Killers Five (1969) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Killers Five" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Killers Five" Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Killers 5
Director: Cheng Kang
Cast: Tang Ching, Li Ching, Guk Fung (Ku Feng), Cheng Miu (Ching Miao), Wong Kwong Yue (Wang Kuang-Yu), Carrie Ku Mei
Running Time: 81 min.

By Mighty Peking Man

A princess has been kidnapped by an evil warlord and it’s up to a master swordsman (Tang Ching) to rescue her. Recruited by the princess’ father, the swordsman enlists a group of individuals to assist him with the mission: a skilled female archer (Li Ching), an avid swimmer (Ku Feng), a drunken climber (Cheng Miu) and a mysterious deadly burglar (Wong Kwong Yue). Together they travel to the Mansion on Golden Dragon Hill, where the princess is being held captive. An adventurous tale of deceit, betrayal and brutality ensues…

Killers Five starts off very tame and family movie-like. The interaction between the title characters is humorous and light hearted, which leads the viewer into thinking that the tale will be a festive action-adventure flick which with a low body count and a happy ending; it doesn’t exactly go from tidy clean to bloody dirty, but the direction it does take comes by surprise.

Even though you have to sit through most of the film before you start to see satisfying amounts of action, the film is paced so well that you barely even notice, but when the brutality comes, it comes: Blades will penetrate flesh. Good guys will be spitting gobs of blood. Eye balls will be punctured. There will be blood…

The action is what you’d expect from a 1969 Shaw Brothers swordplay flick. A little chalky, kind of stiff, but always interesting and creative.

In terms of cuts, editing and camera angles, the film suffers lightly from being less fluid and polished than, say, a Chang Cheh film of the same time period. However, it has so much going for it in other departments that you ignore its rough edges.

Like most of the Shaw Brothers films of the late 1960’s/early 1970’s, the set designs are lavish and less lazy-looking than what would appear in later films.

The bottom line is director Cheng Kang kicks ass. This is the second movie I’ve seen of his (the first being Swords of Swords, which was one hell of a movie) and I want to see more.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 8/10

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

Golden Swallow | aka The Girl with the Thunderbolt Kick (1968) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Golden Swallow" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Golden Swallow” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Cheng Pei Pei, Chiu Sam Yin, Yeung Chi Hing (Yang Chih-Ching), Lo Lieh, Wu Ma, David Chiang, Lau Kar Wing, Cheng Miu, Lam Kau, Ku Feng
Running Time: 104 mins.

By Mighty Peking Man

Golden Swallow is the sequel to King Hu’s 1966 masterpiece, Come Drink With Me. Chang Cheh takes over the director’s chair and transforms Hu’s classic theatrical-style flick into an extravaganza of extreme violence, comic book-like gore, and larger-than-life characters with invincible powers way beyond belief. Fans of Chang Cheh’s most colorful blood-filled films, such as Return One-Armed Swordsman and Five Element Ninjas, are guaranteed to get an equal kick out of this one.

Golden Swallow (which was also known by its less than fitting title, The Girl With The Thunderbolt Kick) revolves around the further adventures of its title character, Golden Swallow (Cheng Pei Pei). This time around, she’s forced into action when a figure from her mysterious past goes on a killing rampage. What’s really pissing Golden Swallow off is the fact the unknown killer intentionally leaves evidence that points the blame to her.

Golden Swallow also makes room for a heartfelt love triangle involving a mad, but righteous swordsman named Silver Roc (Jimmy Wang Yu) and a gentle warrior named Golden Whip (Lo Lieh). The three team up to conquer the evil forces of the martial world, but their joint venture only lasts so long, due to the two men’s virile egos. Ultimately, a duel to the death is planned between them, leaving Golden Swallow caught between two men, both of whom she admires.

Chang Pei Pei and Lo Lieh get a good chunk of screen time, but despite the title, the movie belongs to Jimmy Wang Yu. Fresh off the tremendous success of One-Armed Swordsman, it’s a spotlight that’s well-deserved.

The well-choreographed swordplay, high body count, and bloody slaughter is nearly all-you-can-eat. I’m sure Chang Cheh was questioned about the syrup budget for the buckets and buckets of fake blood needed for some of the full-scale battles. He also seemed to be testing the limits of his own gutsiness by using the honor and loyalty of his characters (including small children) as an excuse to outdo one gore scene after another. Believe me, that’s a good thing.

Even though Golden Swallow is mostly brutal, it’s beautifully executed and uses Shaw Scope to its full potential. It’s also hard not to take notice of the exuberant soundtrack, which hints a catchy melancholic score reminiscent of Japanese swordplay films and Italian Westerns.

Like the One-Armed Swordsman series, Golden Swallow defines what a Chang Cheh movie is all about.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 8/10

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Have Sword, Will Travel (1969) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Have Sword, Will Travel" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Have Sword, Will Travel” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Producer: Runme Shaw
Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Li Ching, Wong Chung (Wang Chung), Guk Fung (Ku Feng), Chan Sing (Chen Hsing), Cheng Sam, Wong Kwong Yue, Wong Ching Ho, Cliff Lok, Lau Kong, Hung Lau, Yen Shi Kwan
Running Time: 101 min.

By Numskull

A flawed but nonetheless enjoyable romance-tinged swordplay film from Chang Cheh, from a few years before those lovable Venoms smashed, gouged, and slaughtered their way into our hearts.

Ti Lung is a superb swordsman with a new fiancee and an exciting sinecure as a head caravan guard. Life is swell. Then along comes this contemptible vagabond, played by David Chiang, and the whole package practically goes tits-up. How’s he supposed to do his job properly when his chick is so infuriatingly NICE to Mr. Nobody with his stupid horse? And why does he keep appearing in the same places as they do? AND, how can he be sure he isn’t allied with those despicable bandits who will undoubtedly try to steal the precious silver he’s supposed to be guarding when he merrily leads the caravan right up to the front door of their hideout? The whole thing smells fishier than a mermaid’s vagina. (Note: That has got to be my best line ever. I demand some sort of award, even if it’s only a five dollar gift certificate to McDonald’s that I’ll give to some hungry hobo. -Numskull)

So, Ti Lung’s character is a bit of a tightass. It is David Chiang who provides the heart and soul of the movie, wandering hither, thither and yon in pursuit of the necessities of life. When he sells his beloved horse for a pittance just so he can eat for a while longer, we have to feel sorry for the poor bastard, even though he’s been kind of a pushover for the whole time we’ve known him. He’s an excellent fighter, but he’s definitely not going to win any assertiveness contests anytime soon. When the bandits attack and the bloody climax begins, he fights because he must. But, ultimately, it is his respect (“love” might be pushing it) for Li Ching’s character (Ti Lung’s fiancee) that truly makes him go above and beyond the call of duty, plunging into the enemy-infested tower of badguyness to assist Ti Lung in his uphill battle against villainy…but not before a premonitory vision of the two lovers riding off without a care in the world while he fights against insurmountable odds.

I like the movie, but the fight choreography is a little on the primitive side, and the incomprehensible stupidity of the caravan making a beeline for the robbers’ lair, knowing full well that it’s there, cannot be ignored. There’s very little combat before the great big bandit attack…and that battle, when it finally arrives, is all the more welcome because of this. This would be a pretty good “crossover” movie for Kurosawa and samurai movie fans who avoid the kung fu genre, if you know such a person. Recommended, but not before Chang Cheh’s more well-known works.

Numskull’s Rating: 7/10

By Joe909

An early Chang Cheh movie from the days when choreography wasn’t all that hot and Hong Kong cinema was still getting on its feet, Have Sword, Will Travel is nevertheless an entertaining martial arts film. I’ve always felt that Chang Cheh was a better director in his early movies (though I enjoy his later films more, if that makes any sense), and here his directorial skill is in full effect.

David Chiang plays a sullen drifter obviously inspired by Clint Eastwood’s character in the Sergio Leone films. All Chiang has is his sword and his horse, which he apparently is in love with. Ti Lung and Li Ching are swordfighters who happen to be engaged, and also are the head enforcers of an escort agency (the type that protects cargo shipments). Their teacher is ill and can’t use his kung-fu, so there’s all sorts of worry going on, because the agency has been hired to transport a huge amount of money, and word is the Flying Tiger Stockade gang, headed by the purely evil Ku Feng, is out for it.

The majority of the movie deals with Chiang’s interactions with Ti Lung and Li Ching, as a love triangle develops. For whatever reason, Li gets all tingly over the large-eared, snaggle-toothed Chiang. This of course pisses off Ti Lung, so he and Chiang engage in all sorts of challenges. While this is going on, Ku Feng keeps an eye on the escort agency, trying to figure out who the mysterious Chiang is. Feng sends out his top two henchmen: The Pestilence and The Mute, the latter played by Wang Chung, who by the way is probably the coolest-looking character in the movie. Whereas most of the other characters wear costuming you’d expect from older, more traditional martial arts films, Wang wears the type of outfit you’d expect to see in a latter-day Venoms movie, complete with studded armbands. His character is in fact mute, so all he can do is utter unintentionally-hilarious grunts. The quick fights with these two characters provide the movie with its only mortal combat until the blood-drenched finale.

The problem with the movie is that the escort agency knows Ku Feng is out for the money they’re transporting. They also know that Ku Feng lurks in a towering pagoda that sits along the route they’ll take. So this of course begs the question: why don’t they just take a different route? This is never addressed, the escort instead just plodding along to the pagoda, which is infested with swarthy henchmen who are out for their blood.

Chiang of course ends up joining the agency, only because he secretly feels the same for Li Ching. Once he discovers her teacher is sick and can’t protect her on the journey, he wants to be there. Chiang was Cheh’s early favorite, so he makes him a veritable god when it comes to fighting and swordplay. Despite Chiang’s obvious lack of swordfighting skill, he hacks down innumerable foes, with Ti Lung, the better martial artist, providing a supporting role. The film’s internal and external plots come together during the great final reel, with a full-on massacre and battle at Ku Feng’s pagoda. Those expecting Chang’s requisite tragic ending will not be disappointed.

The movie isn’t as bloody as later Chang Cheh films, or even a few that came before it, such as Golden Swallow or Return of the One-Armed Swordsman. All of the real violence is saved for the end, where we are treated to slow-motion shots of blood erupting from sliced stomachs, arrows puncturing flesh, and swords dicing through opponents. The choreography doesn’t hide the actors’ lack of martial arts skill, though Ti Lung, Ku Feng, and Wang Chung come off as naturals. The fights here are pretty quick, in fact, just a few sword strokes and that’s it. This makes the movie come off as more of a traditional swordplay piece, even like a samurai film, than your average kung-fu movie. I’m not saying it’s worse, just different.

Of special interest is that the end of the film features Lung and Chiang battling their way to the top of the martial artist-filled pagoda. Hey, wait a second: that’s the same ending Bruce Lee proposed for his original Game of Death! But before you cry foul, consider this: Have Sword, Will Travel was released a full three years before Bruce began work on his project. Hmm. I can just see the headlines now: “Was Bruce Lee the Quentin Tarantino of his day?”

Joe909’s Rating: 7/10

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

Invincible Enforcer (1979) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Invincible Enforcer" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"Invincible Enforcer" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Cheng Kang
Cast: Lau Wing (Liu Yung), Fan Lei (Fanny), Helen Poon (Bing Seung, Pan Ping-Chang), Lam Fai Wong (Lin Hui-Huang), Wong Yung, Chen Kuan Tai, Si Wai, Ngaai Fei (Ai Fei), Chan Shen
Running Time: 107 min.

By Mighty Peking Man

“Some medicines when administered are more painful than the disease. Similarly some law enforcers are more harmful than the convicts.” – From the film’s preface

Jiang Chai (Tony Liu) is a happy man with a beautiful wife, a steady job and a child on the way; but his happiness becomes short lived when he accidentally disrespects a ruthless police officer. The situation becomes overblown and Jiang is unfairly sentenced to 20 months in prison.

What follows is a living hell for Jiang. In addition to being bullied by inmates, he also has to deal with a corrupt prison guard with a personal agenda; as well as a powerful gangster named Big Brother Long, who controls all of the criminal activity inside the prison.

By the time his 20 year term is over, Jiang tries his hardest to live a decent life. However, his time in prison effects any normality he tries to lead, so he decides there’s no choice but to live a life of crime to earn a living.

Invincible Enforcer is one crazy ride.

It’s filled with over-the-top brutality, peculiar situations and an unforgiving plot that pulls no punches. Even though most of it takes place in prison, it’s too jumpy to be considered a ‘prison’ flick. There are so many bizarre moments this film offers that it’s in a league of its own. Some of the movie is corny, some of it is serious, and sometimes, it’s like, “what the fuck?”

Towards the very beginning, just as new inmates are getting ready to get physically checked, one guy accidently relaxes a little too much and sprays a doctor’s face with fecal matter. Soon after, we are treated to a scene where our main character has the choice of either drinking piss or taking a beating. There’s also a scene that involves James Bond-style mice – a silly, out of place moment that you’ll have to see for yourself to believe.

Although Invincible Enforcer stars martial arts heavy Tony Liu (as well as a cameo by Chen Kuan Tai), keep in mind, there’s not a single scene of kung fu at any given time. There is action, but most of it involves prison brawls, bloody beatings and a quick shoot-out (and beheading) towards the end of the movie.

If you’re familiar with Cheng Kang’s work, the rough film editing should come to no surprise. I’ve noticed it in Sword of Swords, The Twelve Gold Medallions and Killers Five. Even though some of it feels rushed, it never harms the greatness of this or any of his films. In a way, I consider the rugged editing in his films more of a trademark, than a flaw.

I’d rate this movie a little higher if those damn mice didn’t make a cameo. Otherwise, it’s a decent flick.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 7/10

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

New One-Armed Swordsman, The (1971) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"The New One-Armed Swordsman" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The New One-Armed Swordsman” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Producer: Runme Shaw
Cast: Li Ching, Ti Lung, David Chiang, Ku Feng, Liu Kang, Chan Sing, Wang Ching Ho, Wong Chung, Shen Lao, Wang Kuang Yu, Cheng Hong Yip, Yuen Shun-Yi
Running Time: 93 min.

By Mighty Peking Man

Lei Li (David Cheung) is a young warrior who has made a name for himself in the martial world. Armed with his twin-sword technique, Lei Li is practically invincible. When Hero Lung (Ku Feng) – a crooked, but respected figure – hears of Lei Li’s existence, he decides to frame him for a serious crime he didn’t commit. When Lei Li crosses paths with Hero Lung, he disputes the accusation, by means of a one-on-one duel. Hero Lung, with his tricky three-section staff technique, wins the match. Disgraced upon losing, Lei Li slices off his own arm and decide to retire from the martial world.

While Hero Lung becomes more powerful, especially with one less top fighter out of the job, Lei Li hits rock bottom. Living the rest of his life depressed over his defeat, Lei Li is now a restaurant waiter. Often bullied mentally and physically by thugs, Lei Li has lost all dignity. Although he has lost an arm, he is still deadly. It is only when a warrior named Fung (Ti Lung) arrives, that things start to look up for Lei Li. It turns out that Fung has always respected him and sees him as a mentor figure. After all, Fung is also a master of the twin-sword technique, which was made famous by Lei Li, himself. The two become the best of friends and Lei Li slowly regains happiness. When word spreads about Fung’s existence, Hero Lung sends out an invitation to challenge him. The match ends tragically and Lei Li is forced out of retirement to avenge his friend.

Right off the bat, I can tell you that this is the weaker of Chang Cheh’s “One Armed Trilogy,” but this isn’t saying a lot, because the first two are masterpieces that are hard to beat. “The New One Armed Swordsman” also has nothing to do with its predecessors (which both starred Jimmy Wang Yu). The only similarity lies around the main character losing an arm; and of course, the film’s title.

It doesn’t take long to realize that the tone of “The New One Armed Swordsman” is a lot lighter than the previous two. The opening sequence plays like a tacky kung fu flick due mostly to the uplifting “superhero” music that plays over it (and not to mention the “borrowed” snippets of John Barry’s 007 score for “On Her Majesties Secret Service;” a common practice for kung fu films). The film is a few years advanced from the last two, so the fight choreography is a little more swift and appealing. However, the film doesn’t have the lavishness or the feel of an epic that was present in the others. The characterization is nothing to write about, either. The fact is, “The New One Armed Swordsman” would have had a greater advantage if it were a stand-alone film, even by its title.

Anyways, enough of this bullshit comparison. “New One-Armed Swordsman” is, without a doubt, an enjoyable film. It takes a while for the movie to pick up and show its true value, but when it does (around mid-point), be prepared for the usual Chang Cheh carnage. The film’s action finale is probably the film’s strongest feature. Oh and one more thing, Li Ching, who plays Lei Li’s love interest, is one hell of a cutie. I thought I’d throw that in. Much, much better than Jimmy Wang Yu’s farm girl.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 7/10

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

Return of the One-Armed Swordsman, The (1968) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"The Return of the One-Armed Swordsman" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Return of the One-Armed Swordsman” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Producer: Runme Shaw
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Chiao Chiao, Essie Lin Chia, Cheng Lui, Sek Fung, Guk Fung, Wu Ma, Liu Chia Liang, Ti Lung, Tin Fung, Wong Chung, Yuen Cheung Yan, Lau Kar Wing, Cliff Lok, Chan Sing, Chung Wa, Wong Ching Ho
Running Time: 101 min.

By Mighty Peking Man

The visuals that accompany the opening credits hint that the film is going to be a brutal ride. Deadly weapons of all sizes. Evil fighters of all styles. In fact, we pay no attention to the people responsible for the production, due to the array of psycho-killer propaganda being thrown in our faces. Unless you like rooting for the bad guys, the content reeks of bad news. However, there is good news: this is the sequel to “The One Armed Swordsman;” and even though it’s obvious that a high number of innocent people will get slaughtered, it’s good to know that the evil bastards will be brought to justice.

A ruthless gang of eight powerful sword-wielding killers: #1 Fugitive King, #2 Hercules, #3 Poisonous Dragon, #4 Spinning Wheels, #5 Flying Fighters, #6 Hell’s Buddha, #7 Ape’s Arms, and #8 Thousand Hands Lady – are holding a martial arts tournament for the “King of Swords” title. Invitations are sent to every major clan in the martial world, and if you refuse the invite, you’ll be hunted down and killed.

In a state of panic and fear, innocent clans band together and seek out Master Feng (aka One Armed Swordsman) for help. Since the events of the last film, Feng has become a living legend. He, too, also receives an invitation but ignores it, hoping to maintain a quiet farming life with his wife. However, when he is informed that the eight killers may have ulterior motives to take over the martial world, Feng second thinks his outlook and decides to dust off his broken-sword, polish it with blood, and lead the innocent fighters to a war against pure evil.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Chang Cheh’s hell at its finest, so sit back and watch the blood flow.

Add “Return of the One Armed Swordsman” to that small list of movie sequels that are just as good, if not better, than their predecessors. You know, films like “The Godfather II,” “Empire Strikes Back,” and “Drunken Master II” – films that were not a letdown, no matter what expectations you had. “Return of the One Armed Swordsman” opens with a bang, keeps the bang, and ends with a bang. This film’s pacing is perfect. The action, which consists of never-ending ultra-violence, is fun and amusing.

The only other Chang Cheh movie that matches its greatness is “Five Element Ninjas.” In fact, “Return of the One Armed Swordsman” can almost qualify as an early blueprint for that film. Don’t get me wrong, each film has its own unique edge, but yet, they both share many similarities:

– Forced, deadly tournament
– Unique enemies with comic book-like abilities
– Heroes in white, covered in blood
– 8 Sword King Killers (a la 5 Element Ninjas)
– Over the top secret weapons (you bastards!)
– Killer bitches who infiltrate the good guys

Also, look out for a handful of pre-stardom cameos, including ones from Ti Lung and David Chiang (who would later fill Wang Yu’s shoes for “The New One Armed Swordsman”); and an on-screen appearance by choreographer Lau Kar Leung, who plays one of the killers.

A must see.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 10/10

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

Merry Wife, The (1971) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"The Merry Wife" Chinese Theatrical Poster

"The Merry Wife" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Gam Chue Yung (Chin Chu-Yung)
Producer: Shaw Brothers
Cast: Li Ching, Ling Yun, Ling Ling
Running Time: 84 min.

By Mighty Peking Man

I can almost guarantee that any guy who sits through “The Merry Wife” will think Li Ching is one of most adorable actresses in the world. Not only is she the epitome of cuteness, but her on-screen charm and bubbly personality makes her a must have for a dreamer like myself. During her rising popularity in the 1970s, the Shaw Brothers gave her the nickname, “Baby Queen.” I, on the other hand, prefer to simply call her a babe.

The plot of “The Merry Wife” involves a newlywed couple. Zhenzhen (Li Ching) is a 17 year old high school student and Mr. Lin (Ling Yun) is a 35 year old high school teacher. When the two decide to attend the same school in their respective roles, a handful of compromising situations evolve. They must keep their marriage a secret from the other students and teachers; yet, at the same time, keep their sanity. Things only get worse considering both Zhenzhen and Mr. Lin seem to have a mobilizing effect on their peers: every male in the school wants Zhenzhen and every female in the school wants Mr. Lin.

Considering the film’s Lolita-ish themes, “The Merry Wife” is good, clean fun. In fact, there’s almost no hint of sexual reference at all (unless you count my thoughts). At times, the movie is corny. Other times, it’s downright witty (thanks to Li Ching’s delivery). Either way, the film never fails in the entertainment department. Part of its appeal is the time it was filmed – the colorful early 1970s – which give it that classic, hip touch.

Highly recommended, especially if you want to get away from kung fu and violence.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 8/10

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

Lady Professional, The (1971) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"The Lady Professional" Theatrical Poster

“The Lady Professional” Theatrical Poster

Director: Kuei Chih-Hung, Matsuo Akinori
Cast: Lily Ho Li Li, Cheung Pooi Saan, Cheng Miu, Wong Chung Shun, Chan Shen, Lee Sau Kei, Bolo Yeung Tze, Gai Yuen, Shikamura Yasuyoshi, Cheung Ging Boh, Joe Cheung Tung Cho, Gam Gwan, Gam Tin Chue, Hung Ling Ling, Lee Ho, Tsang Choh Lam, Yee Kwan
Running Time: 80 min.

By Joe909

Celestial’s choice of Shaw Brothers films to remaster for DVD release has so far proved rather haphazard; they’ve neglected several classics which fans figured would’ve been the first on the racks (I am of course referring to Five Element Ninja!!). But to look on the brighter side, the company has been revealing heretofore lost gems that prove Shaw Brothers was more than just a kung-fu flick factory.

Lady Professional is a movie most people had never heard of, prior to Celestial’s DVD release. It’s about as non-Shaw Brothers as you can get. In many ways, it’s your standard John Woo-type action movie about an assassin trying to get out of the game, except this movie was produced a good decade before Woo delved into the Heroic Bloodshed genre. The movie doesn’t feature gunblazing action sequences, instead relying on more covert-style murders and the occasional kung-fu fight.

The title is misleading. Lead actress Lily Ho isn’t really a Lady Professional, it’s more like she’s a “Lady who killed for revenge but then got coerced into killing for money.” In a backstory we discover that her father was murdered by thugs; Lily got vengeance for this, but was caught in the act by some smarmy ass, who began blackmailing her. In other words, only he knows she’s a killer, and so begins collecting cash from her each month to keep his mouth shut. This of course begs the question, why doesn’t Lily just kill this jerk too, but the topic is never discussed. Instead she just gives him money, working as a bartender in a club she owns. Or owned; it’s never really given much detail.

As it turns out, a bald-headed criminal has just been released from prison, and he’s wanted dead by a higher tier of criminals. After a botched attempt at killing him themselves, they decide to hire someone without a criminal past to do him in. The lecherous jackass who’s blackmailing Lily Ho happens to be involved with these guys, and recommends they use her as their assassin. She gradually accepts the job, and goes about it, taking the dude out in a bowling alley that must be chock full of knock-out babes. There’s one chick in a white miniskirt who has some of the best legs I’ve ever seen! Unfortunately, we never see her face.

Not so surprisingly, the crooks next try to kill Lily, instead of paying her as promised. That’s just how things go, I guess. What is surprising is the bloody revenge Lily gains. She guns guys down in cold blood, her cold expression never changing. Still looks damn sexy, though. The criminal bosses even bring in outside men to kill her, one of them being a bald, fake-scarred, muscle-shirt wearing Bolo Yeung. I must admit that the scene in which Lily fights these guys isn’t very believable, as Ms. Ho was obviously stunt doubled.

Anyway, through some coincidences that are hard to swallow, it turns out that Lily has a connection to the crooks, herself. That connection happens to be her chubby friend, who is of course dating one of them. Lily recruits her assistance in order to get her vengeance, though her handling of the main boss is anticlimactic, and the movie ends rather quickly. In fact, the end of the movie really sucks, as it seems tacked on: one of those “evil doing must be punished, regardless of the cause” type deals you would expect to see in a cartoon for challenged kids. No, she doesn’t die, but it would have come off better if she did.

Now it’s time for me to actually level a complaint against Celestial, but first I must descend into geek talk. For some reason, Celestial mastered their NTSC DVDs off of PAL. This means that, at times, their films run faster than normal. For example, the Celestial release of Invincible Shaolin runs 4 minutes faster than the bootleg release put out by NS here in the States, even though both movies contain the exact same footage. In other words, the Celestial release isn’t edited, it just runs fast. Sometimes this is noticeable; you’ll notice that characters in the background are moving a bit too fast.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Lady Professional is the worst offender yet. Many of the scenes are so out of sync that it’s like you’re watching the Benny Hill Show. Characters move and walk around like the DVD is on fast forward. It’s very distracting, especially in a scene early in the film when a bunch of thugs try to run over Lily Ho’s bald-headed target. I’ve also read that some Celestial releases features 24 frames per minute, as opposed to the standard 25 frames. Why have they done this? If they’re going to the trouble of remastering these movies and making them look so good, couldn’t they at least correct the running speed?

As a final word, lead actress Lily Ho is gorgeous. I’m talking Nora Miao level. With her sultry looks and smoldering eyes, she looks great in the black garb she wears throughout. I wonder if Bruce Lee got to bone her. Hell, he probably did her AND Nora Miao. Damn that Bruce Lee! The bio on the DVD states that Lily was born in 1952, and retired from filmmaking in 1974. It also states that she gained fame by appearing “half naked” in the 1966 Chang Cheh movie Knight of Knights. Now, unless my math fails me, or that bio has her birth date wrong, that means Lily Ho was only 14 in 1966. Who knew the Shaw Brothers were into kiddie porn?

Joe909’s Rating: 7/10

By Mighty Peking Man

Lily Ho plays a gun-for-hire named Gi Tianli (aka Lady Professional), who is black-mailed out of retirement for one last job. Her target: a witness who has enough evidence to shut down the ruthless crime organization that hired her. However, the organization has other plans for her. They want to use her lethal expertise, then send her to hell as soon as she gets the job done. It’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, double-crossing and on-the-dot revenge. Will Gi Tianli get the guys that set her up, or will she be a victim of the organization?

The film opens with a amusing prelude that’s filmed in point-of-view/first person perspective; followed by catchy, bullet-ridden credit sequence featuring 007-esque music. After the credits, the first action scene literally made me cringe. It consisted of a shoot ’em up car chase that was poorly done, sloppily edited and worst of all, sped up to the point of laughter; and even for an early 70’s flick, it seemed goofy. At this point, I was kicking myself for taking a chance with a relatively unknown Shaw Brothers film directed by someone I wasn’t familiar with.

Little did I know, the film was on it’s way of fully redeeming itself.

If you can get past the bad “first impression”, you’ll be quite pleased with what’s to come: a tight, witty, entertaining flick; filled with psychedelic color, ultra-violence, and vivid villains; one of them, a very young, balled Bolo Yueng. The film sports wit, creativity; and no matter what, we can’t take our eyes off the gorgeous Lily Ho, who plays the cunning lady assassin. No matter how much I try, I always seem to relate to Kill Bill (which is a homage to universal trash cinema) when watching these kinds of films. It’s all there: quick zooms, bloody death scenes, serial-music, and ever stylish angle of the word “retro”. Curse Quentin Tarantino all you want for “stealing” from these films; but thank for giving us the mind to appreciate these kinds of films.

Like most of us, I’m always hesitant to pick up a Shaw Brothers flick when they’re practically unknown and not directed by Chang Cheh or Lau Ka-Leung; but a film like Lady Professional proves that taking a chance can be a rewarding experience.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 7/10

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

Heroes of the East | aka Shaolin Challenges Ninja (1978) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Heroes of the East" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Heroes of the East” Chinese Theatrical Poster

AKA: Challenge of the Ninja
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Producer: Run Run Shaw
Cast: Gordon Liu, Yasuaki Kurata , Yuko Mizuno, Lau Kar-leung, Simon Yuen, Norman Chu, Cheng Miu, Hitochi Ohmae, Nobuo Yana, Yasutaka Makazaki, Kato Maozo, Manabu Shirai
Running Time: 107 min.

By Equinox21

Gordon Liu stars in this Shaw Bros. film about a Chinese man and a Japanese woman who get married (through an arranged marriage). When they start challenging each others’ martial arts, things begin to escalate. Eventually, she leaves to head back to Japan. He sends her a “challenge letter”, hoping it will bring her back to China, but instead is misinterpreted by her Ninja mentor as a claim that his Chinese Kung-Fu is superior. So, about 8 or 9 Japanese martial arts masters all head to China to take up the challenge.

The fighting in Heroes of the East is pretty slick. I’m guessing that’s the whole reason to see a movie like this, which is why I was a little disappointed at how long the lead up was to the actual challenges was and how quick some of the fights actually went. The Japanese so-called masters gave up far too easily in some cases, after taking a few licks they’d decide they simply couldn’t win and walked away. This was only a few of the fights, but it almost seemed to be done to put a negative spin on the Japanese mentality or their martial arts in general (of course, the whole movie was about that, seeing as a Chinese Kung-Fu student beats 8 Japanese Martial Arts masters using various weapons). It was still cool to see, and the fact that no one dies at all is pretty amazing for a movie of that sort.

Overall, I’d recommend it… to any non-Japanese martial artists.

Equinox21’s Rating: 7/10

By Mighty Peking Man

Finally, a kung fu flick that features Chinese and Japanese characters and guess what: they DON’T hate each other. However, they still fight, but for legitimate reasons. That’s what makes Shaolin Challenges Ninja so unique. You can almost call it “The War of the Roses” meets “Shaw Brothers” with its silly, but smart, plot that revolves around a newlywed couple – a Japanese woman (Yuko Mizuno) and Chinese man (Gordon Liu) who are constantly testing/fighting each other to prove which is better: Chinese Kung Fu or Japanese Karate/Ninjitsu.

Though it has a fair share of action, keep in mind that “Shaolin Challenges Ninja” is light-hearted. Don’t expect something like Chang Cheh’s ninja-epic “Super Ninjas” with blood-soaked ultra-violence. Not in this film. If fact, nobody even gets killed. On the bright side, at least you can watch this while babysitting or something.

A little low on brutality, but a real treat for anyone who can appreciate a good clean kung fu flick.

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 8/10

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

Masked Avengers (1981) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Masked Avengers" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Masked Avengers” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Phillip Kwok, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Chin Siu Ho, Siao Yuk, Lau Fong Sai, Chiu Gwok, Hon Lai Fan, Wong Wa, Chu Ko, Lam Chi Tai, Chan Hon Kwong, Tiu Lung, Wong Lik, Chan Shu Kei, Chui Tai Ping, Ailen Sit Chun-Wai
Running Time: 100 min.

By Joe909

If you’ve ever watched a Shaw Brothers kung-fu film and found yourself thinking: “This flick is good and all, but what it REALLY needs is a bunch of blood-drinking, Satan-worshiping, mask-wearing villains and a whole lot more violence,” then Masked Avengers is the movie for you. This is a dark, dark movie, and those who require comedic antics with their kung-fu need not apply.

Masked Avengers concerns a cult of masked killers who work as mercenaries, though the film never once addresses who exactly hires and pays them. None of them know each other behind their masks, which also raises more logistical questions: if no one knows who is who, then how in the world did the cult get started in the first place? Regardless, we discover that these guys are Satanic in everything but name: they thrive on debauchery, drink the blood of their victims, worship and frolic in pagan rituals, and rape and murder as they please.

Chiang Sheng, the Venom who normally played the goofy one, here plays the straight role of Chi San Yun, the reserved leader of a government-appointed party that’s seeking out this cult. His group is made up of assorted fighters, some of whom have lost family members and loved ones at the hands of the killers. Two figures stand out in the group: Cheng Chung (Chien Hsao-Hao, in the type of role normally played by Toad Venom Lo Meng), a good-natured but naïve guy, and hotheaded Liang Yung (played by Chu Ko, who happens to be a dead ringer for Scorpion Venom Sun Chien).

Chi San Yun’s group heads to a small town where the masked killers are apparently headquartered. They figure the leader of the cult must be a wealthy, powerful individual, and so their chief suspect is Lin Yung Chi (Lu Feng, the constantly-evil Venom). Lin claims he’s never heard of a group of masked killers in his town, but does implicate another wealthy individual, Fong Su Kwong (Wang Li), whom he’s heard employs a personal army of kung-fu fighters at his estate. Chi’s men hole up in an inn to sort things out, where Cheng Chung strikes up a friendship with mysterious cook Kao (Kuo Choi).

Over the next several days, the cultists murder the members of Chi San Yun’s group, sometimes in broad daylight. These murders continue unabated, until about an hour in it all comes to a head, as Kao finally reveals his story to Cheng. Turns out Kao was a member of the cult, in fact he was the second chief, but quit when he realized the cult was killing for fun, not profit. Now disguised as a cook, he keeps an eye on the two men he suspects of being the chiefs: Fong Su Kwon and Lin Yung Chi. However, Cheng is murdered by the three chiefs before he can impart this information to his superior, Chi San Yun.

Kao finds Chi San Yun and his remaining men and manages to convince them of his innocence. He’s also able to unveil the second chief by devising a ruse that’s brilliant in its stupidity. Discovering the cult will be gathering that night, Kao, Chi, and Chi’s remaining men unleash an assault on their headquarters, which happens to be in an abandoned temple.

This final battle is one of the most amazing the Venoms ever did, complete with booby traps, countless cult members, shooting darts, moving walls, and streams of acid. If the heroes had just tried to make their way through this trap-fest of a temple, it would have made for an entertaining finale, but on top of that they’re engaged in acrobatic, jaw-dropping kung-fu throughout. Those expecting the usually-bizarre weaponry seen in Venoms movies will be let down, though. Tridents predominate; be prepared for the excessive “clang, CLANG, clang, CLANG,” sound effects in the final battle. Other than tridents, the occasional sword is used, and Chiang Sheng uses his fan to waste people, before unleashing a pair of metal hoops.

There are two problems that keep this film from being perfect. One, the fact that only three Venoms are present. Lo Meng would have been perfect in the role of Cheng Chung, in fact the part seems to have been written for him. But Lo left the Venoms crew around this time; who knows, maybe even shortly before production of this movie, which would explain why screenwriter I Kuang created a character so suited to him. Sun Chien was still a Venom, though, so his absence doesn’t make any sense. But like I said above, Chu Ko looks so much like Sun Chien anyway, you could probably fool yourself into believing it IS him.

As for the second problem, it’s related to the first. Much like the original Venoms movie, Five Venoms, the main actors don’t see much action until the very end. Kuo Choi tries to avoid fighting for the first hour or so. Chiang Sheng doesn’t do anything until the final battle, other than wave his fan around and look uncomfortable in a role totally not suited to him. Lu Feng sees more action than any of them, although most of the time it’s from behind a mask.

Now let’s move on to the violence. Five Element Ninja was a violent movie for sure, but it was cartoonish violence. Masked Avengers is equally gory, but the violence is more disturbing. In this movie you will see masked cultists drinking human blood, you’ll see intestines draping from a bloody trident, you’ll see so many guys impaled you’ll lose count (in one case, a cult member actually pulls his trident all the way THROUGH his victim), you’ll see a dude bite off his own tongue, and you’ll see torture sequences that should make the most jaded Shaw Brothers fan squirm.

On top of that, the production values are high. The cult headquarters is a sight to behold, topping even the fantastic dungeons Chor Yuen gave us in his 1976 Shaws film Web of Death. The costumes are the usual Venoms cool, with the cult members getting the best. The foot soldiers wear identical outfits of black pants and red vests, with demon-like, horned masks. The three chiefs wear more regal clothing, and have masks that look more like dwarf faces, or something. These masks don’t have horns, but they do have beards, and each chief wears a different color. All told, these cult members make for an appealing visual spectacle.

Masked Avengers is one of the top movies I’m waiting for Celestial to remaster, because the DVD currently out there isn’t so great. The DVD release from NS is only marginally better than the nth-generation video dub I’ve had for the past ten years. The picture on the NS disc is too dark, and panned-and-scanned out of whack. The final battle begs to be seen in widescreen, but for now, this bungled DVD will have to do.

Joe909’s Rating: 9.5/10

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

Heaven and Hell | aka Shaolin Hell Gate (1978) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Jeff Bona
"Heaven and Hell" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Heaven and Hell” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Lee I Min, Sun Chien, Alexander Fu Sheng, Jenny Tseng Yan Lei, Philip Kwok Chung Fung, Chiang Sheng, Lo Meng, Kong Do, David Chiang Da Wei, Chan Shen, Chan Hung, Chan Jun Ho, Cheng Miu, Cheung Hei, Chow Kin Ping
Running Time: 88 min.

By Jeff Bona 

If you don’t think drugs have done good things for us then do me a favor: Go home tonight and take all of your VHS tapes and DVDs and burn them, because all those Hong Kong directors who made all those great movies that enhanced your lives throughout the years? They were rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreal f*cking high on drugs.

Chang Cheh was so high he directed a movie called Heaven & Hell.

According to Shaw Brothers’ historian Joe909, Heaven & Hell was made on and off throughout the 1970s. This was supposedly done because of issues regarding Chang Cheh’s budget problems. As a result, it caused the movie to be disjointed, uneven, and choppy. Not only that, some of the film’s main credited stars – such as David Chiang and Alexander Fu Sheng – apparently had crucial roles, but with limited screen time (?).

The plot of Heaven & Hell is a lot more interesting on text than it is on film. A guard of Heaven, named Xin Ling (Lee I-min), is banished to Earth because he let an eloped couple off the hook (the couple, which we never see again, are played by David Chiang and Maggie Lee). When Xin Ling becomes reincarnated as a taxi driver on Earth, he is immediately sent to “Hell” for killing a gangster while defending yet another couple (played by Alexander Fu Sheng and Jenny Tseng; and like the previous couple, we never see them again…).

Xin Ling, now in Hell, decides he wants to try and escape Satan’s stronghold. He befriends a Go Go Yubari look alike named Red Dress (Lam Jan-kei), who, for some odd reason, was sent to Hell for getting high and thinking she can fly. The two manage to get to the City of Lost Souls where they meet some of the well-known Venoms (Phillip Kwok, Lo Meng, Sun Chien, and Chiang Sheng). From that point onwards, Xin Ling and Red Dress team up with them and together, they fight off an array of Hell’s warriors.

Heaven & Hell is sh*t and gold at the same time. One minute, it’s a high school musical, the next minute fingers are chopped, people are skinned, and Venoms are fighting off mutated humans. Heaven & Hell may be pure camp, but visually, it’s a trip.

If you’re in it just for the action, you’ll be pleased with Heaven & Hell, but as an overall film, it’s without a doubt, one of Chang Cheh’s weirdest films.

Jeff Bona’s Rating: 5/10

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

Project A 2 | aka Pirate Patrol 2 (1987) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Project A 2" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Project A 2” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Jackie Chan
Producer: Leonard Ho
Cast: Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Rosamund Kwan Chi Lam, Carina Lau, Mars, David Lam, Bill Tung, Kenny Ho, Ricky Hui, Regina Kent, Lau Siu Ming, Ray Lui, Anthony Carpio, Alan Chan, Chan Dik Hak, Chan Wai Man
Running Time: 106 min.

By Ro

Not as good as the original, but still great! I missed Samo and Yuen, but this movie is chock full of brawls – almost non-stop action! Highlights include: A chase and fight scene with Jackie handcuffed to a clumsy corrupt cop while dodging ax-wielding ex-pirates, the hysterically funny scene with a whole slew of people hiding from each other in Maggie Cheung’s apartment, Jackie dressed up for a party in a high collar, cravat and cutaways, a stuntman falling from a 2nd floor balcony with only a 6″ vase to break his fall, the political activist leaping onto the neck of a bad guy and them doing a couple somersaults – still attached (I can’t really describe it – you have to see it!) and the incredible brawl at the end, where Jackie is almost made into pate! And I can’t forget to include the famous stunt with Jackie running down the side of a falling building! Don’t pull a Boggie Nights and spend the whole movie waiting for it – it’s at the very end!!!

For a movie that almost never stopped the action, it had a pretty involved plot, with corrupt cops, political activists and ex-pirates – all after Jackie! Yet it all blended together well and I didn’t miss a beat wondering what was going on. Most unbelievable scene – Bill Tung borrowing a blouse from Maggie Cheung! I’m pretty good at suspending disbelief for these movies, but even my imagination boggled at the idea that the solid Tung could fit into petite Maggie’s clothes!!!

I got the video from Advantage (it’s a Venom Video) and the quality’s OK (though I wished it was letterbox), and the dubbing’s OK as well. Definitely a must-see!

Ro’s Rating: 9/10

By Numskull

Five minutes after being cast out of Heaven, Lucifer said “Let there be sequels”. Actually, this movie is different enough from the first PROJECT A to have stood on its own. Samo and Yuen are absent, but that’s not why this movie isn’t so memorable. The lame-ass background plot with the pirates was pure cheese. The giggling female characters caused my walls to receive a rich coating of nice, chunky vomit, but what the hell, the paint was starting to peel anyway. The fighting wasn’t as plentiful or as painful-looking as before. The scene where Jackie and the Commisioner try to escape from the pirates while hand-cuffed to each other was amusing, but it didn’t have anything you wouldn’t expect it to have (unless you’re into whips and chains and that sort of shit, like my classmates in kindergarten were. I’ll never look at milk and cookies the same way again, lemme tell ya…every time I hear “time out” I scream in terror…).

One strong similarity to the first PROJECT A: choppy plot. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s a choppy plot. If there are two things I can’t stand they’re a choppy plot and the Spice Girls. If there are three things I can’t stand they’re a choppy plot, the Spice Girls, and that fucking Pepsi commercial with the Spice Girls in it. If there are four things I can’t stand… Sorry.

In spite of all this, the movie wasn’t really bad, but I did suffer from one immense stroke of disappointment: the fact that there was NO outburst of violence in the governor’s house during his daughter’s birthday party. We all know that Jackie has no qualms about spending ungodly amounts of money, so why the hell did he pass up the opportunity to wreak nine kinds of chaos upon all of those rich Capitalist fuckers with their art collections and neckalces that get worn once a year and expensive teacups that they drink from with their pinkies sticking up? SHIT!!! That lingering shot on the chandelier was such a fucking tease! Why, Jackie, why?

Numskull’s Rating: 6/10

By Dan-O

Why oh why did they have to go and use the pirates from part one? Couldn’t someone have come up with a more interesting group of villains than a bunch of wussy wanna-be buccaneers that lost their asses IN THE LAST DAMN MOVIE! How about crossdressing lesbian cup-wearing nuns? That at least would be kinda scary.

That aside, this is a great Jackie Chan movie. I say it is a great Jackie Chan movie because this kind of movie would ONLY work for JC. But that’s why were all JC fan-girls and boys, yes?. As usual, stunts and fights are superb, blah blah blah, with silent film homages galore, and as a bonus we get to see Jackie destroy his digestive tract with those pepper things that I wouldn’t go near at gunpoint. Was it as good as the original? Nope. Sorry. But that’s not to demean or devalue the film in any way. Project A2 is good, solid entertainment. “Biodome” is not good, nor solid, nor entertainment. See the difference? Good. Now go to bed.

Dan-O’s Rating: 7.5/10

By Vic Nguyen

Jackie Chan does it again! Although not as good as Drunken Master 2 and Mr. Canton and Lady Rose, this film is incredible in its own right. Jackie reprises his role as Dragon Ma, Coast Guard officer recently promoted to one of Hong Kong’s many police precincts. The film follows him through all types of duties as the leader. It then all changes when he is framed for stealing a rare diamond necklace. Now it is up to him to clear his name and kick some ass in the process. This film has one of the best combinations of action and humor in any Jackie Chan film. It also has some of the greatest stunts ever shot on film, including a homage to Jackie’s favorite star Buster Keaton. The only bad part of this movie is the obvious absence of Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. Other than that, this film is one of Jackies greatest and should not be missed by anyone, Jackie Chan fan or not.

Vic Nguyen’s Rating: 10/10

Posted in Chinese, Golden Harvest, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Shaolin Temple | aka Death Chambers (1976) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Shaolin Temple" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“Shaolin Temple” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Co-director: Wu Ma
Producer: Run Run Shaw
Cast: Alexander Fu Sheng, Ti Lung, David Chiang, Chi Kuan Chun, Johnny Wang, Chiang Sheng, Lo Meng, Lu Feng, Philip Kwok, Choi Wang, Cheung Hei, Chiang Nan, Chui Tai Ping, Goo Man Chung, Hong Hoi, Kok Lee Yan, Ku Feng, Anthony Lau, Lau Fong Sai, Wang Chung
Running Time: 116 min.

By Joe909

Not to be confused with the Jet Li film of the same name, Shaolin Temple is a Chang Cheh/I Kuang production that provides a different look at my favorite director/writer combo. Its pace is leisurely, the story takes back seat to character, and the kung fu fireworks are mostly saved for the very end, but regardless, I was swept away by this great movie.

There are many similarities between this and Liu Chia-Liang’s later 36th Chamber of Shaolin, but whereas Liu’s movie focuses on one character, Shaolin Temple features several characters, jumbled together. I believe this actually caused contention in the Shaw Brothers camp; former Chang Cheh darlings David Chiang and Ti Lung are mostly relegated to supporting roles, with new favorites Fu Sheng and Chi Kuan-Chun in the lead. Apparently Chiang and Lung resented this, and shortly thereafter parted ways with Chang Cheh. I do feel a bit sad for the formerly-popular duo, though. It’s obvious Chang snubs them, rushing through their scenes so he can get back to Fu Sheng.

But that’s beside the point, because I actually prefer Fu Sheng’s character to either Chiang’s or Lung’s. I’ve always felt Fu Sheng had more star potential than any of the Shaws actors, and I’ll add my voice to the thousands of others who’ve said this: it’s a damn shame he died young. Fu gets to show off his acting range in this one, as usual getting all the laughs in the comedic parts, and then proving his worth when it comes to the fighting. Here he plays Fong Sai-Yuk, a character he portrayed in a handful of other Chang Cheh movies made in the mid-1970s.

Shaolin Temple can be seen as a melting pot of the Shaw Brothers’ acting stable. There’s David Chiang, Ti Lung, and Wang Chung representing the late 1960s/early 1970s era. There’s Fu Sheng and Chi Kuan-Chun representing the mid-1970s era, and Kuo Choi, Chiang Sheng, and Lu Feng of the Venoms crew representing the late 1970s/early 1980s. Then there’s Wang Lung-Wei, who was a constant villain throughout all of the eras. Chang Cheh juggles all of these acting groups very well for the most part, though as I said Fu Sheng takes predominance.

The movie details the final days of the Shaolin Temple, as Manchu bastards plot its destruction. Fu Sheng and Chi Kuan-Chun are Fong Sai-Yuk and Hung Sze-Kwan respectively, and seek admittance into the Temple. The monks only let them in once they realize that the imminent destruction of Shaolin would erase their style of martial arts from the world, so the more students the better. Fu Sheng and his pals are given menial jobs however, and only Chi Kuan-Chun is instructed in kung-fu. Time passes by in the usual fast-forward Shaw Brothers fashion, until Ti Lung, David Chiang, Wang Chung, Wang Lung-Wei, and a few others arrive as soldiers opposed to the Manchu. As they were once Shaolin students, they’re admitted promptly into the Temple, much to the chagrin of Kuo Choi and his fellows, who have been kneeling outside for days, awaiting admittance. Eventually they are accepted as students, and here the film juggles training sequences between the three groups.

Fu Sheng resorts to learning kung fu on the fly from a masked master. Eventually he and Chi Kuan-Chun decide they’re now good enough to leave the Temple and accomplish the mission for which they became students: namely, gaining revenge. However, leaving Shaolin is just as difficult as entering it, and they must leave through the Alley of Death, a “death chamber” that’s loaded with traps and wooden robots. Treachery is afoot in the Temple, as well, with Wang Lung-Wei and one of the monks scheming together to bring the Temple down from the inside. The two of them attempt to kill Fu and Chi, but with the assistance of Chiang, Lung, and Chiang Sheng our two heroes manage to escape.

Later, after they’ve gained revenge and notoriety as great fighters, Fu and Chi discover Manchu soldiers en route to the Temple. They go back to inform the monks, but the old men decide they’ll die with Shaolin. This leads to the final battle, which is a tour de force of martial combat. The Manchu soldiers arrive, but mostly stand around outside and lamely shake their spears while their kung-fu masters (Lu Feng among them) storm the Temple and take on the monks in one-on-one combat.

The choreography here is very good, though Kuo Choi and Lu Feng put the others to shame, even though they only give a glimpse of what they’d later accomplish in the Venoms movies. But with all of the chaos and cutting to and from different fight scenes, the end battle is a bit overwhelming. If the Water Margin’s finale was anti-climatic, then the finale for Shaolin Temple is TOO climatic. Especially after the leisurely pace of the preceding hour-plus of story. Another problem is that the Temple is taken down too quickly. All we see is kung-fu combat among the principles, a few Manchu soldiers getting in lucky strikes with their spears, and then suddenly the Temple’s burning to the ground, even though the “cannons,” which are mentioned, are never seen. I guess they were beyond the budget.

The violence level is toned down, with only the occasional spurt of blood from mouths or sword slashes. I think there must have been a crackdown on cinema violence in the mid-1970s in Hong Kong, as this and other Chang Cheh movies of the era have suspiciously-minimal carnage. That’s not to say this movie is Disney-lite. In fact, tons of guys buy the farm in the climax, but just not as bloodily as they would’ve in earlier and later Shaw Brothers movies. Set design on the other hand is as high as ever, though most of the action takes place in the Temple itself. And you’ve gotta love those wooden robots.

Like I said, this movie shows a different side of the Chang Cheh experience. Instead of rushing to vengeance-fueled melees, he takes his time with the story, giving it a near-epic feel. Comedy is sprinkled about, though unfortunately it’s complimented with goofy sound effects. They even pull out the traditional “wah-wah-waaaah” French horn bit. I guess it’s the fact that it seemed so different from most other Chang Cheh films is what made the movie so enjoyable. The guy was a great director, and the historical revisionism currently going on is bullshit. (I read an online review that claimed Chang was the Shaw Brothers’ “weak link!?!” He was their top director!) If a movie’s got Chang Cheh’s name on it, most of the time it’ll at least be very good, but most of the time it’ll be great. And Shaolin Temple is great.

This movie leads directly into Five Shaolin Masters, a 1974 film directed by Chang Cheh and featuring most of the same actors (save for the Venoms crew). Interestingly though, only Ti Lung, David Chiang, and Wang Lung-Wei play the same characters in that film, with Fu Sheng and Chi Kuan-Chun portraying different Shaolin heroes. It’s also interesting that Wang Lung-Wei plays the same character in Shaolin Temple and Five Shaolin Masters, as his character dies in both films! I guess he knew “regenerative kung fu” or something. Anyway, this technically makes Shaolin Temple a prequel, much like Phantom Menace was a prequel. But whereas Phantom Menace was a big steaming pile of shit, Shaolin Temple is excellent filmmaking.

Joe909’s Rating: 10/10

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

Singing Killer, The (1970) Review

Posted on January 21, 2011 by JJ Bona
"The Singing Killer" Chinese Theatrical Poster

“The Singing Killer” Chinese Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Wong Ping, Tina Chin Fei, Guk Fung, Chan Sing, Stanley Fung (Sui Faan), Dean Shek Tin, Yeung Chi Hing, Wong Chung, Lau Gong, Yip Bo Kam, Lee Sau Kei, Nam Wai Lit, Pao Chia-Wen, Wong Pau Gei, Lau Kar Wing, Lo Wai, Wong Ching, Fung Hak On, Tino Wong Cheung, Yuen Wo Ping, Yen Shi Kwan
Running Time: 105 mins.

By Mighty Peking Man

The more I watch these obscure flicks by Chang Cheh, the more I realize that “diversity” is not the word that best describes this movie-making genius. “All over the f-cking place” is more like it. How does Chang Cheh jump from a legendary tale of a One-Armed Swordsman to the kung fu cult spectacle of Five Deadly Venoms; and still have an eye for the ultra violent mayhem of Five Element Ninjas, the coming-of-age street tales of Delinquent, and the gangster saga of Chinatown Kid?

Sure, there have been many filmmakers who tend to try something new or tackle different genres, but with Chang Cheh, the high notes are usually hit no matter what he’s experimenting with.

With Chang Cheh’s The Singing Killer, we have a film that’s part noir, part musical, part heist, part love story and part action.

Johnny (David Chiang) is a famous pop star who attracts hundreds of fans at a busy nightclub where he sings his heart away on a stage filled with extravagant props, groovy dancers, and a full-scale band. He’s so popular, that everywhere he goes, he’s mobbed by giddy fans i.e. A Hard Days Night. However, there is a dark side to Johnny. Years earlier, he was connected to a group of criminals where he, for obvious reasons, was given the nickname The Singing Killer. Now, his old friends are back and they’re forcing him to take part in a million-dollar heist that can not only ruin his career but also send him to prison. Using different methods such as blackmail, getting to the woman he loves, and his celebrity status, they send Johnny back to a world he wish never existed.

Though not as bloody and violent as I’d like it to be, it still packs a share of brawls and bloodshed. This is especially apparent in the film’s second half when things start to heat up. The martial arts choreography by Lau Kar Leung and Tong Gaai never really stand out. The problem is they suffer from the typical swingy-arm syndrome that is usual in most early 1970s kung fu films. Once again, this is another acceptable flaw, because with its solid plot holding up the movie, the martial arts and action sequences are less of a priority. Hell, there’s not even a one-on-one duel with the buff Chan Sing who plays the main bad guy who’s just begging to get the shit beaten out of him.

The songs that are performed in this movie are pure 1970s cheese, which is more of a treat than a negative thin – most of them are unintentionally hilarious. I doubt David Chiang is really singing. Most of the time they didn’t even bother to match his lips with the words. There are certain instances where his lips are several seconds off. The dated performances may raise a brow on people’s faces, but walking into a film called The Singing Killer, none of it should come as a surprise.

Like most of the early Shaw Brothers flicks, look out for a handful of pre-stardom cameos and co-starring roles (like Yuen Wo Ping, Wang Chung, and most notably, Dean Shek, mostly known to the Asian cinema fans for his roles in Drunken Master and A Better Tomorrow II). Ti Lung shows up for a few seconds of screentime as a guitar player for David Chiang’s band.

Overall, The Singing Killer is a well-done movie that tends to feel more like a Hollywood heist film than a Shaw action fest. It’s not as brutal as you’d expect but if you’re open to explore different genres, you’ll find it entertaining. Besides, it’s a Chang Cheh flick. When was the last time he let you down?

Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 7/10

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

Flag of Iron | aka The Spearmen of Death (1980) Review

Posted on January 20, 2011 by JJ Bona
"Flag of Iron" American Theatrical Poster

“Flag of Iron” American Theatrical Poster

Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: Philip Kwok, Chiang Sheng, Lung Tien Hsiang, Lu Feng, Wong Lik, Chui Tai Ping, Wong Ching Ho, Lam Chi Tai, Liang Yao Wen, Chan Shen, Skinny, Chan Hon Kwong, Chan Shu Kei, Chiang Kam, Chow Kin Ping, Fung King Man
Running Time: 108 min.

By Joe909

Flag of Iron is one of the better Venoms movies, with intricate choreography, colorful villains, fantastic sets, and excessive violence. I wish I could direct you to your nearest DVD retailer to pick it up, but unfortunately, until Celestial releases it, getting hold of this movie will require a lot of digging.

Now, you might see the NS DVD release of Flag of Iron at your local store, but that is not the version you want to buy. In fact, if you see the NS release, what you want to do is chuck it into the nearest dumpster, and then run like hell when security comes after you. Because that release, beyond being a bootleg itself, is cut into ribbons. The NS release runs 89 minutes. Flag of Iron, in its uncut state, runs 114 minutes. That’s nearly half an hour that’s been cut from the NS version!

Flag of Iron is similar to another Venoms movie, Masked Avengers, in that both are heavy on plot, both lack main Venoms Lo Meng and Sun Chien, and both are impressively violent. Of the two, I think Masked Avengers is the superior movie (not to mention the more gory), but Flag of Iron should rank high on any Shaw Brothers fan’s watch list. But like I said, be sure to hunt down a copy of the uncut version, which thankfully was released on video in Europe under the title The Spearman. Otherwise all we’d have would be the chopped-up NS release, which deletes major plot points, cuts off dialog even when characters are in the middle of a sentence, and tones down the violence.

The story concerns the virtuous Iron Flag clan, which is headed by a respectable, elderly leader who likes to keep the city clean. Lo (Kuo Choi) and Yuen (Chiang Sheng) are two of the top brothers, and we meet them as they bust a prostitution ring that’s run by a rival gang, the Eagle Clan. The Eagles are the Iron Flag’s sworn enemies, and Lo suspects a gang war is soon to erupt. After busting their operation, the Iron Flag leaders are shocked to receive an invitation to join the Eagle Can for dinner, to discuss peace between the gangs. They all suspect a trap, and Chow (Lu Feng), the eldest member of the Iron Flag clan, reveals that he’s hired an assassin who goes by the name Spearman (Tien Sheng Lung) to protect them.

Of course, it’s a trap, and all hell breaks loose in the restaurant. The unarmed Iron Flag leaders are surrounded by dozens of Eagle Clan fighters, but the Spearman arrives just in time to toss them small, spear-tipped weapons to fight with. But by the end of the fight, both the Iron Flag and Eagle Clan leaders are dead, and the remaining Eagle Clan fighters have escaped. Chow is elected to be the new Iron Flag leader. It’s decided that Lo should take the blame for everything, as the police inform them that the Eagle Clan is pressing charges, for the murder of their leader. Lo agrees to leave town for about a year, only to come back when things settle down. Chow promises to send him money once he gets settled.

Big surprise: the money never arrives, and Lo spends the next year working as an anonymous waiter in a restaurant. Things get worse when he’s attacked out of the blue by a guy with a large axe. Chang Cheh works in some dark comedy here, as Lo takes on the dude superhero style, fighting him while making sure no one notices, so his cover isn’t blown. And then when he kills the guy, he drops the corpse into the restaurant’s water well. How sanitary! Yuen shows up, reveals he’s been kicked out of the clan, and tells Lo that Chow has made the clan even more crooked than the Eagle Clan ever was. Prostitution, gambling, the works. Yuen also tells Lo that the dreaded 10 Killers, a group of mysterious assassins, are out for him, and they’ve been sent by Chow. Lo sends Yuen off to think things over.

Here the film enters its best part, as Lo takes on each of the 10 Killers. The fights here aren’t as long and drawn out as they are in most Venoms movies, but each features flawless choreography, outrageous weapons (one of the Killers uses an abacus), great use of the marvelous sets (I especially enjoyed the image of Kuo Choi jumping up on a rooftop, where he hopped around as the tiles slid out from beneath his feet) and some good old Chang Cheh bloodshed. This sequence is similar to another Shaws movie, Sun Chung’s 1978 Avenging Eagle, in which a gang of colorful assassins pursue Ti Lung and Fu Sheng. But whereas those assassins all seem like a bunch of comic book characters, the Killers in Flag of Iron are more the type who blend into their surroundings.

After defeating the Killers, Lo and Yuen head back to confront Chow. But instead of engaging in an immediate fight, they bide their time. Lo discovers that Chow is attempting to bribe him into rejoining the clan; making his underlings lose to Lo in high-stakes gambling matches. In the midst of this, the Spearman returns. He informs Lo that he is the man who killed the Iron Flag clan leader. He only did so because he was tricked into it by the despicable Chow, who wanted to take control of both clans. The Spearman insists that he wouldn’t kill a good man, and so wishes to join Lo and Yuen in their revenge.

The film takes its time getting to said revenge, with Lo, Yuen, and the Spearman conspiring against Chow. At one point Lo gets caught, and in a memorable scene he’s strung up in a leather cobweb that’s been soaked in water. As it dries, it gets tighter, crushing him to death. Soaked in blood, Lo looks to be done for, until he’s saved by an Iron Flag member who’s still virtuous. Finally the stage is set for the final showdown, as Lo, Yuen, and the Spearman take on Chow and his deadly flag.

The movie isn’t as fight-filled as you might expect. It’s more of a plot-driven story, with a focus on Kuo Choi’s character Lo. In fact, it seems like it takes forever to get to the final showdown. Chiang Sheng in particular doesn’t do much in this movie, even in the finale. He spends most of it off-camera, only to arrive to aid Kuo Choi for a few moments. It’s Kuo Choi who sees the most action in this film, and is its main star. Chiang Sheng is in total sidekick mode, and only gets to show his comedic talents in the first few minutes. Lu Feng is the same rotten bastard as always, but he only gets in two fights in the film. Regardless, all of the Venoms look pretty cool in the black and red garb the Iron Flag clan wears.

The movie features all manner of weaponry, and those fearing that it’s full of a bunch of guys just waving flags at each other are in for a surprise. The flags aren’t broken out until the end, and in fact they give us the film’s best gory scene, as one of them is hurled all the way through someone. The flag flies through the dude and embeds itself in a wooden beam, drenched in blood. More gore is sprinkled about the movie, and each of the 10 Killers gets wasted in creatively bloody ways.

One thing that brings this movie down is that Lo Meng, the muscle-bound Venom, is missing. I don’t know what it was with Lo Meng, but he had a tendency to not appear in the occasional Venoms movie. He would have been ideal to play the Spearman in Flag of Iron, but I guess he was too busy working out in the Shaw Brothers gym or something. It didn’t matter anyway, because it was around this time that Lo left the Venoms stable. I guess he got sick of always being the mark in Chang Cheh’s movies.

Joe909’s Rating: 9/10

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