Film

The Chess King: Showdown of Life & Death

Director

Fengquan Han

Year

2014

Set during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, the film follows Zhu Dingcai, grandson of the late Prince Anhua, who was killed after a failed military plea to the emperor. Carrying a blood-written manifesto left by his family, Zhu risks everything to travel to the capital. Using a daring scheme known as "sacrificing oneself to trap the wolf," he successfully eliminates the corrupt eunuch Liu Jin. In recognition of his courage, the emperor grants him the title “Brave Junior Imperial Inspector,” sending him across the empire to investigate local grievances and uphold justice for the people.