This film is a definite classic by my standards. Chen Kuan Tai really shines as a merciless constable in charge of a relentless team aimed at recovering some gold which was stolen from their palace. The journey is dark and perilous. While this film is not big on kung fu (save the traditional Shaw Brothers brawls), there is enough action and quite realistic fast-paced fights. Perhaps it's best viewed as a Japanese samurai movie, as there are a number of sword combats and blood spraying all over the place. I really like the way the director worked on this one. In addition, brilliant lighting techniques were used along with impressive set pieces.
I particularly like the scene where Chen Kuan Tai fights Jason Pai Piao on an old stone clock perhaps lit by the moon and the creepy fog in the background. The final fight scene is also very good. The movie takes no prisoners and is quite sad at times as you get used to the characters and to experience some of their demise. This is the type of film the "Killer Constable" is, a simple yet interesting story, interesting characters, nice set pieces, and very good direction. You’ll enjoy this one on a more serious level.
Also, I must state that I had the privilege of seeing this movie on the big screen dubbed in English during the early 80s at the Odeon Cinema in Kingston, Jamaica. Can’t express how I missed those days.
The Battle Wizard (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is a hidden classic. If you like weird kung fu movies with mysterious places and unusual villains, then this is for you. After viewing this movie I realized that it was a bit similar to "The Matrix" in terms of how Neo got his powers; that is, “I know kung fu!” Anyway, this is a cool midnight movie.
Here is a film beautifully delivered by the skillful director Chang Cheh. While Chang is more known and praised for his blood soaked work with the venoms crew and his earlier team with David Chang and Ti Lung, the man is simply phenomenal. That is, this is an earlier swordsman film filled with intrigue, a love story, and men of honor.
It feels somewhat like Chinese opera and at times a bit surreal, but these are the techniques Chang employees to get his visions across. As usual with Shaw Brothers you can expect the wonderful set designs and costumes, so there are lots of vibrant colours to contras and to depict the mood of the various characters.
I know reviews are suppose to provide a synopsis of the story and so I must do as such; however, I find it better to just sit and watch a film, but then again that’s my view so here goes. Wang Yu plays a young man who flees a town after killing the man who murdered his father, thus leaving behind his only love. She is later introduced to a honourable swordsman by her father in the hope they will get married. However, she is unwilling to give her heart and so the humble swordsman understands. He promises to help her find Wang but as he gets closer he steps further into the dangerous path of the mountain villains.
By this time, another young girl befriends Wang in the little village where he hides. Unwilling to share his past and believing that he could never return to his love, he apparently decides not to get involved with her which seems unavoidable, but soon his past will come knocking at his door as he must face the murderous mountain clan.
So will the swordsman find him or will he die before ever seeing his love again? That’s for you to find out. Take the trip and see why this piece of jade is worth having, it’s not about the fights, it’s about the story and how it was filmed for movie made in 1967.
Duel For Gold (product link) Action/Adventure / Crime I have waited years to see this film and I’m not disappointed now that I have. The story revolves around two cheeky sisters involved in a plot to steal some gold; however, the story grows more interesting as deceit and emotions creep in amongst these criminals. The enjoyable and ever charismatic Lo Lieh just had to be involved in all the dirt, and oh what a mess he made of everyone’s plans. Forget revenge, no such story here, more like a Quentin Tarantino heist film with lots of craziness, blood and a rewarding end.
I had the opportunity of seeing this movie on the big screen during the eighties, English Dubbed I should add. This was pretty much how I saw most of the Shaw Brothers films, as they were shown here in Jamaica quite often--sometimes even three movies on a Sunday evening for the price of one. Gosh I miss those days. Anyway, "Kid From Kwantung", which was titled “Kwantung Warriors” back when I saw it, stands to be amongst my favorite the Shaw titles. Hwang Jang-Lee out-kicks everyone in the film; and with his super demonic cat style he becomes almost invincible. Wong Yu plays his regular jovial self but as always with lots of flair and style whenever he fights. Like most Shaw movies, the film is quite colorful, from the lion dances to the costumes; and as always the glittering weapons which seems to be a Shaw trait. Honestly, I only saw this film once and this was quite a long time ago, but trust me you will not be disappointed.
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