Rising Popularity Continues! Zhao Benshan's "Legend of the Magpie Knife Sect" Scores 8 on Douban

Recently, the comedy wuxia film "Legend of the Magpie Knife Sect," starring Zhao Benshan and his disciples, has received high praise, with a Douban rating of 8.1. Audiences have applauded Zhao Benshan's acting skills and the overall pacing of the series.

Synopsis:

In the waning years of a certain dynasty, amidst the turmoil caused by Japanese pirates, eunuch dominance, and collusion between the East Factory and the pirates, chaos reigns in the Central Plains martial arts world, with an attempted rebellion looming. Chang Hai, publicly known as the leader of the Magpie Knife Sect, is, in reality, a member of a secretive anti-pirate organization. His mission extends beyond eradicating the pirates to also unveiling the traitorous collaborators within the imperial court. Meanwhile, Eunuch Cao Gonggong has detected dissent within the martial arts community, leading him to clandestinely monitor the activities of various martial sects. To deceive prying eyes and simultaneously carry out his covert task, Xi Men Chang Hai (portrayed by Zhao Benshan) seeks out his twin brother, Xi Men Chang Zai (portrayed by Zhao Benshan), who resides in their hometown, to take his place incognito. Despite being twins, Xi Men Chang Hai and Xi Men Chang Zai have vastly different personalities and life paths. While Chang Hai is a valiant hero, Chang Zai is a timid man of the common people. Confronted with his brother's request, the fearful and hesitant Chang Zai is initially reluctant. However, under his brother's persuasion, and tempted by the promise of finding him a "companion," he ultimately agrees to this dangerous switch. Consequently, the meek Chang Zai, in a hazy manner, transforms from a chef into the leader of the sect, entering a world of fantastical martial arts.

Upon arriving at the unfamiliar Magpie Knife Sect, Chang Zai endeavors to impersonate his brother. Yet, he quickly discovers that successfully passing himself off requires first duping his brother's loved ones: the simple-minded eldest disciple, Hao Meng (played by Cheng Ye), the fiery Ye Si Niang (played by Ge Shan Shan), and the impulsive Zhao De Zhu (played by Song Xiao Feng), his second disciple. The most challenging task, however, is fooling his brother's daughter, Xi Men Rou (played by Li Xiao He). Initially intending to keep a low profile, Chang Zai finds himself unexpectedly entangled in a series of unforeseen challenges. Various twists and turns unfold, with figures such as Gao Da Mao (played by Song Xiao Bao), the leader of the Tian Chi Gang, and the leader of the Five Poison Sect, making appearances. Most perilous of all, Chang Zai's actions draw the attention and suspicion of Eunuch Cao Gonggong (played by Yang Shu Lin). This intensifies the danger he faces. Nonetheless, Chang Zai must press forward, maintaining his facade while navigating the intricate world of martial arts for the sake of justice and his family.