Author Archives: JJ Bona

Duel to the Death (1982) Review

"Duel to the Death" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Duel, The Director: Ching Siu-Tung Cast: Norman Chu, Flora Cheung, Damian Lau, Kuo Sheng, Eddy Ko, Paul Chang Chung, Yeung Chak Lam, Kwan Yung Moon, Casanova Wong, Hon Gwok Choi Running Time: 82 min. By Numskull Bo Ching Wen is a wise young Chinaman, itching to test his skills after ten years of intense study at the Shaolin Temple. Hashimoto is the warrior champion of the Sun Yin Sect, … Continue reading

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Champions, The (1983) Review

Director: Brandy Yuen Cast: Yuen Biao, Dick Wei, Fung King Man, Cheung Kwok Keung, Gam Biu, Moon Lee Choi Fong, Eddie Ko Hung, Tino Wong Cheung, Ho Pak Kwong, Johnny Cheung Yiu Wah, Brandy Yuen Jan Yeung, Cheung Ging Boh Running Time: 94 min. By Vic Nguyen A mischevious country boy, who after many amusing situations, becomes Hong Kong’s soccer king. This early Yuen Biao vehicle is an entertaining blend … Continue reading

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China Strike Force (2001) Review

"China Strike Force" Hong Kong Theatrical Poster

AKA: Thunder Cop Director: Stanley Tong Cast: Aaron Kwok, Norika Fujiwara, Mark Dacascos, Leehom Wang, Coolio, Ruby Lin, Jennifer Lin, Ken Lo, Kim Won-Jin, Jackson Lau Hok-Yin, Li Xue-Tong Running Time: 103 min. By Reefer Wanna know why I like Stanley Tong? Because he is a guy who must have sleepless nights trying to figure out how the heck he’s going to get a motorcycle on top of a double-decker … Continue reading

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Dead End (1969) Review

Director: Chang Cheh Writer: Chiu Kang Chien Producer: Runme Shaw Cast: Ti Lung, Li Ching, David Chiang (Da Wei), Chen Hung Lieh, Angela Yu Chien, Chen Yan Yan, Goo Man Chung, Fong Min, Hsu Hsia Running Time: 100 min. By Mighty Peking Man Zhang Chun (Ti Lung, in one of his first starring roles for Shaw Brothers) is a good natured, twenty-something playboy who loves his family, despises his office … Continue reading

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Blood Brothers | aka Dynasty of Blood (1973) Review

Director: Chang Cheh, John Woo Writer: I Kuang, Chang Cheh Producer: Run Run Shaw Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, Ching Li, Wang Lung Wei, Tin Ching, Cheng Miu, Wong Ching Ho, Yeung Chak Lam, Wong Kwong Yue, Fan Mei Sheng Running Time: 118 min. By Perkele Set in the waning years of the Ching Dynasty, this dramatic, tragic, romantic, blood-soaked martial arts tale of betrayal and revenge … Continue reading

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Come Drink with Me (1966) Review

"Come Drink With Me" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: King Hu Producer: Run Run Shaw Cast: Cheng Pei Pei, Yueh Hua, Chen Hung Lieh, Yeung Chi Hing, Simon Yuen (Siu Tin), Guk Fung, Lee Wan Chung, Kok Lee Yan, Han Ying Chieh, Fung Ngai, Nam Wai Lit, Wong Yeuk Ping, Chan Hei, Jackie Chan, Yam Ho Running Time: 91 min. By Mighty Peking Man I was hesitant to watch a Shaw Brothers movie made in 1966; I admit, … Continue reading

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Young People (1972) Review

Director: Chang Cheh Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, Agnes Chen Mei-Ling (Agnes Chan Mei Ling), Irene Chen I-Ling (Chan Yi Ling), Bolo Yeung (Yang Sze), Yen Shi Kwan Running Time: 118 min. By Mighty Peking Man Young People is a story of active college kids who are divided into three groups, with each one having a leader: David Chiang’s consists of musicians, singers and dancers. Ti Lung’s … Continue reading

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Web of Death (1976) Review

Literally: Five Poison Web Director: Chor Yuen Cast: Yueh Hua, Cheng Lee (Ching Li), Lo Lieh, Guk Fung (Ku Feng), Wong Hap (Wang Hsia), Lily Li Li-Li, Wong Chung (Wang Chung), Angela Yu Chien, Ngaai Fei, Yen Shi Kwan Running Time: 87 min. By Joe909 I’ve loved these old school Shaw Brothers movies since I was a kid, and figured I knew a little about them. But I had never … Continue reading

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Angry Guest, The | aka Duel of Fists 2 (1972) Review

"The Angry Guest" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Kung Fu Killers Director: Chang Cheh Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chang Cheh, Chan Sing, Yasuaki Kurata, Bolo Yeung, Cheng Lee, Woo Wai, Gam Kei Chu, Lee Pang-Fei, Yen Shi Kwan Running Time: 93 min. By Mighty Peking Man Fan Ke (David Chiang) and Wenlie (Ti Lung) are back, and this time they’re up against a powerful Japanese crime syndicate (headed by director Chang Cheh, himself). Not only that, … Continue reading

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Shaolin Rescuers | aka Avenging Warriors of Shaolin (1978) Review

"Shaolin Rescuers" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh Cast: Jason Pai Piao, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Philip Kwok Chung Fung, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Chiang Nan, Walter Tso Tat Wah, Yeung Chi Hing, Wong Ching Ho, Chan Fai Kei, Chan Shen, Cheng Miu, Cheung Hei, Chow Kin Ping Running Time: 110 min. By Joe909 Despite the fact that the opening credits feature San Te (the character featured in “36th Chamber of Shaolin”), Fong Sai-Yuk (featured … Continue reading

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Bells of Death, The (1968) Review

Director: Griffin Yueh Feng Cast: Chin Ping, Chang Yi, Chiu Sam Yin (Chao Hsin Yen), Lam Kau (Lin Chia), Tien Sheng, Guk Fung (Ku Feng), Paul Chun Pui, Yeung Chi Hing, Wu Ma Running Time: 84 min. By Mighty Peking Man Bells of Death is the story of Wei (Chang Yi) , a young man who seeks revenge on the three bandits responsible for slaughtering his family and kidnapping his … Continue reading

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Cheap Killers (1998) Review

"Cheap Killers" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Clarence Ford Writer: Wong Jing Cast: Sunny Chan, Kathy Chow, Alex Fong Chung Sun, Henry Fong Ping, Stephen Fung Tak Lun, Lilian Ho Ka Lei, Ku Feng, Michael Ian Lambert Running Time: 94 min. By Raging Caijin “Cheap Killers” springs forth, guns blazing, from the twisted imagination of writer/producer Wong Jing. It’s a sweaty ode to machismo and bullets that at times plays out like “Happy Together” with guns. … Continue reading

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Kiss of the Dragon (2001) Review

"Kiss of the Dragon" American Theatrical Poster

Director: Chris Nahon Cast: Jet Li, Bridget Fonda, Tcheky Karyo, Laurence Ashley, Burt Kwouk, John Forgeham, Colin Prince, Max Ryan, Cyril Raffaelli, Didier Azoulay, Vincent Glo, Ric Young, Vincent Wong Running Time: 98 min. By Mairosu Liu Jian (Jet Li) is a top drawer Chinese cop, and also a master acupuncturist (yes, sounds silly, I know). He is summoned from China to help the local DEA bust a Chinese drug … Continue reading

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Maximum Risk | aka Bloodstone (1996) Review

"Maximum Risk" Japanese DVD Cover

AKA: The Exchange Director: Ringo Lam Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Natasha Henstridge, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Zach Grenier, Paul Ben-Victor, Frank Senger, Stefanos Miltsakakis, Frank Van Keeken, David Hemblen, Stéphane Audran Running Time: 100 min. By James H. I swear, Van Damme must have a curse on him. This curse gives bad luck to all involved with his movies. This curse has struck acclaimed Hong Kong film director Ringo Lam. It happened … Continue reading

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One, The (2001) Review

"The One" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: James Wong Cast: Jet Li, Delroy Lindo, Carla Gugino, Jason Statham, James Morrison, Dylan Bruno, Richard Steinmetz, Dean Norris, Harriet Sansom Harris, Archie Kao Running Time: 96 min. By Joe909 Basically this movie is nothing more than “The Highlander” meets your basic comic book/parallel universe plot. The acting’s stiff at times and there’s no character development to speak of, but still, I had a good time watching it. The … Continue reading

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