Reviewed by: pjshimmer Date: 11/18/2005 Summary: Interesting film Having seen He Ping's SWORDSMAN IN DOUBLE FLAG TOWN, I more or less knew what to expect from SUN VALLEY: a leisurely paced study of human character, disguised as a wuxia-spaghetti western on the surface. Like DOUBLE FLAG, the setting is a small town near the desert. Some of the fantastic imagery looks like it could have been extracted out of Federico Fellini's LA STRADA. Unlike DOUBLE FLAG, this one doesn't have an exciting finale. The action are scatter throughout the feature. The swordsman searches for a "friend" (nice term for a killing target) and ends up finding his soul. He is haunted by a nightmare vision from the past, living a life of revenge. At the end, he is liberated through bloodshed. Impressive Mainland veterans Zhang Fengyi (who is excellent in EMPEROR & ASSASSIN) and Wang Xueqi (the best of WARRIORS OF HEAVEN & EARTH) are joined by Shaw Brothers veteran Ku Feng, along with a great lady Yang Guimei. Reviewer Score: 7

Reviewed by: hkcinema Date: 12/21/1999 This Chinese JEREMIAH JOHNSON makes for an interesting comparison with Tsui Hark's THE BLADE, made the same year. The two films couldn't be more different, as far as the "swordsman" genre goes: SUN VALLEY is an autumnal elegy on the essential loneliness and psychological pain of the swordsman, whereas Hark's film, stylish as it may be, is busy and often merely chaotic. SUN VALLEY, a vehicle for Zhang Fengyi (co-star of FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE), has a power that lies in the strength of its convictions. Its overall quietness and restraint only atone for some sudden, if occasional, bursts of violence, which are as beautifully realised as the rest of the film. Fine photography, very fine acting (especially by Yang Kuei-Mei) and a surprisingly stylish symphonic score make this a mature, most satisfactory example of its genre. Definitely recommended! [Reviewed by Thomas Muething]

Reviewed by: hkcinema Date: 12/08/1999 Swordsman arrives at Sunlight Canyon, awaiting his enemy'sarrival. Swordsman originally was pure and innocent, but everyday is tormented by childhood nightmares, so he numbs himself with blood and murders. Time after another killing and scaring away the Canyon motel's visitors, leaving only the motel owner. The two begins to build a relationship, only to be discovered by the owner's lover, who is a horse thief. The two fight for the woman...... [Reviewed by Next Magazine]