Original subtitles

[bell ringing]

[screeching]

[footsteps]

[pages turning]

[fire]

[bamboo]

[running steps]

Buddha be praised.

We've been expecting you.

[swords whooshing]

[swords clinking]

[crowd screaming]

[swords clinking]

[wooden knocker knocking]

I can read your mind, your action.

You want to know how good your Kong Fu is.

[sigh]

You have to find the answer. You may go.

[door cracks]

[sword crash]

[master] Stop!

[sparking]

[bombs explode]

To the dead, winning and losing mean nothing.

Those Japanese warriors squandered their lives this evening.

The poor souls, may Buddha bless them.

Holiness, I admire those Ninja warriors.

They were dedicated.

They attacked our monastery knowing they would die.

Sorry to say, but Chinese fighters, they lack such devotion.

Qingyun, what about yourself?

Are you dedicated? Can you fight this duel?

Master, I've trained for yours.

I'm ready. It's time to test myself.

Hmm.

[master] Buddha be praised. You must think carefully.

A duel is not the only way to win.

Don't forget.

Kong Fu develops our minds as well as our bodies.

I'm afraid I don't agree with you.

You are a scholar, you have very different ideas.

We are warrior monks, the duel is the only way to get their respect.

It will be a duel to his death, but Qingyun has learned all he can from us.

He's earned the right to test his skills in battle.

Thank you, sir, I appreciate it.

It's true that the Japanese are desperate to win the title of the best fighter.

But I am also determined to defend the good name of Shaolin.

You are not just concerned with defeating the Japanese.

You are determined to win that title as well.

[bell ringing]

Welcome to the Shaolin Monastery.

Please.

[priest] I must say China is a wonderful country.

[priest] Her influence is quite far and wide across the world.

[priest] You should be proud.

[master] You are too kind, sir.

[master] But you flatter us.

[priest] Take Shaolin Kung Fu for instance, it's famous but conservative.

And it's admired in tradition.

I think you'll find modern Japanese martial arts are far superior.

[master] I am afraid I don't agree.

[master] It's an established fact that Shaolin Kung Fu is the world's greatest martial art.

[master] We've been experts for centuries now and our technique has done nothing but improve.

[master] I don't believe your fighters can ever defeat the students of Shaolin.

[priest] Well, it is said that Shaolin Kung Fu has 72 techniques.

[priest] That's very impressive. You have great traditions.

I'm sure that once you're forced to be reckoned with.

But I doubt your students today are the same before.

[master] But Shaolin we use ours purely for defense and to enhance our minds.

[master] We do not seek fame or fortune.

I see. You think you are smarter than us.

We are not mindless fighters, you know?

Hmm. The first settlers in Japan were Chinese.

So really, we are brothers.

We're all one under the same sun.

[master] We should not be fighting each other. We should be living in harmony.

[master] Why must we always have these contests of strength?

[priest] I understand what you say.

But if this was my country, your theories would never be accepted.

But that's enough talk. Why don't you show me what you are capable of?

I'm not a good fighter, nor am I the official Chinese representative.

Perhaps another day.

We'll let the younger men prove themselves.

Experts, you call yourselves experts, yet none of you dare to fight me.

Hmm, look at you, hiding behind that beard, you are a coward, aren't you?

You disappoint me.

So be it.

[cane ringing and falls]

Ah!

[fighting]

[robe rips]

Pardon me.

[master] Buddha be praised.

You have fought very well, and indeed are an expert.

You flatter me. Thank you, master.

I was lucky. I am really not such a great fighter.

I was just fortunate to win today.

Fate was on my side.

Brother, we monks shouldn't fight.

We mustn't treat our guest this way.

Our representative is Hashimotocada.

He is by far the best fighter in Japan.

He is ready. He will be waiting for your man at the Holy Sort House.

Please excuse me.

[master] Buddha be praised.

Well, Qingyun, you surprised that Japanese priest with your strength.

I think you impressed him.

I wanted to teach that arrogant swine a lesson.

We shouldn't have treated him so well.

It made him think we were afraid of him.

That's why I stepped in, sir.

I knew you wanted me to do something.

Well done, you must have read my mind.

[chuckles]

Master, you are like my father. So believe me, I know your thoughts.

Qingyun, I hope that when the day comes, you'll be able to beat this man, Hashimoto.

I hope so.

I leave at dawn.

You must bid farewell to your master before you go.

[kids laughing]

[chuckles]

[kids scream] [swords clink]

[bang] Ah!

You idiot! Why did you hit me so hard?

Hey, I didn't mean it.

You liar, you went right for the head.

- I did not. - You did.

Because you are a lousy fighter, that's why. [man calls]

- Says who? - Says me.

Huh?

Yes, sir.

Hey, look. The chicken is getting help.

[kids mocking]

Come on, chicken.

Alright?

Thank you, sir.

[kids mocking]

[kids yelling] Come on, fight! Fight him!

[kid] Who is chicken, now?

Mister, I just beat him. Thanks for your help.

[kid] Bye.

Honorable General.

[Hashimoto] Hashimotocada of Riosan, is at your service.

You'd better win this duel.

Our country's reputation lies in your hands.

I shall not disappoint you, General. I shall win.

Then make sure you put this sword to good use.

Sir!

Thank you, General.

[sword unsheathes]

[people partying]

[people laughing]

[people cheering]

Dance!

[friends cheering]

[Hashimoto singing]

[crowd yell] Come on! Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

[crowd panic] Master!

I drink to your victory and to the glory you'll bring our school.

Sir.

Hmm.

Hmm.

Here, drink.

To victory!

[crowd cheering] To victory!

Come drink with me.

[party continues]

[friend yelling] Hey, wait! Don't go! Come back!

It's time to go home, boys. Next time.

I'll see you later.

[Hashimoto laughs]

[spooky music]

[fighting]

Who are you?

Ah.

[sword stabs]

Ah!

[master grunts in pain]

[master grunts]

[gasp] Master?

Do not grieve for me.

It's a warrior's honor to die in combat.

Yes.

Remember, you must fight for the glory of our school.

Never surrender.

Recite the code to me. Say it now.

Yes.

Fight to win, never be afraid. Be ruthless, be merciless.

Be resourceful. Kill anyone who gets in your way.

Your own brother, even God himself.

Show no pity. The strong will survive; The weak deserve to death.

Always remember these words and you will always succeed.

Look death in the face and show no fear.

For to be a warrior means to fight until death.

It is the ultimate honor.

[door opens]

[birds chirping]

Dragon!

Dragon!

Dragon!

Dragon, where is he?

[Man laughing]

[master] You better catch me.

[master moaning]

[bird yells] Served you right.

- Hello. - Served you right.

Huh? You are dead.

[bird shrills]

You'd better stop teasing him.

[master crying] You are going to pay for that.

No!

I told you to catch me.

What are you? Deaf?

But you told me never to listen to you.

So I ignored you.

Ah. He is a moron.

Hey, what do you want from me, huh?

Oh, nothing at all.

I came to see Dragon, not my senile Kung Fu master.

- Oh, you are so cruel. - Be careful!

I am still young. Those monks are the senile ones.

Dragon, get over here.

I am not senile, am I?

Not yet, but you are close.

What? You are fired.

[screams]

I bet you can't do that. [chuckles]

I am leaving, take care of Dragon.

- [master] Huh? - [Qingyun sighs]

Listen to me, if you lose that duel, I won't speak to you again, got it?

If I lose the duel, I won't be alive to talk about it.

But if I am still alive, then I'll see you later.

Hey, wait a minute, are you sure those monks taught you everything you need to know?

You tell me, you put me in there.

Still holding that against me?

I was just a kid.

You had potential.

I gave you a chance to become a Kung Fu hero. Now look at you.

You are fighting for China.

- Blah, blah, blah, blah. - You shut up.

So what? You think you saved me?

Yes, you should be honored I chose you.

And now I have to fight because you think I owe you.

No, no, of course not.

You are fighting for your country.

No. I am fighting for your stupid pride.

Dragon, let's go.

Fine, you stay up there, you damn bird.

To hell with the both of you.

I have no time for ungrateful students.

- [maser laughs] - [bird] You idiot, sucker!

- Me what? - Master!

Ah! [head bangs]

Ah [laughs]

[master screams] - Master, are you hurt? - Don't touch me.

Don't call me your master.

Master.

I will win the duel, I promise.

Dragon, you take good care of him for me.

Good luck.

[bird quacking] Hey, quiet.

[people celebrating festival]

Hashimoto, I've come to prove that the Japanese Samurai sword is mightier than Chinese Kungfu.

[laughs]

I am Lichi Wang, the Lord of the Sword. You'll never beat me.

Look, I'm the Lord of The Toy Sword. [man laughs]

Don't touch my stuff. Get away from here.

Go on, get lost.

No Japs are allowed.

Your stinking yen isn't welcome around here.

[crowd applauding]

- Welcome, there're tables upstairs. - Yeah, thanks.

[woman cheering]

Come on, man. Hurry up, old man.

We want to see it.

Hold your horses. I am nearly finished!

Okay, finished. [man laughing]

The Lord of The Sword. [man chuckling]

That doesn't look a bit like him. You got it all wrong.

Huh? What do you know? You haven't met him, have you?

It's a spitting image.

Look at the beard and those eyes. It's perfect.

Don't listen to him. The Lord of The Sword himself asked me to paint this picture.

Hey, you think that this guy Hashimoto would have any chance to get the Lord of The Sword?

Oh, yes, definitely. He is Japan's best fighter.

He'll be as tough as nails.

That's why I am going to Holy Sword House to see this duel.

That's great! Can I come too?

Come on, I'm sure they'd let me come as your guest, wouldn't they?

Forget about it, very few invitations were sent out.

Only 30, in fact.

But we were lucky, we got the last two.

Hey, we'll bring you back a souvenir.

[man laughs] That's great! Drink up!

Cheers!

Hashimoto, surrender now, or I'll cut you like a fish.

We warriors never surrender.

I'll peel you like a banana.

So be it. Prepare to die.

- Peel, peel. - Cut, cut.

Thanks.

What should I do now, my friends?

Very well.

[crowd laughing and cheering]

Thank you. Thank you, my friends.

Thank you all.

Thank you all.

Ah! [stage falls]

[wife] God! They killed him.

They killed my husband.

[wife crying]

Stay back.

[wife crying]

You murdered that man, you'll pay for that.

[men laughing]

An eye for an eye.

Madam, take this.

Why did they kill him? He's done nothing wrong.

[men laughing]

[fighting]

[man shrieks]

[crowd applauding]

Please help her with the body.

That sword will only bring you trouble.

[horse grunts]

[horse neighs]

You must be Hashimotocada.

I wish to fight you.

I have only one opponent in China.

And that's me!

A warrior does not fight women.

Eh!

[footsteps]

You must be Kenji San.

Hmm.

I've been sent to accompany you to Holy Sword House.

Thank you.

Do you know who you are fighting?

The Lord of The Sword.

Tell me honestly, can you beat him?

I will destroy the man. It is my sworn duty.

[waves crash]

[water splashing]

[fighting]

[Qingyun] Ah!

[smoke whooshing]

That'll be alright.

Ah, I'll live.

Your sword play is excellent.

You are very brave.

No, I made a fool of myself out there.

I saw you out there.

You fought like a lion.

Can you get me more firewood?

Uh... I am a little curious, why are you disguised?

I am sorry.

You didn't fool me, Miss.

Hmm!

[door opens]

[priest] How odd! Can you explain this?

[priest] For some reason, the Chinese seem to worship the plum blossom.

The plum blossom is small. I suppose it's symbolic of their stature.

[Qingyun] You're not even close.

Hmm?

Although the plum tree is small, it is a very steady plant.

And it could endure the hardships of the winters.

In fact, it's an excellent reflection of the Chinese character.

Now tell me, your national emblem, what is it?

My friend.

Ours is the cherry blossom.

Although it's short-lived, it leaves an everlasting impression.

And it is never forgotten.

I see, well said.

Hmm.

Master Lee.

Master Kada.

Hmm?

Allow me, this young man is Master Han Sheng.

We've met before.

Hmm?

Hmm?

My father is waiting in the garden.

Come.

Father, Your guests have arrived.

Welcome to you, gentlemen.

It's an honor, sir.

You are too far away.

I can't hear you.

Why don't you come on over, we can talk better.

Hmm.

[thread whooshes]

Ha!

[master laughing]

You're both brilliant fighters.

Most impressive.

Thank you, master.

It's been a long time since we've had guests here.

I am happy you came.

It's been much too quiet.

Sheng, we should take them to look at the rock.

[Sheng] Of course.

Think of all the warriors who have fought this duel.

You'll find every name on these walls.

Why is every duel fought here? Is there a special reason?

My great-grandsfather fought here.

He was the first to fight for China.

He defeated his Japanese opponent.

This has been the arena since.

You should be grateful. Few have seen this place.

You are lucky and you are both so young.

Indeed, you may be the youngest ever.

It's a shame.

Many fighters, they dream of dueling here.

But we have to turn them away.

See this stone?

It is an ultimate honor to have your name engraved here.

And many men have died for this privilege.

But duels don't always have to be fatal, do they?

Contests can't be friendly.

[Hashimoto] I disagree.

Warriors must always fight to the death.

Hashimoto, you fight well, but there is much you do not know about us.

For example, the history of our school.

We cannot fight the duel.

We are forbidden.

For years, this has been the case.

But I assure you my friend, if we fought you, the glory would be ours.

My master has mentioned your family.

You've done much for our nation.

Your ancestors helped perfect our art.

Believe me, your school is famous.

Hmm. I am surprised he remembered us.

So many have forgotten.

But we'll rise again.

And one day very soon, Holy Sword House will fight for China.

[eagle caws]

[explosion]

[footsteps banging]

Hmm!

[fighting]

[explosion]

[gasp] Buddha be praised.

[woman screams]

[master struggles]

Want to know a secret?

I'll tell you.

Nobody wins here, except death.

There will be two more fighters here, next year.

They will stand here just like us, in front of our graves.

[gasp] Look out! [explodes]

[explodes]

[darts whooshing]

[thread extends]

[darts whooshing]

[Sheng] I heard you were attacked at the graveyard. I am so sorry.

[Qingyun] It's very strange. I wonder how they knew we'd be there.

[Sheng] My father is investigating it.

[Qingyun] I'm sure he'll catch them.

[Sheng] We've tightened the security around the school grounds.

[Sheng] I'm sure there won't be any more incidents like that.

[Qingyun] Whoever he was, well, you ought to teach him a lesson.

Oh, yes. He'll live to regret what he has done.

[Qingyun] I am sure.

[Qingyun] You know the first time I met you, you amazed me.

[Qingyun] I couldn't believe anyone would look so delicate, yet fight so well.

[Sheng] You saw through my disguise. Was it really so obvious?

Of course. You move with such grace.

I'm glad you noticed me.

How could I have missed you? You are beautiful.

[Qingyun] Tell me something.

[Qingyun] Why would a woman like you want to dress up like a man?

[Sheng] Not many men will fight a woman.

[Qingyun] You shouldn't hide your beauty.

[Qingyun] Be proud of it.

Father.

[dad] Where have you been?

Well, I just went for a walk.

You know, for centuries, Holy Sword House was the number one school in China.

We were known and respected all over the country.

And then came Shaolin, now we are nothing.

They look down on us.

When we first fought the Japanese, it was my ancestors who defeated them.

We were Chinese heroes.

But now...

Father, I'll do my best to win their respect.

You?

I doubt it.

Just look at yourself.

Your mind's not your own.

Lichi Wang has you under his thumb.

I'm sorry.

Please forgive me.

Sheng, I don't blame you.

It's my fault.

I pinned all of my hopes on you.

But I asked too much of you.

I will find a way to restore our family's honor.

[fighting]

[whistles]

Gentlemen, I apologize for today's incident.

We were all so relieved that neither of you were badly injured.

Let's drink a toast.

Cheers! To your health!

Please, sir. Don't apologize. It's not your fault.

Hashimoto. Kenji.

You are honored guests.

Welcome to my home.

I hope you'll be happy here.

Thank you, sir.

China has much to be proud of.

Delicious food and wine.

We don't get this at home.

Huh. So, it's no wonder you are always fighting with us, you envy us.

- Sheng! - Hmm!

They do say there is black sheep in every family.

We have them in my country too.

They say whatever they want, regardless of others.

Hashimoto, you are a man of dignity.

I respect you.

To your health.

[Master Han laughs]

Let's drink to our friendship.

Come, I toast to you.

Master Han, why haven't none of the other guests arrived yet?

Oh, calm down, don't worry.

They'll all arrive in good time.

No one will want to miss this fight.

Sheng, our guests are expert fighters.

If you have time, you should watch them practice if they agree.

Of course.

Uh, but sir, your school is great.

We should be learning from you.

Thank you.

I'm flattered.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

We'll drink.

What a pity.

This is good wine.

It's a shame it's wasted.

[Sheng yells]

Wouldn't you agree?

Puff!

Well, that was quick.

I am disgusted with you.

You are a priest, aren't you?

You fool!

You are forgetting your loyalty to Japan.

You are an insult to our school.

The Shogun himself sent me over here.

The Shogun? Yes.

Maybe you should take a look at this.

Kenji, you are in full command of the mission to the Holy Sword House.

Ensure that the duel is handled to our complete satisfaction.

Kill anyone who stands in your way.

I am a Samurai warrior.

I want a fair fight.

We serve the same cause.

Seek honor for Japan. And serve the Shogun.

Then why did the Shogun send me to the duel?

You are just part of a larger plan.

The fight is just a diversion.

We are going to kidnap China's best fighters.

A deal has been made with Master Han.

He kills Qingyun, and his daughter Sheng will fight you.

And you lose.

When we understand their Kung Fu, then we'll have full control of China.

But why use me?

Remember, you owe the success of your school to the Shogun.

How do all those names make you feel?

Those men were heroes.

They knew they'd die.

As father says, all for glory.

They are like me, they wanted to win.

Is that really worth dying for?

Most people think so.

I hope you are not one of them.

No, but this fight is important to me, I have to test myself.

If I ask you to, will you give up the fight?

I don't want to see you get killed.

So you think I'll lose.

- No, but can't you... - I can't.

This is it. Tomorrow we fight the duel.

No matter what happens I will not yield to you.

And I promise you, I'll take your sword from you.

[Hashimoto] Or I'll die here.

That's a warrior's life.

We either kill, or get killed.

If you are not good, you'll die on the battle field.

But if you are good, you'll spend your life fighting.

Either way, we die in the end.

It's not an easy life.

You complain?

I chose this life and have no regrets.

- And you? - Not at all.

Tell me something, do you think there is something strange going on here?

I've got a bad feeling.

Something's gone wrong.

I feel this won't be a fair fight.

But I trust you.

I'll make sure it's a fair fight.

Hmm?

[master moaning in pain]

- Master. - Leave me. Go and save Sheng.

Ah!

[everyone moaning in pain]

Master?

Master!

[door opens]

[cane hits the floor]

Qingyun. [laughs]

You are the Lord of The Sword? Master of the morons more alike.

You actually fell for it.

[master] Ha ha. I was born with no legs.

But I will be laughing even louder when my daughter beats Hashimoto...

and restores the glory of the Holy Sword House.

And she will win. I shall show you, boy.

I'll show them all.

[master laughing]

[door knocking]

[door opens]

Where's Qingyun?

Your dirty tricks have made your wish come true.

You'll get your fight, and I'll kill you.

Believe me, my sword loves impaling traitors like you.

I am no traitor.

Hmm!

Well, we have our hostages. The plan has worked so far.

But they are going to miss those monks.

It's a problem. People might suspect us.

Relax, the Shogun has sent word.

We take them to Japan. We move them tonight.

And Hashimoto, he'll want this duel.

Leave him to me.

They are the Shogun's orders.

He won't disobey them.

You've done well.

Your dream will soon come true.

[chuckles] [door opens]

No.

I won't let you do this.

Sheng.

How could you do this?

It's not what you think.

I'd do anything for you, except betray China.

Don't you realize that this will destroy our reputation forever?

The country will despise us.

Father, listen to me...

Shut up! I know what I am doing. You can't stop me.

Then you are on your own. I'll never help.

Stop!

Don't you forget your place, girl!

You'll do exactly as I say.

I'll never betray my country.

[stone door opens]

- I'll get the antidote. - Yeah.

[sword whooshing]

Please don't do this.

Dad.

I brought you up, taught you Kung Fu, and you treat me like this?

Dad, put the sword down.

Think about what you are doing, please.

Master Han. They are just using you, don't trust the Japanese.

The Shogun is looking for a way to humiliate us.

You are nothing to it, just a puppet.

Think about it, Master Han.

I love you very dearly, father.

I don't want anything to happen to you.

If our people find out what you are doing, they'll never spare you.

Our people?

I have no feelings for those ingrates.

Listen, our ancestors fought and died for them.

Your people, they never once thanked us.

They refused to let us fight the duel, even though we are the greatest.

I want you to show them, Sheng. You are as good a fighter as any from Shaolin Temple.

Qingyun, my father will never back down.

He wants me to restore the glory of our school.

So now we must fight. It's our only way.

Master Han, please reconsider.

You could disgrace our entire nation.

Hmm!

I'll kill you!

Ah! [roof shatters]

Dad!

[gasp]

[Sheng screams]

Sheng!

No, don't. Please don't kill him.

He doesn't know what he is doing.

Sheng! Sheng!

Sheng! Sheng! Please wake up. We can start over again.

I promised her that she would become a hero.

Come on!

Sheng.

Please don't die.

I'll teach you more Kung Fu.

We'll start again.

Sheng! Sheng!

Hold it!

I won't let you do this.

I am acting on the Shogun's orders.

Orders? And what are they?

I will follow my master's code.

I must complete my mission.

I order you to kill yourself.

Do it now!

I will die.

But first, I fight the Chinese.

Hmm!

[sword whooshes]

[explodes]

[darts whooshing]

[darts whooshing]

[explodes]

[explodes]

Like my words, you will die.

[explodes]

We still have some unfinished business.

I won't fight you It would mean nothing.

You promised. You must fight with me.

The duel is over.

We are going home.

No, you are not.

Is winning so important to you?

Well, what would you do if something close to you was murdered?

You'd fight.

Too many have died. It stops here.

[master screams]

Master! Master! Master!

[sword clinks]

[Hashimoto screaming]

[fighting]

[swords clash]

[swords ringing]

[birds chirping]

[waves roaring]

Ah!

[fighting]

[ground shaking]

[both smearing]

This will make us even.

Let's stop this now, can we?

[both screaming]

[Hashimoto grunting]