The Sword of Justice [寒劍孤星斷腸花]

A formidable assassin, Shui Yi Han, sporting his trademark umbrella sword, arrives at the abode of his victim, and ruthlessly dispatches him down a well. This prelude sets the tone for the story: crisp, atmospheric and clinical. Famed novelist/screenwriter Ku Long is listed in the credits as a 'planner' for this film, and the themes and execution certainly bear his hallmarks.