Steering swordplay

What's in the future?

Visually, wuxia heroes often wear white flowing robes, exuding an ethereal charisma that suggests out-of-this-world qualities. They are rarely imposing in stature, but have lithe and sinewy physique capable of superhuman agility. Herein lies the Chinese aesthetics of physical beauty.

As the spirit of xia continues to inspire, it is time new variations took shape to breathe new life into the genre. For example, can a nerd be a martial artist who saves the world?

He can be a bookworm by day and Superman on call, with a wardrobe and hairstyle change to go along. Or, can a Chinese xia come from a wealthy background, as Bruce Wayne did, and equip himself with not only a special outfit but a unique vehicle to boot?

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In the 1960s, authors like Louis Cha and Liang Yusheng updated the literary genre by infusing it with high historical and literary values, spawning endless film and television adaptations that see no end even today. So far, the visual medium is still miles behind the literary origins in both imagination and execution, even with the aid of computer imagery.

There is no shortage of film masterpieces of the wuxia genre. If you scrutinize them, you'll find each pushed the envelope a little bit by adding something new to the genre and extending its boundary of expression.

Since Chinese audiences, by and large, are conservative in outlook and do not take too well to efforts of experimentation, even such milestones as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were not well received at home in their initial run.

A new landmark in wuxia cinema may go in one of several directions. But it will take someone who is able to think out of the box.

Contact the writer at raymondzhou@chinadaily.com.cn.