THE LADY ASSASSIN is a late-stage treat from Shaw which really wows from beginning to end. It involves a heady succession in which the dying Emperor's sons via for supremacy, with the story mainly focusing on the rivalry between Fourth Prince Tony Liu and Fourteenth Prince Max Mok. However, the real interest lies in the common people, from the titular character to Norman Chu's bodyguard. An all-star cast assembles to a shoot a film chock-full of wonderful fight scenes, matching expert choreography with a super-fast pacing, including some speeding up. Plenty of blood and FX too, including an ending which has to be seen to be believed.

Just to add something - the other reviewer points out a plot twist regarding altering a character on a written will as being similar to another kung fu movie of the time. Please also compare this film to "Rebellious Reign" from 1980 and you will find other plot similarities. There are so many in fact that I have to consider this film as a remake of the earlier. The really weird part is actor Norman Chu plays in both movies. In the earlier movie he is the 14th prince. In this movie he is the bodyguard of the 4th prince. Actually, I like him better as the good guy despite his many roles as bad guys. Review-wise, this is an excellent kung fu movie, a good example of Shaw Studios going out on top.