Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert, is an epic Chinese live-action wuxia (martial chivalry) film. The movie functions as a high-stakes martial arts blockbuster featuring an ensemble cast of premier action icons.
Set during the final years of the turbulent Sui dynasty, the story revolves around Dao Ma (played by Wu Jing), a formidable and cynical bounty hunter traveling the harsh Gobi Desert with his young nephew, Xiao Qi. Dao Ma takes what seems to be a standard escort job to protect a client traveling to the capital city of Chang’an. However, he quickly discovers that his charge is actually Zhi Shi Lang, the empire’s most wanted political dissident.
As word of the bounty spreads, the duo tried to survive a gauntlet through the desert while being relentlessly pursued by rival mercenaries, government factions, and greedy merchants.
The film was officially released on June 30 is a massive commercial success, driving huge turnouts during the summer movie season and ranking among the top three highest-grossing films in China’s 2026 box office. Critics and viewers have heavily praised its practical stunts, grand desert landscapes, and complex wirework. Action enthusiasts frequently highlight the film’s innovative sandstorm sequence and the highly anticipated return of Jet Li to the wuxia genre.
It is directed by Yuen Woo-ping (famed action choreographer of The Matrix, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Kill Bill) starring Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, Yu Shi, Ci Sha, Chen Lijun, Max Zhang, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Jet Li.
