Chinese swordplay films, also known as wuxia films, contain a series of tropes — for example, wandering swordsman, supernatural powers, tragic tales of loyalty and brotherhood. Duel to the Death takes all of those tropes and, in an act of sheer brilliance, throws ninjas into the mix.

I’d go so far as to say that Duel to the Death is one of the best ninja movies of all time, highlighting the enigmatic assassins’ supernatural abilities. It’s also an epic story of brotherhood, as two rival swordsmen — one from Japan and one from China — meet to determine who’s the best warrior. But as the rivals become increasingly aware of the nefarious conspiracy behind their duel, the only ones they can trust are each other.

Duel to the Death’s final act is completely bonkers, filled with physics-defying sword battles, exploding ninjas, and arterial sprays a-plenty, all set to a psychedelic soundtrack.