The Duel (1971 film)

Plot

Tang Ren-jie (Ti Lung) and his older brother Tang Ren-lin (Ku Feng) are triad leader Shen Tian-hung's (Yeung Chi-hing) adopted son and henchman respectively. Shen was involved in a battle against rival triad leader Liu Shou-yi (Ho Ban) where both of them were killed. Jie then takes the initiative to be the scapegoat for the crimes of his brother Lin and Gan Wen-bin (Chuen Yuen), where then he flees to Jiangnan.

However, Gan repeatedly sent murderers to harm Jie while also seizing all of Shen's properties and drives Lin away. With the help of Rambler Jiang Nan (David Chiang), Jie finally kills Gan, but the two of them also dies from their injuries.

Cast

Critical

The film received generally positive reviews. Glenn Heath Jr. of Slant Magazine rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and writes "The Duel turns in violent circles for most of its running time, but the final battle sequence gratuitously displays the film's keen attempt at political commentary." City on Fire rated the film a 8.5 out of 10 and writes "The Duel is a well-paced, action packed tale that won’t disappoint. It’s the perfect example of Chang Cheh’s slickness. It’s also one of Ti Lung’s and David Chiang’s coolest roles together." Ian Jane of DVD Talk rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and praised its action scenes, interesting plot twists and the performances by Ti and Chiang.

Box office

The film grossed HK$1,375,619.20 at the Hong Kong box office during its theatrical run from 21 April to 6 May 1971 in Hong Kong.