You are here:

Legend of the Ancient Sword

Name: Legend of the Ancient Sword
Director: Renny Harlin
Released: 2018
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2018

Director

Renny Harlin

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Legend of the Ancient Sword offers a culturally specific alternative to Western-centric fantasy by drawing on Eastern mythological traditions and cultivation concepts. However, the film leans on conventional genre clichés and lacks explicit progressive identity politics. While it challenges Western-centric hegemony, it does not actively subvert traditional gender or social hierarchies.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Legend of the Ancient Sword have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film adheres to typical fantasy genre conventions regarding companionship and romance. It does not explicitly address non-cisgender identities or stories that question the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Legend of the Ancient Sword portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around the male protagonist Yue Wuyi, but also includes female characters such as Wen Renyu and Ah Ruan, providing a mix of roles rather than focusing solely on a single male hero.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Legend of the Ancient Sword?

Good

Based on Chinese fantasy traditions, the film incorporates Eastern mythological elements and cultivation practices, offering a culturally specific narrative that challenges Western-centric dominance in global fantasy.

How does Legend of the Ancient Sword represent religion and culture?

Good

The movie emphasizes metaphysical and spiritual development over adherence to Western religious doctrines. It focuses on disrupting established power structures and questioning centralized authority.

Does Legend of the Ancient Sword include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters facing physical, sensory, or neurodivergent challenges. Therefore, no assessment of disability representation can be made.

Present on Screen

Uses Eastern mythological frameworks and cultivation themes to create a culturally specific narrative.
Features a diverse cast that goes beyond the typical male-hero archetype.
Focuses on metaphysical and spiritual growth rather than Western religious structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Depends on traditional gender roles and conventional romantic clichés.
Does not feature characters dealing with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Due to a fateful occurrence, Yue Wuyi leaves home. He meets revered master Xie Yi, who imparts to him the magical arts of Yan, and thus begins his journey of cultivation. Along the way he meets Wen Renyu, Xia Yize, Ah Ruan and company. They discover the schemes and conspiracies of Shen Ye, the grand priest of Liu Yue City. The group of adventurers undergoes dangers to defeat Shen Ye, and prevent a disaster from befalling the world.

How are these scores produced? →