Both films are spy thrillers set in China during times of political turmoil and foreign occupation. Hidden Blade is set in Republican era Shanghai in the 1930s, while Cliff Walkers is set in the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo in the 1930s. Both films also feature characters operating as undercover agents plagued with moral conflicts and difficult choices. Additionally, both films are characterized by their tense and suspenseful atmosphere, as the characters must navigate dangerous situations while trying to achieve their goals.
