Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed martial arts film banks on teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Blades of the Guardians
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS follows Dao Ma (Jing Wu)—the "second most-wanted fugitive"—who's tasked with securing the safe passage of a rebel, Zhi Shiliang (Yi-zhou Sun) to China's Sui Dynasty capital of Chang'an, where Shiliang wants to take down the corrupt emperor and create prosperity in the capital. Along the way, Dao Ma cares for his nephew, the son of the deposed crown prince, travels with his friend and leader of the Mo Clan's female warriors, Ayuya (Lijun Chen), and creates an uneasy alliance with another bounty hunter, Shu (Yosh Yu).
Is It Any Good?
This film is jam-packed with action sequences that are bound to excite any wuxia fan. That said, Blades of the Guardians appears to be promising a journey to Chang'an, without making it clear that viewers won't get there by the end of this film (sequels are likely). That might be a cultural issue, however, as the film is based on a popular manhua (Chinese comic book series), so while U.S. viewers might be let down by the story's unfinished feel, fans of the source series might already know where it's headed.
All of that said, Blades of the Guardians is full of fun, interesting characters and intense backstory. In some ways, it's almost too chock-full of story, with characters' histories being reduced to highlights. It's possible that the manhua might have benefited from being a TV series instead of a film, to allow ample time for an in-depth look at every character's personal history. (The manhua was also the basis for a Chinese animated series in 2023.) But for what it is, Blades of the Guardians is a fun film that will definitely scratch your martial arts itch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dao Ma's ethics in Blades of the Guardians. How would you describe the code Dao Ma lives by? Does it make up for his more violent actions?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
How does the violence in this movie compare to what you've seen in other films, whether in this genre or others? What's the impact of media violence?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 17, 2026
- Cast : Jing Wu , Yi-zhou Sun , Lijun Chen , Jet Li
- Director : Yuen Woo-Ping
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s) , Chinese Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Well Go USA Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Sports ( Martial arts )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 126 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence throughout
- Last updated : April 1, 2026
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