36th Chamber of Shaolin | aka Master Killer (1978) Review

"36th Chamber of Shaolin" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“36th Chamber of Shaolin” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Lau Kar-Leung
Writer: Ni Kuang
Cast: Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, Lau Kar Wing, Wilson Tong, Wong Yu, Lee Hoi San, Henry Yu, Hon Gwok Choi, Wai Wang, Austin Wai, Aai Dung Gwa, Billy Chan, Peter Chan, Chan Shen, Chan Si Gaai, Cheung Chok Chow
Running Time: 115 min.

By JJ Hatfield

This film is far more than just another Shaolin monk tale. Several things combined to propel this movie into a much loved, oft quoted and frequently ripmaked film. The movie is also known as the Master Killer and Shaolin Master Killer for western audiences. I suppose the marketing geniuses thought the titles needed “killing” to be more lucrative. The translations do a disservice to the cast, crew and the story as it is not a vicious, savage, kill’em all movie.

Many people consider this a turning point for the director Chia-Liang Liu/Lau Kar-Leung as well as the star, Chia Hui Liu/Gordon Liu. “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” was a breakthrough for the genre as well.

Martial arts movies at the time showed waning interest and both the director and the star could have used a boost to their respective careers. A different sort of film was called for and Kuang Ni did an excellent job with a seemingly simple tale of revenge, train, kick ass. It could have turned into a mediocre affair but Kuang Ni added a touch of humanity that sometimes was lacking in many old school kung fu films.

Chia-Liang Lui has always been known for his intense interest in making films rooted in Chinese history. There are more than a few stories about the revered Shaolin monk, San Te. However it is important to note this movie is not based on literal history, it is a work of fiction.

Kuang Ni is the writer and a very prolific one credited with over two hundred films including Eight Diagram Pole Fighter with Chia-Liang Liu (1984) , Feng Hou (1981), All Men Are Brothers – Guanzhong Luo wrote the novel, Kuang Ni is listed in several places as the sole writer but Chang Cheh is listed by some sources as co – writer. Considering the director of this film he no doubt added his own input.

The film is generally considered by the martial arts world as being one of the most absolute amazing kung fu movies ever made! Unlike many of those films this one deserves the credit.

San Te is a thoughtful young student who becomes increasingly involved in opposition to the Manchu government. Everyone is beginning to suffer terribly. The evil Manchu are trying to quietly take over an area of Canton. His friend and instructor tells him they must take action before all the civilians are murdered!

Chia Hui Lui brings genuine love of his family and people to the role. He is humble and a loyal friend. In a way this was a coming of age film for Chia Hui Lui.

During a brutal Manchu attack, San Te manages to escape and wants to go to Shaolin to devote himself to learning the martial arts in order to seek revenge and learn how to protect his people. But San Te was injured in the Manchu raid and is very ill. With help he does manage to get to Shaolin but not in the fighting shape he had planned. The monks at first refuse to let him stay there. If the enemy finds out they are harboring a criminal the monastery could be destroyed. Finally the chief Abbot shows mercy and lets San Te stay after he is healed and learn the ways of the thirty five chambers.

San Te is an eager student but still manages to get into trouble with his child like moments. Chia Hui Liu does seem to have a sense of endearing innocence about him at times. He is in great condition but not perfect and some of the chambers are a lot more difficult than they appear. There are also chambers you haven’t seen before and weapons rarely used on screen. There are plenty of reviews that will tell you every chamber and weapon used if you must know in advance. However it takes away from some of the surprises to be found at the Shaolin monastery.

I’m not going to spoil anything so you will have to watch this for yourself. And this is definitely a movie that demands more than one viewing!

As San Te progresses he is challenged to more than one fight by an elder monk. He has to use his brain more than brawn to defeat his opponent.

Nearly at the end of his education he is “exiled” as a way to allow him help his people. He is free to return to the world at large, primarily his home town and helps people learn how to defend themselves. The situation escalates until San Te must deal with the Manchu government to lead a revolution he is committed to in order to save his people and all who are oppressed.

This movie really shows Chia Hui Liu’s enormous talents! You do not get to see every single chamber, that movie would be days long. But you get to see quite a bit you probably haven’t seen before.

To the director’s credit there is virtually no invasive humor. What humor there is focuses primarily on San Te’s efforts to get through the chambers.

The cinematography (Yeh-Tai Huang, Arthur Wong) was very good for the fight scenes and Shaolin training . The music by Yung-Yu Chen is nothing special but works with the movie.

The 36th Chamber was such a success for the cast, crew, and Shaw Brothers it was decided to make a sequel entitled, “Return To The 36th Chamber” and yet a third, “Disciples Of The 36th Chamber.” Do not expect the same characters and names in the later films. The most important movie to focus on is the original.

Highly Recommended.

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 8.5/10


By Numskull

Welcome to the Museum of Overrated Motion Pictures, everyone! My name is Numskull…well, that’s not my REAL name, of course, but, you know…and I’ll be your tour guide. If you’ll be kind enough to deposit some of your hard-earned money in the donation box so the security guard can steal it after visiting hours, we can begin.

Here’s our first exhibit: 36th Chamber of Shaolin, starring Gordon Liu, also known as Lau Ka Fai, and directed and choreographed by Liu Chia-Liang, whom many of you may know better as Lau Kar Leung, the man who directed most of Drunken Master 2 but got fired by Jackie Chan because he…meaning Liu…wanted the martial arts element to be more accurate than was customary for that film’s illustrious star.

Is there a question back there? The restrooms? They’re over there. Down the hall, on the left. You’re welcome.

This film is one of many from the period…1978, to be exact…that has multiple titles. It also goes by the names of “Master Killer” and “Shaolin Master Killer.” We believe that “36th Chamber of Shaolin” is the most appropriate title, however, since there comes a point when the lead character, San Te, proposes the institution of a 36th training chamber in the Shaolin Temple for the benefit of the general Chinese public. But I digress. To start things off…

I’m sorry? What’s that? Oh. That way. Down the hall, on the left. You’re welcome.

To start things off, there’s a secret revolution of sorts against the tyranny of the Manchus, and our hero enlists after watching his family and friends get brutally slaughtered. Not the most imaginative impetus, perhaps, but it serves, and many similarly-themed martial arts films followed. San Te manages to con his way into a sort of unofficial Shaolin scholarship, and… excuse me, young man, but we don’t permit museum patrons to touch the exhibits, especially patrons who have just finished jacking off to the Naked Killer display. Those ropes are there for a reason, you know.

San Te, for some reason, fails to mention his motivations to the temple elders until a whole year is passed, at which point he…

Yes? Oh. Down the hall, on the left. You’re welcome.

At which point he begins a series of grueling training sequences which, in many other kung fu films, would be replaced by fight scenes. 36th Chamber of Shaolin has the distinction of being one of the most, if not THE most training-intensive martial arts films of all time. Mind you, not ALL of the temple’s 35 chambers get their own sequence; that would make for an intolerably long movie.

Speaking of “long”, it seems that some of our guests are really taking their time in the restrooms. Can I have a volunteer to go and make sure everything is all right? Woah! I only need ONE volunteer! You there, why don’t you go? That’s correct, down the hall, on the left. Hurry back.

Where was I? Oh yes, the training chambers. Well, eventually, San Te completes the gamut, and the elders offer him the chance to become the overseer of any one chamber of his choice. Instead, he suggests a 36th chamber be opened so that people other than monks can learn Shaolin self-defense techniques. This proposal outrages the elders, who cast San Te out. From there, the film’s previously laborious pace accelerates drastically.

Huh? Oh, for…down the hall, on the left. Where all the others have gone.

So, San Te goes and starts fighting the Manchus, which is something the film has built up to for about an hour and a half. When all is said and done…

WHAT?!? Are you deaf?!? Down the fuckin’ hall, on the fuckin’ left. Yeah, you too, asshole.

After all I’ve done for this place, here’s where I end up; alone in front of a kung fu movie that’s almost all training sequences, behind glass, roped off, on a fuckin’ pedestal it doesn’t deserve, talking to myself. A tour guide without a tour group. A fine thing! Hey Mike, tell the boss I quit. I’m heading someplace where my skills will be appreciated!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Welcome to the Museum of Overrated Rock and Roll albums, everyone! My name is Numskull…well, that’s not my REAL name, of course, but, you know…and I’ll be your tour guide. If you’ll be kind enough to deposit some of your hard-earned money in the donation box so I won’t have to eat my shoes tomorrow, we can begin.

Here’s our first exhibit: The Dark Side of the Moon, by Pink Floyd. This 1973 release stayed on the Billboard charts for…

Pardon me? Oh. Down the hall, on the left. You’re welcome.

Numskull’s Rating: 5/10


By S!DM

One of the all-time great kung-fu movies, this one ranks up there with Enter the Dragon and Drunken Master 2. It’s almost perfect, has impeccable pacing, and great fighting also (what would you expect from a Shaw Brothers film?).

Lau Kar Leung (Liu Chia~Liang) directs this movie masterfully (Filmed in “Shaw Scope”! the film proclaims at the beginning) and makes good use of the colorful surroundings and interesting characters, the central of which is San Te, played by Gordon Liu. San Te is a young fellow who witnesses the killing of a Ming dynasty “rebel” at the hands of the evil Manchus. Being the young guy that he is, he goes and asks his teacher why there is no democracy and inadvertently joins his teacher and a choice few students in rebelling against the government. When the Manchus find out, they kill San Te’s family. San Te, wanting revenge, joins the Shaolin temple and stays for 7 years to learn kung fu from the temple’s existing 35 chambers. Some training sequences are hilarious, some serious, but all are classic.

My favorite chamber was the one in which the junior monks have to pound their heads on sand bags without getting dizzy…It’s very amusing. Well, after his servitude is up, he heads out of the temple and beats up his aggressors…every single one of them. After his anger is diminished, San Te heads back to the temple a hero, and founds his own chamber, the “36th Chamber of Shaolin.” This chamber is built to train anyone who wants to learn the formerly secretive art of Shaolin kung fu.

The only gripe I had was that the beginning of the film was unnecessarily long, but if you stick around, you will be treated to some of the finest kung fu ever filmed.

S!DM’s Rating: 10/10

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

The Last Godfather aka The Dumb Mafia DVD (Lionsgate)

The Last Godfather aka The Dumb Mafia DVD (Lionsgate)

The Last Godfather aka The Dumb Mafia DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011

This Korean/American co-production was written, directed by and starring Korean comedian/celebrity Hyung-Rae Shim. Mob boss Don Carini (Harvey Keitel) is retiring from the Mafia business – but when he gathers the family to announce his heir, the Don surprises everyone by anointing his goofy adopted son Young-gu (Hyung-Rae Shim) as the next godfather. Check out the trailer here.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Cul-de-sac Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

Cul-de-sac Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

Cul-de-sac Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: August 16, 2011

Roman Polanski orchestrates a mental ménage à trois in this slyly absurd tale of paranoia from the director’s golden 1960s period. Donald Pleasance and Françoise Dorléac star as a withdrawn couple whose isolated house is infiltrated by a rude, burly American gangster on the run, played by Lionel Stander. The three engage in a game of shifting identities and sexual and emotional humiliations. Cul-de-sac is an evocative, claustrophobic, and morbidly funny tale of the modern world in chaos. Check out trailer here.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

The Killing Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

The Killing Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

The Killing Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: August 16, 2011

Stanley Kubrick’s account of an ambitious racetrack robbery is one of Hollywood’s tautest, twistiest noirs. Aided by a radically time-shuffling narrative, razor-sharp dialogue from pulp novelist Jim Thompson, and a phenomenal cast of character actors, including Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Timothy Carey, and Elisha Cook Jr., The Killing is both a jaunty thriller and a cold-blooded punch to the gut. And with its precise tracking shots and gratifying sense of irony, it’s Kubrick to the core. Check out the trailer here.

Posted in DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Other Notable Titles |

Secret Sunshine Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

Secret Sunshine Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

Secret Sunshine Blu-ray/DVD (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: August 23, 2011

A master of intensely emotional human dramas, director Lee Chang-dong (Oasis) is a leading light of contemporary Korean cinema. An effortless mix of light and uncompromising darkness, Secret Sunshine (Miryang) stars Cannes best actress winner Jeon Do-yeon as a widowed piano teacher who moves with her young son from Seoul to her late husband’s (Song Kang-ho) provincial hometown for a fresh start. Check out the trailer here.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases |

Eclipse Series 28: The Warped World of Koreyoshi Kurahara: Intimidation, The Warped Ones, I Hate But Love, Black Sun, Thirst for Love DVD Set (Criterion)

Eclipse Series 28: The Warped World of Koreyoshi Kurahara: Intimidation, The Warped Ones, I Hate But Love, Black Sun, Thirst for Love DVD Set (Criterion)

Eclipse Series 28: The Warped World of Koreyoshi Kurahara: Intimidation, The Warped Ones, I Hate But Love, Black Sun, Thirst for Love DVD Set (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: August 23, 2011

Over the course of his varied career, Koreyoshi Kurahara made exacting noirs, jazzy juvenile delinquency pictures, and even nature films. His free-form approach to moviemaking was perfectly suited to the spirit of the 1960s; he was one of the biggest hit makers working at the razzle-dazzle, youth-oriented Nikkatsu studio during the radical Japanese New Wave. The five films collected here hail from that era, and encompass breathless teen escapades, cruel crime stories, a Mishima adaptation, and even a Hollywood-inspired romantic comedy.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases |

Name of the Rose, The (1986) Review

"The Name of the Rose" American Theatrical Poster

“The Name of the Rose” American Theatrical Poster

AKA: Der Name der Rose
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Cast: Sean Connery, Christian Slater, Michael Lonsdale, Ron Perlman, F. Murray Abraham
Running Time: 126 min.

By JJ Hatfield

In 1327 The Franciscan Order representatives are gathering with Pope John to determine if the Church should take vows of poverty or profit. This is a most important meeting hosted by the Franciscan Benedictine Abbey in the north of Italy. The Franciscan Monks are of a mind that the great apocalypse is at hand after a mysterious death within the dark dank halls.

A well respected Franciscan Monk is asked to help determine the cause of the unexplained death. More deaths follow and the answer to the mystery must be determined before the Holy Inquisition is brought to the Abbey itself!

Sean Connery portrays a highly respected and intelligent Franciscan monk, Brother William, Baskerville who arrives with a young novice Adso (Christian Slater). Brother William is appointed to discover how the deaths occurred. The more mysterious deaths (murders?) the closer it brings him to the answer. Unfortunately it will also bring the Holy Inquisitor right to the Abbey if Brother William and Adso do not find the one who is guilty of the murders.

The Holy Inquisitor is played to sadistic perfection by Bernardo Gui (F. Murray Abraham) He holds the appointed position by the decree of the Pope to hunt down and free the Church of those who do not agree, considered dangerous heretics. The Holy Inquisitor sees and hears the devil behind every bad incident, and occurrences that are not necessarily bad. Even positive events are suspect as having been rewarded by the devil himself. As he makes his terrible away across the land towards the Benedictine Abbey he leaves very little left alive. He has a penchant for using fire for interrogation and for the cleansing after the confessions.

Connery brings intelligence, wit, sarcasm and patience to the character and won “Best Actor” for his role. He is also dignified and thorough and understands there are reasons for acts of human flesh, both good and evil. Connery is exceptional in his role. He is true to those values the Church is supposed to be associated with, not fanatics looking for any reason to give them almost limitless “godlike?” power. Slater, quite young in this 1986 release, turns in an acceptable performance. There is one “heretic” among the monks. Salvatore (Ron Perlman) who has some interesting exchanges with Gui. Very engaging.

The film is from the book by Umberto Eco. It is nearly always impossible to turn a book into a film without deleting something. Obviously there are going to have to be re – writes and some events will have to be dropped as there is simply not enough time. However this is one film that captured the spirit of the book and managed to get that across to viewers even in limited time. As it is this movie running time is 126 minutes however “The Name Of The Rose” will hold your attention until the very end.

Shot in Italy, Germany and France there are some beautiful landscapes but most of the film is in the dark, cold secluded monastery. There is a bit of Latin, for the most part however the film is in English. What you might miss is not part of the plot and only occasionally is used. Cinematography was better than average especially the filming in areas of the monastery. Combined with the music it successfully recreated much of the unknown and claustrophobic atmosphere that are such an essential part in the book.

This is a film you will want to purchase. Even in seeming nothingness there are things happening that ensures you will be watching this one again. Highly Recommended.

Connery truly deserved the “Best Actor”!

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 8/10

Posted in Italian, Other Movies, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

Mad Monkey Kung Fu DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Mad Monkey Kung Fu DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Mad Monkey Kung Fu DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011

Directed by and starring Lau Kar-leung; Hsiao Hou, Lo Lieh, Wei Ying-Hung, Lin Hui-Huang, Cin Ke-Ming, Sheng Hsien, Wang Ching-Ho and Wang Wen. Read cityonfire.com’s review. Check out the trailer here.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Martial Arts of Shaolin aka Shaolin Temple 3 DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Martial Arts of Shaolin aka Shaolin Temple DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Martial Arts of Shaolin aka Shaolin Temple DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011

Directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Jet Li. Internationally lauded as one of the greatest, this magnificent martial arts masterpiece marked the titanic, one-time only, teaming of renowned champion Jet Li with legendary director Lau Kar-leung. Read cityonfire.com’s review. Click here for the trailer/clip.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, Other Notable Titles |

Executioner from Shaolin aka Executioners from Shaolin DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Executioner from Shaolin aka Executioners from Shaolin DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Executioner from Shaolin aka Executioners from Shaolin DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011

Directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Chen Kuan Tai, Lo Lieh, Lily Li Li Li, Wong Yu, Kong Do, Cheng Hong Yip, John Cheung Ng Long, Shum Lo, Gordon Liu Chia Hui and Fung Hak On. Read cityonfire.com’s review. Check out the trailer here. (it’s the original trailer, so beware of spoilers)

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Five Shaolin Masters aka 5 Shaolin Masters DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Five Shaolin Masters DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

Five Shaolin Masters DVD (Dragon Dynasty)

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011

Directed by Chang Cheh and starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan Chun and Mang Fei (Meng Fei). Read cityonfire.com’s review. Check out the trailer here.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

The Prisoner aka Island of Fire DVD (Lionsgate)

The Prisoner aka Island of Fire DVD (Lionsgate)

The Prisoner aka Island of Fire DVD (Lionsgate)

RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2011

Directed by Chu Yen Pin (Kung Fu Dunk) and starring Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Sammo Hung, Tony Leung Ka-Fai and Jimmy Wang Yu. This DVD is a re-release. Warning: DVD may be English dubbed and may not contain original Chinese lauguage tracks. In addition, it may be slightly cut from it’s original presentation. Read cityonfire.com’s review here. Check out the trailer here.

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles |

Andy Cheng and Ernie Reyes Jr. to make “Wuxia Knight”

Ernie Reyes Jr.

Ernie Reyes Jr.

The Hollywood Report reports: Napoleon Smith, the exec producer of Michael Bay’s $140 million Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, has come aboard Wuxia Knight, a $25 million budgeted youth-oriented martial arts movie to be directed by Andy Cheng (Member of the Jackie Chan Stuntman Association) and former Ninja Turtle/The Last Dragon star Ernie Reyes.

Wuxia Knight centers on a pair of high-flying detectives in a battle against a super-villain on a quest to take over a mystical martial arts kingdom in Chinatown. Read more here. – Thanks to AlbertV for the tip.

Posted in News |

Ong-Bak 3: The Final Battle (2010) Review

"Ong-Bak 3" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Ong-Bak 3” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Tony Jaa
Co-director: Panna Rittikrai
Cast: Tony Jaa, Primrata Det-Udom, Dan Chupong, Sarunyu Wongkrajang, Nirutti Sirijanya, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Chumphorn Thepphithak, Supakorn Kitsuwon, Sorapong Chatree, Santisuk Promsiri
Running Time: 95 min.

By JJ Hatfield

Before viewing “Ong Bak” 3 it is essential to have watched “Ong Bak” 2, or as some people refer to it as the first half of the film. It was written and planned as being one film, perhaps a cliff hanger, but the studio thought they would make more money if they were treated as two different films. They were wrong.

The film opens with fighting scenes from OB2. Everything has a gray-green cast to it, post shooting color grading but it serves well to remind the viewer of some of the wild action that has come before as the credits roll. The story begins at the point the last one ended. Lord Rajeesna (Sarunyoo Wongkrachang) practically rubs his hands in glee as he orders the beginning of Tien’s punishment.

We first see Tien’s battered face, unconscious in a head and hand stock. He is awakened by the soldiers dousing him with water. They release him from the stock but he is still chained. Thus begins some of the most brutal, bloody beating scenes ever in a movie with Tony Jaa! I will not even get into the crushing bones part. In between however we get to watch Tien as he beats hell out of the soldiers. He’s in great shape and does incredibly amazing moves that manage to look fresh and different. Not even Tien can hold out forever and is recaptured by the soldiers. The time Tien is being beaten and brutalized is a bit of sadistic desires fulfilled by Lord Rajeesna. He repeatedly stated he wants Tien to die slowly and painfully, as a lesson to others, but in truth he has hated Tien’s entire family for many years and is really enjoying himself and the the crowning glory to his little party.

To Tony’s credit watching the horrible violence looks uncomfortably very, very real. He really can act when he puts forth the effort. His face shows emotions ranging from defiance to the realization he wasn’t going to get out of the horrible situation to fear in his face as the next hammer is about to strike a temple shattering blow.

During his time as a prisoner Tien’s hatred and thirst for revenge grows. While the viewer’s focus may be on Tien, the Crow Demon becomes more powerful, and perhaps a bit more human in appearance as the curse spreads. Master Bua makes a pilgrimage to the temple near the Kona Khone village. He secludes himself in the temple to meditate.As Master Bua meditates the dark presence tries to influence him. The Master is able to cast off the evil but he realizes he needs to purify himself if he is to help Tien or the people falling victim to the curse. For the first time the Master feels the cold sickness and seems to understand more of what Tony is feeling. He is able to help Tien later through his fear after experiencing it for only a few moments. Master Bua purifies himself and goes through the ritual ceremonies to become a Buddhist Monk.

“Ong Bak 3“ is a very spiritual movie. I realize that sounds like an odd description of a story with so much fighting and killing but it’s true. The viewer will sometimes not understand what the hell is going on or why at times but be patient. However do not think all your questions will be answered because they won’t. And I don’t necessarily think that is a bad thing. Sometimes it makes a better film to allow the audience to think and find their own answers.

Because of the spiritual aspect, meditation and Buddhism, differences in culture and time period it is easy as a non Thai to miss certain phrases or objects of relevance. Some events take place in real time, others in deep meditation. Visions or spiritual messages don’t necessarily seem related to time.

Kana Khone was a real village in 1421 although relatively small. It is found in reference to the specific village in the 1600‘s by the common name “Khone Chook”, although the Royals used the term “Soh-Khan”. Life is a daily struggle for residents of the village, known for it’s healing arts. Living in the middle of the jungle-forest in a state of poverty the villagers try to survive a war torn existence. Buddhism is not something they believe in, it’s an important part of their daily lives. Following Buddha has allowed the villagers to not retaliate when the village is raided and yet have peace in their hearts.

Under the guidance of Master Bua the villagers unite their minds and hearts to make a symbol showing their spiritual belief was strong in the hopes it will help Tien heal. Mhen (Petchtai Wongkamlao) has more on screen time and in his own way also helps Tien. Is this group attempt to help Tien supernatural? A miracle? Buddha? Or in the context of the film Tien is in superb shape, he has a lot of adrenaline flowing through his veins already and getting pounded might have added a bit. He receives the best medicine for the time and he is very, very lucky? This is the kind of story behind the story many people miss. It’s easy to get caught up with the fighting and training. But there really is more to this half of the film than it has received credit for – yet.

Some day it will.

There is a superb fight scene, tied for the best in the movie when Lord Rajaseena takes his troops to the Crow Demon’s Castle. Everything is dark and foreboding with crows swooping and flying close to the soldiers. Only the Lord is allowed in the castle. The Crow’s castle is creepy and the Demon Crow even more so. (Dan Chupong really out-does himself in a great performance!) Full of skeletons, skulls, draped in big cobwebs, menacing looking statues, signs of sacrifices, decay everywhere, you can smell it. Everything reeks of slaughter and death. The Lord is angry and more than a little afraid but he must end the curse upon him and attacks the Demon Crow. (Again Chupong does an almost over the top performance but stops just short of losing any demonic qualities) Lord Rajaseena is furious and sends his men into the castle to kill the Crow Demon. Bad idea for the soldiers but it brings about a fantastic fight! The amazing powerful fights are all pretty much one sided. The Crow Demon is a master of fighting, or as Lord Rajaseena said “A fighter like no other.” Chupong pulls off moves that look new and specific to a character called the Crow Demon.

The Crow Demon is an excellent fighter and dispatches the soldiers easily, at times by pushing them through the castle walls. It is a long and enjoyable fight scene! Chupong is an excellent martial artist as well as superb stunt master. And it shows. I was quite impressed with the high quality choreography and the number of punches and kicks he would do at the same time. In order to achieve the “beyond human” status’ there are a couple of scenes where Chupong is on wires. It does add to the character especially the first time he fights, however he really doesn’t need wires too impress.

While the Crow Demon works to increase his powers Tien has been training and trying to recover from his severe injuries. He works to create a new fighting form that include elements of dance and beauty, and not as lethal as other forms. He tries to follow Master Bua’s teachings but the rage in his heart only feeds his demons. He continues to train and meditate to cleanse his spirit. His return to the village presents a severe test of his beliefs and behavior. People lie dead, the village on fire and in ruins. His friend Pim and other villagers are no where to be found. He is in despair… and soldiers are coming. Can Tien fight those who attacked the village without being enraged? How could anyone?

The production values were good with great attention to detail in the sets and costumes, whether in the grimy muddy village road or the grand palatial castle. The ongoing village life was obvious with what background characters were doing and demonstrates why it is known as a healing place. From jewelry to dishes to medicines everything was literally designed to feel and look authentic.

There were definitely problems that hampered the production on OB 2-3. The schedule was tight to begin with but it quickly was behind and over-budget for the point they were at already. Tony is known for shooting much more fighting than will be used in the film. This created a situation where some scenes had to be edited out or not filmed. Additionally there were some fairly serious discussions between Tony and company with the people in charge of the area of the Vihear Temple. Being so close to the Cambodian border tensions were very high and several scenes were necessary to leave out for all around safety purposes. Unfortunately the viewers want to see all of the movie but we in the U.S., U.K, Canada etc. need to remember this is Thailand. We do not always see issues the same way. It would have been ridiculous to risk anyone being hurt for real for a few extra movie scenes.

Speaking of being hurt there had to be a lot of stunt guys in pain, and Tony as well. The majority of fights are brutal beyond compare. Sure these guys are used to do doing crazy ass stunts but I doubt if that makes the pain go away. Reports of Tony and/or Dan Chupong being injured were a weekly event.

Plenty of rumors made the rounds with stories becoming more unbelievable as time grew closer to the release. Panna and Tony worked well together most of the time. And then the rumors about Triad involvement? Well we know it’s not uncommon. Jackie, Jet – Tony would not be the first to have such problems but no one really knows the truth.

While “OB” 2 seemed to be about nothing but nothing more than vengeance there is far more there than just a dark story of revenge. Some viewers may want to watch it again. Both 2 and 3 are complex despite the complaints of nothing happening, no fighting, etc. Tony is training, beating and fighting most of the film.

I can’t say much more without major spoilers. However I can guarantee you have never seen fighting like this before from Tony! The two part climax is absolutely incredible! Tien becomes a rabid enraged animal, consumed by hatred and revenge. Blood flies in every direction as Tien pummels soldiers, snaps necks, spears people stabbing them again and again. Tien literally rips people apart. The elephants are there in force and help Tien take out some bad guys. Some people complain elephants are used too often but you haven’t seen them like this before. There really are quite a few things the audience has not watched previously. No one can watch this film and claim there is not enough fighting. This is a movie, with a plot, a message and a hell of a lot of realistic fighting and buckets of blood. It’s damn good entertainment! It is also a trilogy, with all three “Ong Bak” movies having connections, the most obvious being the statue of Ong Bak.

At the core all the “Ong Bak” films have presented the same message, and one of the most important aspects of Buddhism is to not hate or hold revenge in your heart or mind, nor pursue vengeance. To truly forgive and let go is the path to peace for not just Tien but it also shows howholding on to revenge can grow to bring about suffering to all. Buddism is a very peaceful way of life but also includes Karma. What you do in this life affects what will happen in the next reincarnation and so forth.

A couple of notes about time:

* Although some people have insisted the punishment lasted for ten minutes, they are wrong. Tien is beaten by the guards for over one minute. Then he starts to fight back and beats hell out of the soldiers for two minutes real time, then back to Tien being bashed for another minute. There is also a period when Master Bua sees Tien and the beatings he is suffering. Even if you include that minute plus Tien fighting in between you still end up with approximately five minutes. However it can definitely feel far longer.

* The “coma” time has also been wildly exaggerated by people. Some reviewers apparently can’t count because of remarks like, “Tony is in a coma for half the movie” If you count from the time a rescue attempt is made, through the villagers extraordinary efforts to heal him is less than ten minutes….hardly half the film. On the other hand it could be said that Tien is training and meditating and healing almost up to the point the Crow Demon turned King fights him.

* Pim’s healing dance with Tien from when they see each other runs about five minutes.

These notes are examples of how time can be distorted. Times listed are not to be considered accurate to the second. Some day when I have the opportunity I may go back and time exactly certain scenes but the viewer will either accept certain scenes feel longer than they are or believe what they want.

*I have viewed two versions of “Ong Bak” with different actual running times. The only real differences are length of fight scenes and the editing of the Vihear Temple.

As with the other “Ong Bak” reviews please forgive incorrect spellings of names and locations.

The Ong Bak films will be debated for many years to come. As I stated when Tony “retired” he is not through with movies. He still shows that drive to be in front of the camera but he is a good director in the making. However we have not seen the last of Tony’s movies!

If anyone would like to offer comments or feedback I look forward to it. I’m expecting a number of persons are anticipating my posting with a number or reasons why I’m wrong. In fact the violence may be worse after this review than in the movie. I do not mind a bit. In fact I welcome the opportunity to help misguided folk understand why they are wrong.

Bring it on guys. To borrow from the “Weird”… Let’s Roll!

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9.5/10 (11/10 for the Trilogy)

Posted in Reviews, Thai | Tagged , , |

In the Mood For Love (2000) Review

"In the Mood for Love" Theatrical Poster

“In the Mood for Love” Theatrical Poster

Director: Wong Kar-wai
Cast: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung, Lai Chen, Lai Chin, Rebecca Pan, Joe Cheung
Running Time: 127 min.

By Alexander

Exquisite. From the lush hues of the set design, to Maggie Cheung’s seemingly infinite supply of cheongsams, to Shigeru Umegayashi’s haunting music, to Tony Leung’s performance, to Wong Kar Wai’s direction–everything about “In the Mood For Love” is exquisite. And while I’ve praised the beauty of a film’s cinematography (“House of Flying Daggers”); the beauty of its performers (“Hero”); the beauty of its performances (“Oasis”); and the beauty of its story (“Il Mare”); I’ve yet to see a film that was completely beautiful, from the costuming to the acting to the direction to the story to the score. Simply, “In the Mood For Love” is the most beautiful movie I have ever seen.

Alexander’s Rating: 10/10 (Perfect)


By Lady Tequila

This has got to be one of the greatest movies ever to come out of Hong Kong. A gentle, wistful, yearning tale of what it is to be in love and to not be able to do the blindest thing about it. It’s gently, exquisitely told, and is one of the most visually lyrical movies I’ve ever seen. There are images and moments in this film that are simply haunting, and some of the questions raised, about morality, ‘right’ versus ‘wrong’, and the pressures of society are truly thought-provoking. A film not to be missed.

The basic story is about Chow Mo-Wan (Tony Leung) and Su Li-Zhen (Maggie Cheung). They are neighbours. They both suspect that their respective spouses are conducting illicit affairs; these suspicions are never spoken, but there are enough long moments of silent contemplation and quiet sadness for us, the viewers, to know what is going on. They eventually discover that their spouses are in fact having an affair together. Thrown together by this strange and painful fate, Mo-Wan and Li-Zhen begin searching for reasons as to why and how it happened. They are still nothing but courteous to one another, and the closest they get is when they act out ‘scenes’ between the unfaithful pair. It’s obvious that they are in love, but due to trying to keep their gossiping land-lady happy, and due to trying to do the ‘right’ thing, they can do nothing about it. They want to remain honourable, and not end up ‘like them’. That’s where the heartache comes in.

As with Chungking Express, the plot is simple, but works because we care about the characters, and because of the stunning visuals, and because in real life sometimes things really are that simple. Wong Kar-Wai shows us a world of eternal rain and noodle-bars, a world where the people who impose society’s rules can’t keep them, and a world where maybe – just maybe – sometimes doing wrong is actually doing right. We are presented with two people who do the ‘right’ thing, while the ones they love do the ‘wrong’ thing – it’s left up to us to decide who is actually wrong and who is actually right.

The film exudes a rich, opulent sensuality, without the two main characters ever even TOUCHING each other. Which is plain amazing. And completely ‘un-Hollywood’. No sex, no grabbing and groping and snogging and all of that stuff – but it still sizzles. Li-Zhen walking in slow-motion in the rain, all swinging hips in a tight cheongsam and coiffure, to the beat of hypnotic music; Mo-Wan always alone, in a haze of cigarette smoke, with the low-lighting gleaming from his slicked hair; the heat of two people alone in a room together, who can’t even TOUCH each other. Hollywood, take note, that is what is erotic. Because really what we, as viewers, are interested in is the heat of a moment, the look in someone’s eyes – after that it mostly gets boring. Too many Hollywood directors would have spoiled the whole thing with sex. Instead, Wong Kar-Wai introduces us to a world of heightened senses, where the smallest touch, the briefest look, the set of someone’s head – can mean so much.

The cast is brilliant, too. Tony Leung is his usual brooding self, Maggie Cheung puts in one of the best performances of her career – and bear in mind that the majority of the dialogue was improvised, and you’ll see all the actors in a totally new light. Wong Kar-Wai is, quite simply, a genius, and one of the most innovative and interesting directors of recent years, Hong Kong or out of it.

I’ve tried to find fault with this film but I can’t. Go see it immediately!

Lady Tequila’s Rating: 10/10


By Woody

Unrequited love is a kind we have all experienced. Whether it be one-sided or dually felt, it is something that we can all relate to. Loving someone and not being able to act on it is one of the painful parts growing up. It will happen. This is the kind of love that resonates through the works of Wong Kar-wai, and it is no doubt part of what makes his films so wonderful. He taps into painful experiences we all can relate to, and relates them back to us in a simple and powerful way. Unrequited love is evident in nearly all of Wong’s films, whether they be one sided infatuations, as in such works as “Days of Being Wild” and “Fallen Angels”, or felt by two parties, as in “In The Mood For Love”.

“In The Mood For Love” has a deceptively simple plot. The place is Shanghai in the late 1950’s. Mo-wan’s wife may be having an affair with another man. Li-zhen’s husband may be having an affair with another woman. Li-zhen and Mo-wan live in the same apartment building. Li-zhen and Mo-wan are both terribly lonely, their spouses both away for long periods of time. Both Li-zhen and Mo-wan come to believe that their spouses are cheating on them with one another. The two start meeting each other to discuss the problem, to act out their frustrations, to be a shoulder for the other to cry on. And in the process, they become close.

This is one of the greatest romantic films ever made, and yet there is hardly any physical contact. This is not about the kind of love one wishes he or she wishes they could experience. This is about the love we all experience. The love we have no control over. The love that can not be professed or acted upon. The love that forever haunts you, day in and day out. The love without a happy storybook ending. And that is why this film works so brilliantly. We feel what the characters feel, for one way or another, we have been there ourselves.

The forces behind this film deserve all of the praise the film has won them. Tony Leung Chui-wai, once nominated for his previous collaboration with Wong, 1997’s “Happy Together”, finally won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, and with good reason. He makes Mo-wan into a tragic figure, a man with no control over a tough situation, whose loneliness threatens to swallow him whole, and whose regrets will no doubt eventually do just that. Maggie Cheung gives her best performance in years as Li-zhen, whose loneliness and anger with her husband leave her open only for more heartbreak and anguish.

The setting of the film is also another factor in its success. 1950’s Shanghai is a remote and lonely place in this film, awash in rain and emptiness. The music fits the setting and film like a glove, most notably “Yumeji’s Theme” by Umebayashi Shigeru, used to show to us how Mo-wan sees Li-Zhen.

With this film Wong Kar-wai has proven that he is not a one trick pony, but a true innovator. While others worldwide are still trying to nail the style he made famous in the mid-nineties, Wong has moved on into more difficult territory without even looking back. No smug self-references or stylistic similarities here. Just a great film with honest emotion and brilliant execution.

If you enjoy this, I must also recommend an earlier Wong Kar-wai film, “Days of Being Wild”, which can be seen as a thematic prequel to this film, and which also features a similar setting and another grand performance by Maggie Cheung. And if you have already seen that film, what are you waiting for? See this one immediately!

Yet again Wong Kar-wai has crafted a simple-yet-heartfelt film that one can’t help but love. This is a film that will stay with you for years, like Wong’s masterpiece “Chungking Express”. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

Woody’s Rating: 10/10


By Digital D

In The Mood for love will not be for you if you’re looking for a whirlwind romance. But if you are looking for a film that is focused on style, mood and unspoken love, this is a movie to be enjoyed. Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung star in this story of unfulfilled love. They are neighbors that realize their spouses are having an affair. They console each other and try and understand their actions by role playing throughout the movie. In the process they fall in love, yet they cannot consummate this love because of a promise not to sink to “their” level. Cheung and Leung don’t overact this drama, rather they let the melancholy in their faces express the emotion.

The way the film is shot gives off the feeling of a tight almost claustrophobic atmosphere. Which probably represents how the characters are trapped in a situation that has no victories. And also Maggie Cheung basically wears a cheongsam throughout the film but it changes almost every scene. The cheongsam seems to represent the restrictive state of being a woman at that time. For example, her boss is obviously having an affair, as she keeps his schedule straight and lies to his wife for him and even purchases gifts for the mistress (all in a day’s work of a secretary). Yet when the boss gets wind of her affair, he shows disdain towards her and looks disapprovingly. Also she gets reprimanded by her landlady for staying out late and not being home, while the husband is away. So this restrictiveness is very real, yet she breaks free by the dazzling array of materials and colors for these dresses. And although it may seem like it’s freeing, in the end the dress is still as restrictive as before.

I watched this with the wife and at the end of the movie we argued about whether they did “it” or not. I said they didn’t and she insisted that they did. She explained that they just didn’t show it. But this is one of the things that you never really know…and maybe even Tony Leung’s character may not be sure of as it seems as if he is remembering this period of his life and has finally gotten it off his chest many years later in the hole of some ancient wall. But did read in some interview, that Maggie Cheung said that there were scenes they shot that were love scenes, but the director decided to not use them. I applaud this move as it adds to tension and pain of unfulfilled and forbidden love. Overall this movie may be a bit artsy for some and may slow moving and plotless, but life is sometimes that way. Give it a chance, it’s images and emotions will stick with you.

Digital D’s Rating: 9.5/10

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