The One-Armed Swordsman Review (1967) — 78% Celluloid Score
Directed by Chang Cheh · 1967 ·
Is The One-Armed Swordsman worth watching?
Yes. The One-Armed Swordsman (1967) earns a 78% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (89%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (82%). See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as 獨臂刀 El espadachín manco Un seul bras les tua tous Das goldene Schwert des Königstigers Espadachim de um Braço 片腕必殺剣 의리의 사나이 외팔이 独臂刀
Theatrical release Where to watch
Streaming availability varies by region — our catalogue lists Prime Video in Japan. Check local listings for your region.
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
Where to watch The One-Armed Swordsman by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| Japan | Prime Video |
| South Africa | Prime Video |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is positive (89/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (82%).
- Metascore is generally favorable (76/100).
- Celluloid Score 78% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.
Best for
- Viewers who want a well-regarded action, drama pick
Not ideal for
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is The One-Armed Swordsman worth watching?
Yes — The One-Armed Swordsman earns a 78% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded action, drama pick. Read our full review (3.5/5).
Celluloid verdict
Chang Cheh’s bloody, masculine swordplay reset Shaw Brothers overnight and made Jimmy Wang Yu the first modern martial-arts star.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics (89%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (82%).
What is The One-Armed Swordsman about?
A noble swordsman, whose arm had been chopped off, returns to his former teacher to defend him from a villainous gang of rival swordsmen.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
The One-Armed Swordsman (1967) Review: Wuxia Learns to Bleed
★★★½☆
The One-Armed Swordsman is Chang Cheh's landmark Shaw Brothers wuxia about a maimed fighter, a raw, influential film whose melodrama and fights now feel dated.
Yes, for martial arts fans and film historians. It is a genre-defining classic with a great hero, though casual viewers may find its pace and fights old-fashioned.
The One-Armed Swordsman stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
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The One-Armed Swordsman: frequently asked questions
Is The One-Armed Swordsman worth watching?
Yes. The One-Armed Swordsman (1967) has a Celluloid Score of 78%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch The One-Armed Swordsman?
In the United States you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Prime Video in Japan; Prime Video in South Africa. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is The One-Armed Swordsman?
The One-Armed Swordsman runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).
Who stars in The One-Armed Swordsman?
The One-Armed Swordsman is directed by Chang Cheh and stars Jimmy Wang Yu, Lisa Chiao Chiao, Tien Feng, Violet Pan Ying-Zi, Yang Chi-Ching.
What is the Metascore for The One-Armed Swordsman?
Metacritic's Metascore for The One-Armed Swordsman is 76 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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