Dragon Blade
Huo An, the commander of the Protection Squad of the Western Regions, was framed by evil forces and becomes enslaved. On the other hand, a Roman general escapes to China after rescuing the Prince. The heroic duo meet in the Western Desert and a thrilling story unfolds.
Working with a mid-range budget of $65.0M, the film achieved a respectable showing with $121.5M in global revenue (+87% profit margin).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Dragon Blade (2015) demonstrates deliberately positioned narrative architecture, characteristic of Daniel Lee's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 7 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Huo An commands the Silk Road Protection Squad, maintaining peace among the 36 nations through diplomacy and martial skill. He is respected as a just leader who believes in unity over violence.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Huo An is falsely accused of corruption and smuggling by Tiberius. He and his men are sentenced to hard labor at Wild Geese Gate, losing everything they built.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 32 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Huo An makes the active choice to help the Roman legion led by Lucius when they arrive desperate and wounded, despite the risk. He chooses to extend trust across cultural boundaries., moving from reaction to action.
At 64 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Tiberius arrives with a massive Roman army pursuing Lucius and the young prince Publius. The false victory of peace is shattered; Huo An realizes they face an overwhelming enemy force., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 95 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Lucius sacrifices himself to save Publius and Huo An, dying in battle against Tiberius. The death of Huo An's friend represents the cost of their ideals and the low point of hope., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 102 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Huo An realizes Lucius's sacrifice proved their shared ideals were worth dying for. He synthesizes Eastern and Western fighting techniques for a final stand, honoring his friend's legacy., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Dragon Blade's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Dragon Blade against these established plot points, we can identify how Daniel Lee utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Dragon Blade within the adventure genre.
Daniel Lee's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Daniel Lee films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.6, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Dragon Blade takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Daniel Lee filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Bad Guys and Zoom. For more Daniel Lee analyses, see Black Mask.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Huo An commands the Silk Road Protection Squad, maintaining peace among the 36 nations through diplomacy and martial skill. He is respected as a just leader who believes in unity over violence.
Theme
A merchant tells Huo An, "Peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of understanding between different peoples." This establishes the film's central theme of unity across cultures.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the Silk Road, the 36 nations, Huo An's protection squad, and the political intrigue with corrupt officer Tiberius who frames Huo An for treason to seize control.
Disruption
Huo An is falsely accused of corruption and smuggling by Tiberius. He and his men are sentenced to hard labor at Wild Geese Gate, losing everything they built.
Resistance
At Wild Geese Gate, Huo An debates whether to accept his fate or continue fighting for justice. He begins rebuilding the ruined city with his exiled men, questioning his purpose.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Huo An makes the active choice to help the Roman legion led by Lucius when they arrive desperate and wounded, despite the risk. He chooses to extend trust across cultural boundaries.
Mirror World
Huo An and Lucius form an unlikely friendship, representing East meeting West. Lucius becomes the mirror character who embodies the theme of cross-cultural unity and shared humanity.
Premise
Chinese and Roman soldiers work together to rebuild Wild Geese Gate. Cultural exchange, mutual respect, and friendship develop. Training montages show East and West learning from each other.
Midpoint
Tiberius arrives with a massive Roman army pursuing Lucius and the young prince Publius. The false victory of peace is shattered; Huo An realizes they face an overwhelming enemy force.
Opposition
Tiberius lays siege to Wild Geese Gate. The combined Chinese-Roman force struggles against superior numbers. Betrayals and losses mount. Huo An's wife is held hostage by Tiberius.
Collapse
Lucius sacrifices himself to save Publius and Huo An, dying in battle against Tiberius. The death of Huo An's friend represents the cost of their ideals and the low point of hope.
Crisis
Huo An mourns Lucius and questions whether their sacrifice was worth it. He processes the loss and the seeming futility of standing against overwhelming corruption and violence.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Huo An realizes Lucius's sacrifice proved their shared ideals were worth dying for. He synthesizes Eastern and Western fighting techniques for a final stand, honoring his friend's legacy.
Synthesis
The final battle against Tiberius. Huo An leads the united Chinese-Roman force, defeats Tiberius, saves young Publius, and is vindicated. His name is cleared and peace is restored.
Transformation
Huo An stands at Wild Geese Gate, now a symbol of unity between East and West. Where once he kept peace through Chinese authority alone, he now embodies true cross-cultural understanding.