February 17, 2026 (NYC)– Don’t Miss Blades of the Guardians! (2026).  Blades of the Guardians , is the latest theatrical release from Well Go USA Entertainment.  It is on the best martial arts action films ever made, and directed by the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping

SYNOPSIS:

REVIEW:

Legendary Director Yuen Woo-Ping has created an epic, martial arts masterpiece in the newly released, Blades of the Guardians.  Based upon a highly successful international anime series known as Biao Ren, translated to the film’s English title, Woo-ping artfully brings the story of a wanted Bounty Hunter to life, while blending historical Chinese martial arts movie elements with a modern visceral flare.

The film has many strengths.  It is founded in a solid, easy to follow story, that engages the viewer from the opening scene.  While the film is based on popular folk material and Chinese history, previous knowledge or exposure to either is unnecessary to understanding, or enjoying the tale.   This widely expands the potential audience beyond its core fan base.

Wu Jing, of  Wolf  Warrior acclaim, is phenomenal in the lead role, Dao Ma, the wanted bounty hunter fugitive with a heart.  Dao Ma’s heart is only surpassed by his deadly fighting skills.  While the cast is large, and solid, it is his command of the lead that sets the tone.  His portrayal is multi-dimensional.  While he is deadly, and driven by financial motives, he is also noble character.  Wu Jing’s balance of inner strength  and humor play well.  He is a modern, martial arts super-hero.

Blades of the Guardians, is littered with rich characters that are supported by solid performances.  None of the large cast of characters are “throw aways”. They all serve a purpose to feed the story and the theme, and they are all adeptly played.   The Producers did a great job in creating a cast that joins seasoned martial arts veterans with more contemporary “Pop” stars, again fueling the momentum of wide stream appeal.  This is all without sacrificing anything. There are no weak links.  The characters and the performers are all first rate.

The film has highly publicized the presence of Jet Li in the film.   While it took me a moment to recognize him, it was worth the work.  He, as always, gives the audience their money’s worth.

While I find value in all martial arts movies, many of the modern Chinese originated ones suffer from two flaws, in my opinion.   The first is that the desire to impart an approved message is so direct, and sometimes out of place with the rest of the story, that it is unnatural.  The second is, that while the martial action and fight choreography, can be great they, sometimes, lack a visceral quality.   Neither of these flaws exist in Blades of the Guardians.   While there are messages about morality and good versus evil, they work well with the story.  They are well integrated.   As for the martial arts fight choreography, it is visceral; it is dynamic; it is original; it is fun to watch.   You will not be disappointed by the plentiful martial arts fights and action sequences throughout this movie.   This movie is best appreciated on the big screen, in the theater.  I expect the audiences will be well engaged during these fight scenes.

The costumes, cinematography, and landscapes in this movie are staggeringly beautiful,   The film is a visual stunner.   There is so much to see, and appreciate, in the Direction that it is likely it must be seen more than once to truly capture all there is to see.   All of this visual excitement does not distract from, nor take the place, of solid storytelling.   It enhances it all.  This movie should be nominated for many awards when the next season approaches.

For audiences in the United States unfamiliar with the source material the blending of great storytelling, martial arts action, and many of the elements of an epic Cowboy Western offer an enjoyable moviegoing experience.

I highly recommend Blades of the Guardians.   It is one of the most epic and enjoyable martial arts films I have ever seen.  See this in theaters, but see it again when it gets released on demand and digitally.

DETAILS

Blades of the Guardians (2026), from Well Go USA Entertainment and Blade Vista Public Relations is in theaters today, February 17, 2026.  It is on the belief that film will have international appeal that has been released worldwide to coincide with the celebration of the Lunar New Year.  The film contains English subtitles.  It is not rated, but there is some violence to be aware of.

–review by Marc Zirogiannis