My Own Swordsman is a Chinese comedy film directed by Yang Xiao and released in 2011. Ming Fan plays the main character, Wu Dao, a fearless swordsman in ancient China. The film is set in the late Ming Dynasty, and it follows Wu as he navigates various humorous and absurd situations. The film is based on a popular Chinese TV series of the same name, which was itself based on a novel by Gu Long. The main plot revolves around Wu Dao and his relationships with different people in his life. He is a loyal friend, a fierce competitor, and a brave adventurer.
The film opens with a martial arts competition, which Wu Dao easily wins. He then befriends two other skilled fighters - Bao Xu and Zhu Yi - and the three of them embark on a series of crazy adventures. One of the recurring jokes in the movie is how Wu Dao is constantly broke, despite being a renowned swordsman. He is always looking for ways to earn money, and his schemes often involve hilarious misunderstandings and mishaps.
Another significant subplot involves Wu Dao's love life. He is torn between two women - the beautiful and kindhearted Yizhen, and the manipulative and ambitious Qiuniang. Both women have their own agendas, and Wu Dao finds himself caught in the middle of their schemes.
Throughout the film, there are numerous fight scenes, most of which are played for laughs. Instead of the typical serious martial arts sequences found in many similar Chinese action films, the fights in My Own Swordsman are often slapstick and cartoonish. This approach suits the film's overall tone, which is light-hearted and comedic.
The performances in the movie are generally strong. Ming Fan is great as Wu Dao, bringing a mix of swagger and vulnerability to the character. Jiantao Hong and Ning-fang Hu are also excellent as the quirky Bao Xu and Zhu Yi, respectively. One standout performance comes from veteran actress Ni Yan, who plays the cunning and manipulative Qiuniang with relish.
The film's direction is solid, with director Yang Xiao keeping the pace brisk and the visuals engaging. The cinematography is solid, with some beautiful shots of the Chinese countryside. The music is also worth mentioning; it features a mix of traditional Chinese instruments and modern pop beats, which gives the film a contemporary feel.
One potential drawback of the film is that some of the humor may not translate well for a Western audience. While there are many broadly comedic moments that most viewers will find amusing, some of the jokes rely heavily on Chinese cultural references or wordplay. As a result, the film may be more accessible to those familiar with Chinese culture and humor.
Overall, My Own Swordsman is an entertaining and charming film that blends action, romance, and comedy in a unique way. Its colorful characters, absurd situations, and lighthearted tone make it an enjoyable watch for anyone looking for something different. While it may not be a classic of the genre, it is definitely worth checking out for fans of Chinese cinema.
