The Butterfly Murders (1979)

"The Butterfly Murders" heralded a new era in Hong Kong filmmaking and established a new standard regarding the action film genre. Tsui Hark gained his reputation in the east with this picture, and it established him as one of the most significant personalities in Hong Kong's New Wave.

The film combines traditional Wuxia traditions with science fiction and noiresque murder mystery ideas. It's hardly surprising that Tsui was subsequently dubbed "one of the masters of Asian cinematography" because of his remarkable use of complicated cinematography and imaginative effects.

In terms of narrative, it follows a journalist who is attempting to unravel a mystery; he enlists the help of a martial arts master and a woman. The group visits an unusual castle, where they are besieged by lethal butterflies and a strange killer dressed in black leather.

Detailed information:
Directed by: Tsui Hark
Starring: Lau Siu-ming, Michelle Yim
Release date: 20 July 1979
Running time: 88 minutes