Movies like Swordsman

The Swordsman (Korean: 검객; Hanja: 劍客; RR: Geomgaek) is a 2020 South Korean period action film directed by Choi Jae-hoon, starring Jang Hyuk as the titular character.

Tae-yul, the best swordsman in Joseon who serves King Gwanghaegun as his bodyguard, refuses to join a rebellion of the King's top officials, who believe him too weak to lead the nation against foreign invaders. One of the rebellion's leaders, Min Seung-ho, challenges him to a duel, during which Tae-yul's sword shatters and shards of metal pierce his eyes. The King personally stops the duel, declaring that he will abdicate the throne, and releases Tae-yul from his service.

Years later, an older Tae-yul now lives with his teenage daughter, Tae-ok. The two live and work as trappers, but Tae-ok is increasingly frustrated with her father's refusal to let her experience life outside of their home in the mountains; Tae-yul retorts that the world is far more dangerous than she understands and that he only wants to protect her. Tae-yul's injuries have grown worse, and a local monk warns Tae-ok that unless his eyes are treated with special herbs, he will go completely blind in a few days. The monk sends them to the trader Hwa Seon, but Seon reveals that the herbs are both too expensive and only available to those with political connections.