The Loot (product link) Action/Adventure / Thriller "The Loot" is an excellent find, especially since this is one of David Chiang's finest kung fu performances that I know of, next to "Shaolin Mantis". From the other performances I seen him in, I've never seen him executing intricate techniques like in "Shaolin Mantis". In a way, David Chiang in "The Loot" reminded me a lot of Wang Yu. I was also quite surprise at David Chiang's ability not just performing kung fu, but athletic kung fu, and believably at that.
The Thundering Mantis (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not a bad film, with "Beardy" teaming up with the kid from "Sleeping Fist". The kid in this film shows a lot more talent in "Thundering Mantis", even doing a believable Jackie Chan impression. A bit of warning to those a bit squeamish: the fun-loving mood typical in Beardy films is here, but goes in the opposite direction by film's end.
Sleeping Fist (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure If you like "Beardy" and Simon Yuen films, then "Sleeping Fist" would make a good addition to your library. The kid in this film is pretty good and displays a lot of acrobatics. Beardy and the kid are in "Thundering Mantis" also. The "Sleeping Fist" style looks a bit too similar to another style featured in other films which audiences will recognize; however, the entertainment value is well worth it.
The Fighting Fool (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Excellent fight choreography but the very capable heroes don't have the charisma of other Shaw heroes like Gordon Liu, Kuo Chiu, or Fu Sheng. The wacky comedic instances kind of unbalance the film, but the fights make up for it. An example of this is one of the good guys uses links of dried fish like nunchucks to fight off some bad guys. A rarity for a Shaw Brothers film is that there were several scenes filmed outdoors away from closed sets. The natural scenery looks great and refreshing from seeing the same indoor sets used in several other movies. The film began to remind me of Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao movies, especially at the freeze frame at the very end.
Life Gamble (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not a bad film. Has plot twists and turns typical of other Chang Cheh films, but might be a bit too much to follow.
The Myth (product link) Action/Adventure / Fantasy "The Myth" has a surprising epic look and feel. Whether it's the period scenes with Chan in ancient China with legions of soldiers, or the modern scenes set in India, everything was beautifully filmed. I don't think any other Jackie Chan film had this much care in each shot, fans should be pleasantly surprised.
[warning: possible spoikers follow] Heck I nearly cried when Meng Yi's faithful horse passed on. Don't worry. Wait until after the film to see the outtakes and you'll see the horse is really alive an well in those scenes.
AGREE?
READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
N
Sorry can't go five stars and of course the horse was really okay. Jackie is not fool enough to kill an animal for real on film.
The Iron Monkey [1977] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Fans of classic Shaw Brothers films will be pleased to recognize Chen Kuan Tai, Wilson Tong, and Chi Kuan Chun. Even "beardy", Leung Kar Yan, is in this as a bad guy. It's clearly a low-budget film, filmed at actual locations and few, if any, sets. "Iron Monkey" was filmed at near the height of this genre's popularity so the fight scenes are not that fast as say, "Flag of Iron" or "Legendary Weapons of Kung Fu". However, there is emphasis on the animal styles, specifically monkey and eagle. Those who are offended by animal cruelty should skip the opening title sequence. There are scenes of an eagle and monkey obviously thrown together to fight. If owning or seeing something like this is more than offensive, than you can pass this altogether. The fight choreography isn't bad and the plot is similar to any other revenge flick of the time. Chen Kuan Tai's monkey is also different than others you may be used to. It's more high up and not low to the ground. The training sequences are also enjoyable to watch, especially when Chen Kuan Tai learns from a monkey.
The Proud Youth (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "The Proud Youth" exhibits the typical trait of a Sun Chung film: lots of good drama with twists and turns. This is also one of the few films I know where Wang Yu doesn't play a clown, instead demonstrating serious acting. There is a good amount of kung fu fights--none as long as in Chang Cheh's or Lau Kar Leung's films, but enough to keep action fans interested. The film has a huge cast, and the costumes are varied also. The only turn off for me was the use of wire-fu in some scenes.
Shaolin Prince (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure It's obvious throughout "Shaolin Prince" that the filmmakers went crazy using wire-fu. That's a shame because there were some good fight scenes but spoiled when the wire-fu came in. Some of the comedy was good and even had an unexpected horror scene. The wire-fu was appropriate in that, though the horror element could have been left out completely. There were a few nice outdoor scenes but not really anything not seen before such as the long stairway up to the Shaolin Temple. However, if all the flying around doesn't bother you, then this elaborate production should satisfy.
Coward Bastard (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure The fights are well choreographed, especially with Wang Lung Wei and Kwan Fung as the bad guys. However, what brought the film down for me were the several attempts at comedy by actors not as memorable as Gordon Liu or Wang Yu. However, the main character is quite capable in kung fu but just didn't have the charisma of more successful Shaw actors.
Ninja In Ancient China (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Don't expect another "5 Element Ninjas", but the fight choreography isn't bad. The film is a kind of bizarre mix of old school fight choreography with the look of non-Shaw Brothers films made in the 1990's. Like any Chang Cheh film, there's lots of violence and tragedy. The stars were unknown to me so they didn't have the same charisma of past Venom greats. They are capable of performing some good acrobatics, but nothing you haven't seen Kuo Chiu, Chiang Sheng, or Lu Feng do better. However, it's a worth watching and completes anyone's Chang Cheh collection.
Kid From Kwangtung (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Really good fight choreography. Wang Yu usual funny as ever and Hwang Jang Lee the kicking king as expected. Chiang Kam is finally showing he can do kung fu rather than just be "fatty" he played in other films! Yuen Tak was underused probably because he was doing double duty as stunt choreographer. Lots of veterans here makes the film shine. The spooky segment was OK but could have been a bit better done. The "chicken" "centipede" dance segment I didn't get. I suppose it was a take on the Lion Dance but still didn't understand it. Still a strong film.
Snake In The Monkey's Shadow (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Snake in the Monkey's Shadow follows the same formula as Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Drunken Master, Jade Claw, and Super Power. If you liked those films, you'll most likely like this one. Its the typical story of a student who learns kung fu then due to some tragic circumstances learns even more advanced kung fu to take revenge. What's interesting was John Chung playing as the hero. He usually played bad guys in Shaw Brothers, Executions from Shaolin and 36th Chamber of Shaolin. What's also good to see are dependable stars Hau Chiu Sing and Wilson Tong. The fight choreography is a bit slow but entertaining.
The Iron Fisted Monk (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I have to mention straight out there was an unnecessary rape scene in this film that certainly influenced the score I gave. The scene could have been left out completely and just mentioned in the past tense. This is supposed to be a kung fu movie and it had no right to be shown at all. Additionally, Sammo's films are also supposed to be mainly comedies so again the scene shouldn't have been included. With everything else the film would have been fine. The fight choreography is very good and what you'd expect of early Sammo films.
Cat Vs. Rat (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great ol' skool classic. Top-notch fight choreography by Lau Kar Leung and perfectly executed by always capable Lau Kar Wing, Fu Sheng, Gordon Liu, and Adam Cheng. It's mainly a comedy more than Lau Kar Leung's other films and works most of the time.
Knockabout follows the formula of Sammo Hung's films from the same period...lots of comedy, then sudden dramatic tragedy, then back to comedy. The formula works to keep variety in the pacing of the film and also keeps you interested in the plot and characters. The main characters have great chemistry and even the incidental characters are pretty memorable due to the comedic and tragic sequences. This is a Yuen Biao film and Sammo doesn't have a lot of screen presence, but when he does, the hilarity goes up a notch. Most of the film is filmed outdoors and the natural light works well considering there doesn't appear to have been any sets used and only actual locations. And of course, the fantastic training scenes display Yuen Biao's great athleticism from his Peking Opera roots. I doubt he had anyone stunt doubling for him and no one in today's films would dare what he, Sammo and Chan did back then.
Avenging Warriors Of Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Venoms fans rejoice. This classic Chang Cheh film is well-liked because most of the Venoms are here: Kuo Chiu, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Sun Chien, and Chiang Sheng. There's also some nice comedic moments, especially between Lo Meng and Kuo Chiu. Fans of "Ten Tigers From Kwangtung" will notice Kuo Chiu's character is basically doing a similar--if not the same--style as the character in that film "whose specialty is anything can be a weapon", right down to the bowl and chopsticks weapon fight. Great choreography, especially the end boss battle. Not as over the top as the scissors kick at the end of "Ten Tigers", but still enough that you have to have a suspension of disbelief to enjoy it.
[NOTE: This review refers to the Hong Kong DVD by Celestial.] Fantastic! Great surprises! Finally, after all these years, we get to see the complete version of this classic [on the Celestial DVD]. Comparing to my old VHS recording from TV decades ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see scenes I never thought existed. To me, compared to other edited for TV flicks, CSN was the most edited. Maybe because CSN was probably the goriest and bloodiest kung fu movie that aired. Now we get to see all the volumes of blood spurting everywhere we were never allowed to see. It's no coincidence Chang Cheh made most of characters wear all white clothes and filmed mostly in daylight. Add to that, the newly restored sound and colors! It's amazing how many colors are used in such a film so full of death and destruction. Today's films like this would have all been predictably dark and monotone. Chang Cheh was a genius to go against the norm.
The Secret Rivals (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great old school kung fu with little or no special effects, relying on more real skills of the actors. The budget was noticeably small as all the scenes seem to be filmed on location, without sets, and used natural lighting. John Liu's kicks are the highlight here, but after awhile you'll realize he's limited to doing them all from standing positions. In comparison, Sun Chien of the Venoms does varieties of kicks standing, rolling on the floor, on poles, etc.
House Of Traps (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "House of Traps" was one of the last of Chang Cheh's films and had his trusty Venoms in it. The fights though aren't as breathtaking or memorable as in "Spearman of Death" or "Avenging Warriors of Shaolin", which is typical of his later works.
The Kid With The Golden Arm (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure For some bizarre reason, many of the actors were stiff throughout the film, rambling dialogue like emotionless string puppets even though in other films before and after they were full of life. However, putting aside that, this "Kid with the Golden Arm" is a Chang Cheh film with the Venoms. Though the fights do tend to look more choreographed than their other films, they are entertaining to watch. Like any of Chang Cheh's films, there are plenty of plot twists and surprises and of course many unusual ways the heroes and bad guys get killed off.
Shaolin Master Killer (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "Shaolin Master Killer" is probably the most beloved of all Shaolin-themed kung fu films. It had student who new only ethics and adapted it to succeed in mastering Shaolin martial arts. With all his friends and family wiped out by the Manchus, his quest for justice takes it a step further in the end. It's the the kind of film that makes you cheer for the hero after seeing what he's been through and will leave you satisfied in the end and maybe a tear or two.
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Y
Exactly so! This is a great, touching, exciting film.
The Martial Club (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great fight choreography--what you'd expect from Liu Chia Liang (aka Lau Lar Leung). Seems large in scope with many actors and extras. The duel between Gordon Liu and Johnny Wang (aka Wang Lung Wei) at the end is memorable and a fan favorite for traditional martial arts styles aficionados. Certainly worthy of anyone's personal Shaw Brothers library.
Lightning Kung Fu (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This movie isn't known for great fight choreography on the level of a Chang Cheh or Liu Chia Liang film. The fight scenes are more like slower samurai swordplay films. However, what drew me into the film is the great story and drama. The actors here including the main actor, Chen Kuan Tai, are in other action-heavy films but this film shows they can really act. The plot twists and eerie atmosphere are perfect for this film. In fact, if it had more action, it may have detracted viewers from the director's original intent. The ending shocking and memorable, and really hits home.
The Young Avenger [1980] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Fans of Wang Yu and Wilson Tong should enjoy this. Wang Yu is his usual comedic self and Wilson Tong, well, his fancy footwork is fantastic. If you've seen him in "The Victim" with Sammo Hung, then you know what I mean. Wang Yu fumbling with his improvized weapons is hilarious and certainly suits him. It's just too bad the budget wasn't anywhere close to a typical Shaw Brothers or Golden Harvest film. It could've benefitted from some extra cash because kung fu is pretty good and the two stars perform as you'd expect and won't disappoint.
The Young Master (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure If you like old school kung fu flicks and are a Jackie Chan fan, this is one of his early films that truly showed what he's got. This was Chan when he was young and brilliantly incorporated acrobatics and kung fu for the entertainment of his fans. This was before computer animation and heavy use of hidden wires. This was a time when martial arts film stars could actually do what you saw on screen without the MTV video-like edits. And yes, Chan really took punches and kicks and shrugged them off like the true master he was.
Legendary Weapons Of China (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is one of Liu Chia Liang's all-time classics. He took an unusual approach to an epic historical period of the Boxer Rebellion and instead focused on the very small groups of secret societies formed to counter the Western invasion. Going further, he focused on the internal conflicts between the different sects rather than against the Westerners. What we get is great kung fu versus kung fu action with magic, ninjitsu (the Chinese version), voodoo, etc. all thrown in. Amazingly with all this potential for a Chang Cheh-like bloodbath, Liu Chia Liang manages to create a very moral and family-centered film. However, don't mistake this as a weakness.
Shaolin Mantis (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is one of Liu Chia Liang's dramatic (aka Lau Kar Leung) period films in the style of "Executioners From Shaolin", "36th Chamber Of Shaolin" and "Challenge Of The Masters". There's a good balance of drama and kung fu, and star David Chiang sure holds his own under Liu Chia Liang's direction. A sub-genre for this would probably be a tragedy in the likes of Chang Cheh. This is kind of rare for Liu Chia Liang as his films usually have positive characters and outcomes. This film certainly shows he can successfully change his style once in awhile. The kung fu is great, with varieties of challenges, and the end battle is definitely not worth missing.
My Young Auntie (product link) Martial Arts / Comedy One of my all-time favorites and has some of Liu Chia Liang's (aka Lau Kar Leung) best fight choreography. Some comedy may be a bit strange to some Westerners, and at times just a bit too long, but the last third of the film makes up for it. Many of Liu Chia's Liang's proven actors are here seen in previous works and always welcome. The film also feels very large in scope using several actors in several scenes and in essence, has that epic feel. The plot revolves around family values as only Liu Chia Liang can present in his own way. Certainly quite refreshing from most kung fu films without sacrificing the "kung fu" part much. It's quite amazing how Liu Chia Liang can make his Hung Gar style look just as good and even surpass wushu so prevalant in modern flicks.
Gang Master (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Underappreciated probably because many non-Venoms are the stars. Fight choreography on the level of other Chang Cheh hits if not better. Has many plot twists and turns as with Chang Cheh releases of the same period.
The Secret Rivals 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This film literally begins right after the original film ends. It's pretty seemless and in a way looks like the two films are really one big film. However, you don't need to see the previous one to enjoy this one. For old school enthusiasts, you won't be disappointed by the amount of action in this one.
The Master Strikes Back (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I bought this thinking this would have been similar to Kung Fu Instructor, however, kung fu fighting was very little and the drama was much darker than the predecessor. However, some may enjoy this because of the lack of fighting and more intense drama.
The Mystery Of Chess Boxing [Tai Seng] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is one of those memorable kung fu flicks made independently of Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest and on the same level as 7 Grand Masters. Almost the entire film is fights, nearly non-stop. It would be exhausting and monotonous for other films, but the variety in the fights is what keeps you watching. This films also has a lot of memorable lines that stay with long after you've turned off the DVD player.
Masked Avengers (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Nearing the end of Chang Cheh's career, his films started take a darker tone with characters getting killed off in a variety of weird ways. This film is no exception and the amount of violence at the beginning of the film tends to be a bit disturbing even for a Chang Cheh film. However, when the main Venoms fight (Kuo Chiu, Lu Feng, and Chiang Sheng) it's always worth watching.
The Avenging Eagle (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Like Kung Fu Instructor this is another film with Ti Lung that has a lot of drama, though no shortage of action. The late Alexander Fu Sheng is in this one and helps Ti Lung fight off groups of assassins wielding a variety of exotic weapons. Perhaps most notable is that the dramatic content stands out more than the action. This is not a bad thing for this film because it keeps your interest even if you only care about the kung fu stuff. It's also one of the few kung fu films I didn't fast forward to fight scenes even though I've watched it over and over and instead, always watch it from beginning to end.
The Kung Fu Instructor (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is one of the few kung fu films with a lot of serious drama. Many forces try to bring down Ti Lung's character throughout the film and it's amazing how his character handled it all. Perhaps it was Wang Yu's welcome goofiness that lightened up things from getting too down in the dumps. The fight choreography wasn't bad but not on the level of a Chang Cheh or Liu Chia Liang film.
The Magnificent Butcher (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Sammo Hung at his prime best describes this film. He was a little overweight but his techniques were fast, sharp, and high-flying as much as anyone half his size. The Hung Gar style is prevalent throughout the film with numerous displays of dragon, tiger, leopard, crane, and snake and will delight old school fans. There are several well done and memorable fights. Sammo's use of humor is also entertaining. It's certainly the kind of film fans wish would return.
The Magnificent Ruffians (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I bought this because Chang Cheh films with the Venoms in them have been mainly hits for me so it was no surprise that I liked this one too. The fight choreography is what you expect in a Chang Cheh film. I liked Lu Feng's combo long-handled broadsword and fan fight scene. Chiang Sheng's double broadsword was very good too. The film's style is similar to other Chang Cheh films like Avenging Warriors of Shaolin and Two Champions of Shaolin.
Myths And Logic Of Shaolin Kung Fu (product link) Documentary / Martial Arts If you're into documentaries then this shouldn't disappoint. It's great to see martial monks training in actual locations and hearing some of them provide some insight into their lives.
Ode To Gallantry (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is another Shaw Brothers treasure that was unearthed after decades of neglect and resurrected by Celestial.
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