Blades of the Guardians (2026)

Martial arts, action, and historical settings. The creation of the Gods is more fantasy-like, as it explores Chinese myths, but both movies feature many visually striking combat scenes. I recommend they be watched in cinema theatres

Xu Xianzhe's inspiration for Dao Ma when he started drawing the manhua that started publication in 2015 is Tony Leung Ka-fai, in this film also featuring our protagonist needing to escort certain individuals to a certain place, by a certain date.

Yanzi-niang by Li Yunxiao is a vividly unforgettable wily flirtatious female as unique as Maggie Cheung portraying saucy calculating multi-faceted Jin Xiang Yu in this 1992 movie.

Chen Lijun as Ayuya turns in a strong performance that sees Ayuya as the most popular Lunar New Year character from the 2026 Lunar New Year movies of the box office, as per weibo announcement. Her performance is starkly different from the amazing Lin Ching-hsia due to character differences, but there are touching and feisty parallels seen in certain moments.

This is likely the movie which inspired Xue Xianzhe for his manhua. A mature screenplay, top-notch cast for villains and heroes, and solidly encompassing themes of wuxia. A Tsui Hark classic.

choreographed by Yuen Woo ping whos also the director of Blades of the Guardians. Follows wandering warriors entangled in revenge across a historical world. it's got that same historical martial world feel and heroic journey as Blades of the Guardians.

House of Flying Daggers has mix of undercover drama, betrayal, romance, and killer sword fights in ancient settings. The protector or escort tension builds up feels super similar to the guardian missions in Blades of the Guardians.