On June 23, 2026, U.S. label Cult Epics will be releasing a Blu-ray for Don’t Play with Fire (aka Dangerous Encounters of the First Kind), a 1980 Hong Kong thriller from visionary director Tsui Hark (Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, Once Upon A Time in China III).
If you still question Tsui Hark as a storyteller or filmmaker, you need to see this. It’s a dark and disturbing film. The opening alone, which includes a moment of animal cruelty that would definitely cause backlash in the U.S., sets the tone.
After a hit-and-run accident, three teenagers fled the crime scene. A young girl accidentally witness the murder. She blackmail them and forced them into anarchistic activities that will eventually make them face the dangerous arms dealers…
The film stars Lin Chen Chi (Taxi Driver), Lo Lieh (The Big Boss Part II), Lung Tin-sang (Taxi Hunter), Ray Lui (The Prosecutor) and Bruce Barron (Ninja Champion); as well as cameos by Ronny Yu Yan-Tai (The Occupant), John Shum Kin-Fun (Guns of the Dragon) and director Tsui Hark, himself.
Disc 1 – Features:
- Uncensored International version
- 2K Transfer & Restoration
- Audio Commentary by Frankie Balboa and Brandon Streussnig
- Interview with actor Paul Che
- Interview with actor Albert Au
- Interview with screenwriter Szeto Cheuk On
- Interview with assistant director O Sing Pui
- Trailers
Disc 2 – Features:
- Banned Chinese version (2K/SD)
- English dubbed version (SD)
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Bonus Extras
- New and Improved English subtitles
- Reversible sleeve w/original Poster art
- New Slipcase art design by Tony Stella
This title is available The Goodie Emporium, a U.S.-based online store that currently has many Import Shaw Brothers/Golden Harvest/martial arts DVD/Blu-ray movies in-stock – with New titles being added regularly!
Watch the Trailer below:
Ugly cover.
What’s wrong with the second guy from the left (bottom)?