Very enjoyable. Although this movie does not have a great deal of straightforward Kung-Fu fighting action (instead, much of it falls into the semi-comedic martial arts sequences) the acrobatics displayed throughout the movie are amazing. I usually don't like martial arts films that offer this much slapstick fighting humor, but it is so well done it's impossible not to be entertained. It's filled from beginning to end with "don't try this at home" moves.
The story is about a master who is framed by his host in order to attain the affections of the master's sister. This works (of course) and the master's hands are crippled as well.
Later the master of Monkey Kung-Fu meets a young man named what? Monkey of course! Monkey is good hearted and courageous, but unable to defeat the thugs that run his town. Eventually the master trains Monkey and there is a final showdown with the leader of these thugs who is also the man who framed the master in the beginning of the story.
As convoluted as all that sounds, it works. I would definitely recommend this movie. It's one that I'm sure I'll watch over and over again.
Another Shaw Bros. Venoms classic! Phillip Kwok is outstanding as usual and the fights come fast and furious. The beginning of the movie lags a bit and doesn't set up as much intrigue as I'm sure it was meant to, but the action sequences from the middle of the film to the end are an ample payoff.
The film has the same story as "Duel of the Iron Fists" with David Chiang and Ti Lung, although it is set in a different time period. Two rival gangs, one benevolent, the other malevolent are planning to make peace. However, the peaceful gathering is only a cover-up for a double cross. One gang plans to ambush the other at this meeting while the other group, knowing it's just a trap, hire an assassin to kill the leader of their rival gang. Both leaders are killed and the rightful heir to the benevolent gang (Philip Kwok) must take the blame for the incident and flee. While he's gone, the new leader (Lu Feng) turns bad and even sends men to kill Kwok. You can guess what happens next.
The Martial Club (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I had seen this movie on TV when I was in High School (longer ago than I need to mention here) and loved it, but I had forgotten what movie it was. Well, it was a pleasant surprise for me to see this movie again. It's fantastic. Not so much for the fighting scenes (which I think are slightly too few) but also because of the other martial action (i.e. lion dance, training, stance work). The final fight scene is absolutely amazing! That alone is worth the price of the DVD. It's the type of movie you'll watch repeatedly. I definitely recommend it.
Chinatown Kid (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I really enjoyed this movie. It was a little unusual to see the Venoms in a modern (1970's) setting. Some of the dialog [in the English dubbed version] left me feeling that something must have been lost in the translation, but the action was satisfying and the story was intereting too.
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