Author Archives: Chris Hatcher

Shaolin Intruders (1983) Review

February 18, 2022 Chris Hatcher

AKA: Battle for Shaolin Director: Tang Chia Cast: Derek Yee Tung Sing, Lau Yuk Pok, Jason Pai Piao, Elvis Tsui Kam Kong, Chan Shen, Kwan Feng, Lee Hoi San, Philip Ko Fei, Ku Feng, Alan Chan Kwok Kuen Running Time: 95 min.  By Chris Hatcher It’s not every day a good detective mystery shows up in the midst of a great old school kung fu flick. So when a gem like … Continue reading →

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , |

Opium and the Kung Fu Master (1984) Review

May 17, 2017 Chris Hatcher
"Opium and the Kung Fu Master" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Lightning Fists of Shaolin Director: Tong Gai (Tang Chia) Cast: Ti Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, Robert Mak, Philip Ko Fei, Lee Hoi San, Tang Chia, Lau Leanne, Ku Kuan Chung, Alan Chan, Ma Chao, Yuen Wah, Yuen Bun Running Time: 86 min.  By Chris Hatcher Knowing one could be blacklisted in many kung fu cinema circles for making the following statement, here goes nothing: I have always been somewhat … Continue reading →

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

Mystery of Chess Boxing | aka Ninja Checkmate (1979) Review

April 29, 2017 Chris Hatcher
"The Mystery of Chess Boxing" Theatrical Poster

AKA: Double Chained Horses Director: Joseph Kuo Cast: Lee Yi Min, Mark Long, Jack Long, Jeanie Chang, Siu Foo Dau, Simon Yuen, Ricky Cheng, Wong Chi Sang, Wong Wing Sang, Mau Ging Shun Running Time: 90 min. By Chris Hatcher Rumor has it that in 1979, the release of Joseph Kuo’s Mystery of Chess Boxing on New York City’s famed 42nd Street in Times Square caused near-riots due to its … Continue reading →

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , , |

Martial Club | aka Instructors of Death (1981) Review

March 17, 2017 Chris Hatcher
"Martial Club" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Lau Kar Leung Producer: Mona Fong Cast: Gordon Liu, Kara Hui, Robert Mak, Wang Lung Wei, Ku Feng, King Chu Lee, Chu Te Hu, Wilson Tong, Hsiao Ho Running Time: 102 min. By Chris Hatcher Of the storied directors in old school kung fu cinema, none stand higher on the mountain top than the great Lau Kar Leung. His directorial run from 1975-1986 produced some of the Shaw Brother’s … Continue reading →

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

Dance of the Drunk Mantis (1979) Review

February 17, 2017 Chris Hatcher
"Dance of the Drunk Mantis" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Drunken Master 2 Director: Yuen Woo-ping Producer: See Yuen Ng Cast: Siu Tien “Simon” Yuen, Shun Yee “Sunny” Yuen, Hwang Jang Lee, Linda Lin, Corey Yuen, Yen Shi Kwan, Dean Shek, David Wu, Lee Fat-Yuen Running Time: 121 min. By Chris Hatcher When Siu Tien “Simon” Yuen first stepped onto the Asian cinema scene in 1947 at age 35, one of his earliest roles was as a thug in … Continue reading →

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

Shaolin vs. Lama (1983) Review

February 2, 2017 Chris Hatcher
"Shaolin vs. Lama" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Tso Nam Producer: Ching Kuo Chung Cast: Alexander Lo Rei, William Yen, Sun Jung Chi, Chen Shan, Lee Wai Wan, Chang Chi Ping, Ching Kuo Chung, Wong Chi Sang, William Yen, Li Min Lang Running Time: 90 min. By Chris Hatcher In the world of old school kung fu films of the 1970s and 80s, there is a vast mix of good-to-great films and terribly bad ones; films with superbly fast-paced fight choreography and … Continue reading →

Posted in All, Chinese, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , |