Directed and written by Lu Chun-ku (Bastard Swordsman), this is about the power struggle between the Fourth Yung Cheng (Tony Leung) and Fourteenth Princes (Mok Siu-Chung) — as the Kangxi Emperor (Ching Miao) is dying — with the Lady Assassin Lui Si Niang (Leanne Lau) caught between them and bodyguard Teng Tsung (Norman Chui) ready to protect the Fourteenth Prince with his life. He just might, as the Fourth Prince has hired the unstoppable Min Geng-Yiu (Jason Pai Piao) to kill everyone in his path.

Yes, there are some parts about how the rulers treat the Han Chinese, but it also has most of the cast battling a Japanese ninja (the director!) and his army of gold ninjas. After you just read about all that palace intrigue, let me assure you that there are throwing stars, wire fighting, sword battles, a giant throwing star and two people cut in half—all in one scene—one up and down and the other left to right.

The title doesn’t come into play until the movie’s last few minutes, but who cares? Let me reiterate: giant throwing star and gold ninjas.

The 88 Films Blu-ray release of The Lady Assassin comes with a set of 4 collector art cards, an interview with Poon Kin-Kwan, a stills gallery, a trailer and a reversible sleeve featuring original art. You can get it from MVD.