Opening theatrically worldwide on the 17th of Feburary, Blades of the Guardians marks a major return for legendary action filmmaker Yuen Woo-ping.

Based on the manhua Biao Ren, the story follows Dao Ma, the empire’s second most wanted fugitive, who accepts what appears to be a straightforward job, escorting a mysterious prisoner across hostile territory. The mission takes a dramatic turn when Dao Ma discovers the truth about the man he is guarding: that he is the empire’s most wanted criminal.

From that seismic revelation, Blades of the Guardians unfolds an exciting story across vast landscapes as allegiances fracture and survival hinges on nail-biting skill and resolve.

Set amongst a stark, lawless desert frontier, the film is said to blend sweeping road-movie momentum with grounded, physical combat, assuring cinema-goes an action-packed experience that still feels earned, painful, and real.

The stacked cast includes Jet Li, appearing in one of his first full-scale martial arts performances in years, joined by modern action icons Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, and Max Zhang. Their athleticism is set to be complemented by the well-loved acting chops of Tony Leung Ka-fai and Kara Wai. Global pop fans might also recognise SEVENTEEN’s Jun and WayV’s Winwin as part of the star-studded lineup.

Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, the filmmaker is best known for his work on Drunken Master, Fist of Legend and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, as well as Hollywood blockbusters The Matrix and Kill Bill. Audiences can guarantee fantastic action performed by some of the biggest action stars in cinema.

Blades of the Guardians can be seen in cinemas worldwide from the 17th of February.