Arrow Films’ UK release of Peking Opera Blues marks the first title from the legendary Golden Princess library to arrive on British shores — a catalogue that also includes classics from John Woo. (In the US, the films are being released by Shout! Studios, and in Australia by Imprint Films.)
Directed by the endlessly inventive Tsui Hark, the film takes us to Beijing in 1913 — a time of political chaos and clashing warlords. Amid this turmoil, three women’s lives collide inside a bustling Peking Opera house. What begins as a coincidence soon evolves into a conspiracy, as they band together to stop President Yuan Shikai from restoring the monarchy and crowning himself emperor.
With help from a principled freedom fighter and a wavering palace guard, the unlikely heroes rely on quick thinking, disguises, daring escapes — and more than a little theatrical flair — to defend the fragile young republic.
At the heart of the film are powerhouse performances from Brigitte Lin, Sally Yeh, and Cherie Chung. Each brings a distinct spark: charisma and vulnerability.
What makes Peking Opera Blues so memorable is its tonal balancing act. Swashbuckling action, screwball comedy, and political drama weave together at a brisk, playful pace. The editing is sharp, the choreography inventive, and the production design lavishly detailed.
That said, the film isn’t all high spirits. A particularly brutal torture scene serves as a sobering reminder of how far the lust for power can go.
One of the film’s most intriguing layers lies in its treatment of gender. At the time, women were barred from performing in Peking Opera; men traditionally played female roles. In an unusual twist, Brigitte Lin’s character disguises herself as a man and steps confidently into the archetypal role of revolutionary hero.
Visually stylish and brimming with personality, Peking Opera Blues is far more than a conventional martial arts film. It’s part caper, part political satire, part feminist adventure — and widely regarded as one of Tsui Hark’s finest achievements.
The remastered Image on the release is from a new 4K scan and looks amazing. Colours pop and the level of detail is fantastic. Audio is clear and vibrant, and the subtitles are clear and easy to follow.
Extras are plentiful and include – Brand new audio commentary by film critic James Mudge
An Opus for Peking: Starring in a Tsui Hark Classic, a brand new interview with actor Mark Cheng
An Operatic Achievement, a brand new interview with cinematographer Ray Wong
Hong Kong Confidential: Inside Peking Opera Blues, a brand new interview with author and Hong Kong cinema expert Grady Hendrix
Peking Provocations, a brand new interview with film critic David West
Peking History Blues, a brand new interview with historian and academic Dr Lars Laamann
An archival interview with star Sally Yeh
An archival interview with composer James Wong
Original theatrical trailer
Image gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Xinmei Liu
Collectors’ booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Camille Zaurin and Professor Jamie Zhao
A superb release from Arrow, and I cannot wait for more from this library to be released. (Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray special edition packages).
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