Blades of the Guardians

Dao Ma, a fugitive known as the second most wanted man, is given a task by the head of the Mo clan, who has taken him under his protection. The assignment is an escort job shrouded in secrecy: he must bring the most wanted fugitive in the land to Chang'an. The journey unfolds in a China torn by unrest, where a despotic emperor and corrupt officials weigh on the people and rival clans settle their disputes in blood. Against this backdrop, the rebel leader Zhishilang rises with the aim of restoring peace, and Dao Ma, once a member of the imperial elite guard, finds himself drawn toward a decisive confrontation.

The film is directed by Woo-Ping Yuen, the thirteenth of thirteen features he has directed in chronological order, following Septet: The Story of Hong Kong. The screenplay is by Su Chaobin, Larry Yang and Yu Baimei, with Lau Tik producing. Wu Jing plays Dao Ma, Nicholas Tse appears as Di Ting, and Chen Lijun, Yu Shi, Sun Yizhou and Li Yunxiao round out the principal roles among a credited cast of thirty-seven. Produced in China by Huaxia Film Distribution, China Film Group Corporation, Beijing Dengfeng International Culture and Alibaba Pictures Group, the film was released on 17 February 2026 and runs 126 minutes. Its reported budget of 123 million USD is matched by a worldwide box office of 203 million USD, a return that indicates a substantial audience. On TMDB it holds 8.2 out of 10 from 237 votes, a strong viewer response for an action, adventure and historical drama with western elements.