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[Photo provided to China Daily]

Yee countered his critics in an earlier interview with the local media, saying that he and Tsui were the highlights of the movie, and that the film would not disappoint viewers.

Lin, the actor, says Yee's direction makes the martial arts story resonate with modern audiences.

While some people are working hard to pursue fame and money, some would rather quit the race, he says. "It's an evergreen theme."

From fellow actor Ho's point of view, Sword Master is a poetic product and a tribute to the golden era of martial arts films from Hong Kong.

The film has been mostly shot in Hengdian, a town in East China's Zhejiang province, where many studios are located.

Members of the crew built around 15 sets, including a 10,000-square-meter replica of a slum, to re-create the ancient world in Gu's novel.