The Lady Hermit (1971)

A young swordswoman searches for the legendary kung fu master The Lady Hermit to ask to be her disciple. This draws the attention of self-professed Number 1 in the martial world Black Demon, who is also seeking The Lady Hermit but for entirely different reasons. The lady herself is forced to reveal herself to rescue the girl.

I think THE LADY HERMIT is the Shaw Brothers film that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon most resembles, it has several themes and arcs in common - though plenty that is different as well. It has exactly the same number of Cheng Pei-Peis in the cast though, which can't be a coincidence.

I think the film was intended as a baton pass from Cheng Pei-Pei to Shih Szu, but though cute and feisty she doesn't have the same commanding presence and I don't think she ever achieved the same level of popularity, mostly being relegated to supporting roles after a few years.

The film is quite a lavish production, featuring plenty of outdoor shooting and nice sets and costumes, but the direction from Ho Meng-Hua is a bit workmanlike, by no means bad but failing to generate much investment in the characters' fates.

Definitely worth seeking out for wuxia fans, but not quite up there with the best of the best.