Duel to the Death (1971) Review in 2025
A gritty and intense martial arts film from 1971, Duel to the Death follows a ruthless mercenary as he takes on a series of opponents in a deadly tournament.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to graphic violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of martial arts and action films, particularly those who enjoy the works of Chang Cheh and Lo Lieh.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film's plot revolves around a ruthless mercenary, played by Lo Lieh, who participates in a deadly martial arts tournament. As he progresses through the tournament, he faces off against increasingly formidable opponents, leading to a final showdown that will determine the true meaning of victory and defeat.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear structure that builds up to the final showdown. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and lacks originality.
acting8.00/10
The acting is generally good, with Lo Lieh delivering a strong performance as the lead. However, some of the supporting actors struggle to keep up with the pace of the film.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with Lo Lieh delivering a standout performance as the ruthless mercenary. However, the supporting cast is somewhat one-dimensional and lacks depth.
direction8.00/10
Chang Cheh's direction is solid, with a clear vision for the film's tone and style. However, the pacing can be a bit slow at times, and the editing could be tighter.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a mix of close-ups, wide shots, and action sequences that are well-choreographed and visually stunning.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging storyline, well-developed characters, excellent cinematography, and a standout performance from Lo Lieh.
Cons
Predictable plot, somewhat one-dimensional supporting cast, and a slow pace at times.
Notable Quotes
"A true warrior does not seek victory, but rather, he seeks to perfect himself."
"The greatest victory is not winning, but rather, it is the journey itself."
