similar in themselves.

You are wrong, Great Monk.

Their branches may be thin,

but they are elegant and resilient against the harshest of weather.

They are a perfect symbol of our Chinese character.

And what, may I ask, symbolises your country?

Cherry blossoms.

Although their blooms are short-lived,

people should learn from them that the most glorious moment is also most cherishable

and one would not have wasted one's life.

Good. Well said.

Swordsman Bo.

Mr Miyamoto.

Allow me to introduce.

This here is the young heir of this house, Hsia-Hau Sing Lam.

- We have already met. - We have already met.

My father is waiting for you in the garden.

Please.

Father, our two guests have arrived.

Welcome to my house.

Master Hsia-Hau.

You are on dry land, while I am in the middle of this lake.

It's hard to talk this way. Please join me here.

"Heroes are cultivated young". I am impressed!

You flatter us, Master.

My house has not had so much excitement for a long time.

I'm very pleased to have both of you here.

Sing Lam, we should show them the Zhu King (Forged Sword) Cave.

Yes.

The names of all the past duelists are engraved on the cave walls.

I don't understand. Why was this place chosen for the duel every time?

My great grandfather was the very first duel's representative.

After his victory over his Japanese opponent, our house became the designated place.

Few have entered this cave for decades.

And youngsters like you two were even fewer.

All aspiring swordsmen dream of coming to the House of the Holy Sword.

For a swordsman, to have his name engraved here on these stones

is the greatest honour of his life.

I feel that a duel should be a chance to learn each other's skills, not to kill.

I disagree. I believe that defeating the opponent is the ultimate glory.

Mr Miyamoto, I know you are an elite warrior chosen from among thousands in Japan.

But you may not have heard of our house's history.

Although we have not been allowed to represent China in the duel for decades,

I can assure you both that our Hsia-Hau's style of swordplay is still the finest of all.

My master has always spoken often of your clan's contribution.

The House of the Holy Sword should never be forgotten

for elevating our nation's martial arts to where we are today.

At least your master still remembers.

"A raven leaves its echo, and a man leaves his name."

I am certain that, one day, my clan will represent China in the duel again.

Amitabha!

They all knew before the duel that God of Death is the real winner.

I wonder who will be here next time,

facing your tombstone or mine, and saying the same words.

Look out!

Swordsman Bo?

I am very sorry about what happened.

I wonder how that assassin knew we were at the heroes' graveyard.

Father is investigating this matter.

Seems like you're well informed.

We have tightened security and added more guards.

I believe no one will dare to wreak havoc at our house again.

That assassin has shown great disrespect to your clan.

Our Hsia-Hau family is not easily bullied.

When I first saw you at the puppet show, I wondered who was being so righteous.

Turns out it was a charming young swordsman.

You really didn't realise that I was disguised as a man?

Didn't you know that your moves, while graceful, were also effeminate?

You've already noticed me then?

I admire those who fight against injustice.

But, I have to ask.

Why do you still dress like a man?

I've always dressed like this since childhood.

I think you would be even more beautiful if you dress up a bit more.

- Father. - Where were you just now?

I just went for a stroll.

Sing Lam, do you know that our house has been renowned for decades?

Now, it has been passed onto me.

We have lost our prestige and our reputation is in decline.

When Japan first started challenging China with the duel,

it was our Hsia-Hau family that stood up to the challenge

and preserved our martial arts world's honour!

But now...

Father, I will restore glory to our family!

You? Do you really think you can?

Bo Ching Wan has captured your heart and soul with just a few words!

I am really disappointed in you.

Father...

Sing Lam is sorry.

Sing Lam, I don't blame you.

Do you know that I have put all my hopes on you?

We cannot be remembered as sinners of the Hsia-Hau Clan.

It's fortunate that the two of you were not harmed today.

Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to explain it to the martial arts community.

Eat to your hearts' delight.

I salute you with a toast.

It was a small matter. Please don't take it to heart.

Mr Miyamoto, Master Kaneda. A toast to our guests from a distant land!

- I hope your stay here will be a pleasant one. - Thank you, Master.

China is indeed a vast and rich land.

Such fine foods and wine are rare in Japan.

No wonder your nation has always been predatory towards us.

Sing Lam!

There are black sheep in every corner of the world.

Our country, like yours, is also despicable towards those scum.

Mr Miyamoto is indeed a warrior with dignity. A drink to our friendship!

"Heroes respect heroes"! A toast, to all of us!

Master, why haven't the spectators arrived yet?

Not to worry, Swordsman Bo.

No one would dare miss this magnificent duel.

Sing Lam, if chance permits,

you must learn from these two chivalrous swordsmen.

You flatter us.

Hsia-Hau's style of swordplay is well known. I should learn from you instead.

- Swordsman Bo, I salute you. - Cheers.

I salute you!

Such fine wine is now ruined. What a pity.

He's already gone.

You are very good at following too.

How can a high monk like yourself carry out such a shameless act?

You idiot!

You're shameless to forget that you're Japanese first and foremost!

How dare you insult my Shinkage Sect?!

I'm on the honourable shogun's order to fight in the duel!

The honourable shogun?

I've been waiting for you to say that!

"Kaneda from Edo's Iga Clan

is ordered to carry out the mission at the House of the Holy Sword.

He has ultimate authority on who lives and dies.

Those who violate the order shall be killed." -Shogun

A duel needs to be fair. That is the Samurai spirit.

Like you,

I work for the shogun and serve Japan with utmost loyalty.

Then why did the shogun award me his precious sword?

This is just one of the shogun's strategic moves in his master plan.

He's using this duel as a chance to kidnap all the martial arts experts.

He has an agreement with the Chief of Hsia-Hau to capture Bo Ching Wan

so that Sing Lam will then fight in his place. But, you must lose to her.

The shogun wants to understand Chinese martial arts in order to conquer the world!

Why bother choosing me then?

Do not forget that he helped your Shinkage Sect get to where it is now!

What are your thoughts upon seeing these engraved stones?

I was just wondering if they all knew what they died for.

As my father says, they fought and died for glory.

It's as if winning is everything to martial arts practitioners.

But is it really worth dying for?

Most people seem to think it is.

Then I hope you're not like most people.

But this duel is very important to me. It's a major test.

Would you give up this risk for someone?

I just don't want to see anyone get hurt or killed anymore.

Are you afraid that I would lose?

- Would you... - No, I will not.

We will be fighting with each other this time tomorrow.

No matter what happens, I will fight to the best of my ability.

I promised my master that I would only return to Japan with your sword.

Otherwise, I would rather perish in China.

Don't you sometimes feel sad for us martial artists?

If we're incompetent, then we can easily get killed.

But if we're good, then either we challenge other masters

or we ourselves keep getting challenged and can never have peace.

- Do you regret it? - I don't regret the life I've chosen.

- Do you? - Neither do I.

Did you notice anything unusual at the House of the Holy Sword?

If someone has a hidden agenda, then this duel will not be a fair one.

However, I trust you.

We will have a fair duel.

- Master Hsia-Hau! - Don't worry about me. Save Sing Lam!

Uncle!

Uncle!

Bo Ching Wan.

A true swordsman would not be easily fooled by an illusion!

Did you really think that my legs were chopped off?

Then you are wrong. I was born a cripple.

This is why you have the chance to represent China in the duel.

Let me tell you. Even a cripple can still defeat you!

Where is Bo Ching Wan?

I never imagined the House of the Holy Sword folks can be so despicable.

I will fight you in the duel, and I will kill you!

The samurai's sword is forged to kill those who commit treason.

Commit treason?!

The capture of Bo Ching Wan

and other martial arts experts has shocked the martial arts community.

I'm afraid outsiders will suspect us as behind it.

The shogun has already given the decree

to take away all the captives within two days.

- But Miyamoto Ichiro is very stubborn. - Not to worry.

He would never dare to defy an order from the shogun.

As for your wish, it will soon be realised.

Father... How could you do this?!

Sing Lam!

You are despicable!

- Why did you come here? - I'll do anything for you.

But trying to restore the family's glory by betraying China...

This will only draw contempt!

Father... listen to me...

How dare you?! This is your father's decision. Don't interfere!

If you insist on doing this, then please forgive your daughter!

Sing Lam!

Have you forgotten your promise to me? Have you forgotten your responsibility?

We must not lose our integrity!

Take me to the antidote first.

Father!

Why wouldn't you repent??

Father!

I raised you and taught you martial arts and yet you betrayed me!

Father...

Do you really think we can capture Swordsman Bo so easily?

Master Hsia-Hau, the Japanese shogun will never be on your side.

Japan has always had its eyes on China. Do you really wish to be their puppet?

Master, please reconsider.

Your daughter will die for you,

but not to betray China and bring disgrace to our family.

Our name will be shamed forever.

The martial arts world... Do they still respect our house at all?

Think of how much we had contributed to Chinese martial arts.

Yet they have been ungrateful to us by nominating others to represent China!

They have not shown any respect to me!

I can't believe our techniques

aren't as good as those taught by a few Shaolin monks!

Swordsman Bo, my father's dream is to regain the dominance

of our clan in the martial arts community.

A fight between you and I now seems unavoidable.

Master, your persistence will only destroy your House's reputation.

Look out!

Father!

Sing Lam!

Swordsman... Don't kill my father... He knows what he did was wrong...

Sing Lam!!!

Sing Lam! Sing Lam!

Sing Lam, get up. We will start over.

The House of the Holy Sword will make a glorious comeback!

Sing Lam! Sing Lam!!

Get up so your father can teach you some more techniques.

We will start over again.

Sing Lam! Sing Lam!!!

Stop!

I will not let you do this.

Have you forgotten the shogun's orders?

"Those who violate the order shall be killed."

I will fulfil my mission... and the wish of my late master.

Fool! How dare you betray the shogun?!

I order you to commit Seppuku now!

I will die,

but only after the duel.

You can never kill all of us Ninjas.

We have unfinished business.

Don't you think this duel has lost its meaning?

You promised me. How can you renege now?

I won't fight you. I have to go back to Shaolin.

I must fight you!

Is winning and losing really that important to you?

If someone dear to you died because of this duel, would you fight?

Too many people have died for this duel already.

Uncle! Uncle! Uncle!!!

"Battle"

This is to repay you.

Must we continue to fight like this?

♪ Heroes with heart and soul

♪ Smiling, we duel to the end

♪ Unfailing is my will

♪ By the sword, I conquer death

♪ And wander alone in misery

♪ Not feared by solitude

♪ Nor the wavering of men

♪ Let loneliness embrace me

♪ And makes me as cold as the ebbing tide

♪ So that my hurt I ignore

♪ Love and hate entangled

♪ Gratitude and resentment are infinite

♪ All has faded ♪ Misery I endured

♪ Only pride remains in my heart

♪ To live only for fame

♪ And sacrifice is the path

♪ Conquer all others

♪ Break away from hatred ♪ All sorrow and love resolved

♪ By my sword I live my life

♪ Long live the greatest swordsman!

♪ Love and hate entangled

♪ Gratitude and resentment are infinite

♪ All has faded ♪ Misery I endured

♪ Only pride remains in my heart

♪ To live only for fame

♪ And sacrifice is the path

♪ Conquer all others

♪ Break away from hatred ♪ All sorrow and love resolved

♪ By my sword I live my life

♪ Long live the greatest swordsman! ♪