The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman 2011
Directed by
Wuershan
Made by
China Lion Film Distribution
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The cinematic journey unfolds through three captivating tales, each serving as a distinct chapter in a larger narrative: “Desire,” “Vengeance,” and “Greed.”
In the first episode, “Desire,” set against the rustic backdrop of Ancient China, we encounter Chopper, a humble butcher played by Liu Xiaoye, who is deeply infatuated with the enigmatic Madam Mei, portrayed by Kitty Zhang. Unfortunately, his unreciprocated affection is cruelly thwarted by the cunning swordsman Big Beard, a role filled by Senggerenqin, who captures Madam Mei’s heart first. Overcome with feelings of humiliation and despair, Chopper contemplates the tragic decision of self-destruction. However, fate intervenes when a mysterious beggar presents him with a remarkable cleaver—an extraordinary weapon endowed with potent abilities. Despite the beggar’s caution about its lethal potential, Chopper, fueled by an overwhelming desire for vengeance against Big Beard, makes the fateful choice to steal the blade.
The second chapter, titled “Vengeance,” shifts its focus onto the enigmatic beggar, whose story unfolds like a carefully tended flame. Here, we meet a master chef, played by Mi Dan, celebrated for crafting exquisite eight-course meals for the powerful and discerning Court Eunuch Liu, portrayed by Xie Ning. Liu is notorious for his ruthless treatment of anyone who fails to satisfy his avant-garde palate, looming as a constant menace. In a bid to safeguard his culinary secrets for future generations, the master chef chooses his devoted mute apprentice, Masanobu Andō, as his successor, revealing to him the unique nuances of his recipes. As the chef shares that the secret to his ultimate dish lies in the cleaver’s unique ability to skillfully prepare fish, he unwittingly walks into a trap set by his apprentice, who harbors ulterior motives regarding the blade. The story takes a darker turn with the chef’s mysterious poisoning and the subsequent unveiling of the cleaver’s significant origins.
The final installment, “Greed,” is conveyed through the perspective of the master chef himself. Swordsman Dugu Cheng, played by Ashton Xu, appears bearing a strange lump of black iron, forged from the melted-down weapons of vanquished champion warriors by Fatty Tang, a character brought to life by You Benchang. This dark artifact carries deep significance, as it once belonged to Dugu Cheng’s late father, a man who wielded it to conquer numerous ambitious pugilists in his quest for tranquility. Aspiring to replicate his father’s legendary feats, Dugu Cheng forges the black iron into a formidable sabre, but he soon finds himself amidst fierce confrontations with rival warriors vying for supremacy. As the intensity of battle escalates, Dugu Cheng begins to unravel the mysteries behind the artifacts and uncovers their true significance.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Chopper's Infatuation
In Ancient China, Chopper, a humble butcher, is deeply in love with the enigmatic Madam Mei. Despite his feelings, she is taken by the cunning swordsman Big Beard, which leaves Chopper heartbroken and filled with despair.
Chopper's Despair
Humiliated by his unreciprocated love, Chopper contemplates a tragic end to his life. This moment of despair sets the stage for a significant turning point in his journey.
The Mysterious Beggar
Just as Chopper considers self-destruction, a mysterious beggar appears with an extraordinary cleaver. The beggar warns Chopper of its lethal potential, but the allure of revenge against Big Beard drives him to steal it.
The Master Chef
The story shifts focus to the master chef known for his exquisite eight-course meals served to the powerful Court Eunuch Liu. His culinary creations are a matter of life and death, as Liu's ruthless nature leaves no room for error.
Passing on Secrets
In an effort to preserve his culinary legacy, the master chef selects his devoted mute apprentice as his successor. He reveals the unique techniques required to harness the cleaver's capabilities for creating his ultimate dish.
Betrayal and Poisoning
As the master chef imparts his knowledge, he unknowingly walks into a trap set by his apprentice, who has ulterior motives regarding the cleaver. This betrayal leads to the chef's mysterious poisoning, unraveling the story further.
The Swordsman Dugu Cheng
The narrative transitions to Dugu Cheng, a swordsman who possesses a strange lump of black iron forged from the melted-down weapons of vanquished champions. This artifact carries the weight of his father's legendary past.
Forging the Sabre
Aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps, Dugu Cheng forges the black iron into a formidable sabre. This act is not just for weaponry but represents his quest for legacy and recognition among warriors.
Rivalry for Supremacy
With the newly forged sabre, Dugu Cheng faces fierce confrontations with rival warriors. Each skirmish reveals his determination to achieve supremacy while grappling with the mysteries surrounding the powerful artifact.
Unraveling Mysteries
As Dugu Cheng engages in battles, he begins to uncover the true significance of the black iron and its connection to his father’s legacy. This understanding shifts his perspective and motivates him to seek further truth.
Climactic Confrontation
The tension culminates as Dugu Cheng confronts the ultimate rival in a high-stakes battle that not only tests his skills but also his beliefs about honor and vengeance. The outcome of this clash is pivotal for his journey.
Resolution of Vengeance
After a series of intense confrontations, Chopper's desire for vengeance reaches a resolution, showcasing the consequences of his unyielding pursuits. This moment of closure profoundly impacts his character development.
Legacy of the Cleaver
The stories intertwine as the legacy of the cleaver is solidified through the fates of Chopper and Dugu Cheng. The cleaver serves as a symbol of desire and vengeance, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Chopper (Liu Xiaoye)
Chopper is a humble butcher whose deep infatuation with Madam Mei drives the narrative in the first chapter. Overwhelmed by feelings of humiliation after being scorned, his desire for vengeance transforms him into a complex character willing to risk everything for love and recognition. His journey reflects the vulnerabilities of unrequited love.
Master Chef (Mi Dan)
The Master Chef is a celebrated figure known for his exquisite culinary skills. His dedication to preserving his cooking secrets for the next generation reveals his wisdom and foresight. However, his story takes a tragic turn as his talents draw envy, highlighting the precarious balance between ambition and betrayal.
Dugu Cheng (Ashton Xu)
Dugu Cheng is a determined swordsman striving to carve out a legacy similar to his father’s. His journey intertwines with themes of greed and power as he navigates fierce rivalries. His character development reveals the burdens of legacy and the quest for personal identity amidst chaos.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Ancient times
The story unfolds during a time when honor and reputation were paramount, and martial prowess defined social standing. This period is characterized by a blend of mysticism and the harsh realities of life, where personal desires often clash with social expectations. It reflects an era of deep-rooted traditions, complex relationships, and the quest for power and fulfillment.
Location
Ancient China
Ancient China is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and intricate social structures. This period is well-known for its philosophers, warriors, and artisans who significantly contributed to the arts and cuisine. The rustic backdrop of this era provides a captivating setting for the intertwining tales of desire, vengeance, and greed.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
❤️
Desire
Desire plays a central role in the first chapter, driving Chopper to pursue his unrequited love for Madam Mei. This longing leads him to make drastic choices, illustrating how intense feelings can sometimes lead to potentially destructive paths. The theme underscores the impact of personal desires on one's fate.
⚔️
Vengeance
Vengeance emerges in the second chapter, as characters grapple with betrayal and the consequences of ambition. The master chef's decision to reveal his culinary secrets brings about treachery, demonstrating how the desire for revenge can lead to tragic outcomes. This theme emphasizes the darkness that can arise from perceived injustices.
💰
Greed
In the final chapter, greed manifests through the actions of those seeking power and supremacy. Dugu Cheng's pursuit of strength and legacy emphasizes how greed can lead to conflict and violence. The theme illustrates the dangers of allowing ambition to overshadow moral values.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.