Return Of The 5 Deadly Venoms (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is a classic Venoms release, a great movie that still holds up after all these years. I remember watching this as a kid back in the good ol' Black Belt Theater days.
The fight scenes are awesome, with an engaging plot that keeps you glued to the screen the whole time. The Venoms have great chemistry onscreen. BUY this if you are a kung fu films and Venoms fan.
Lu Feng and his dad have a chip on there shoulders and wants anybody that pisses them off to suffer with some sort of handicap. Kuo Chui, Lo Meng, Chiang Shiang, and Sun Chien play the heroes that suffer from Lu Feng and his dad's wrath. Great training scenes, superb fight choreography, and good revenge flick. Movies like this showcased how well the Venoms worked together. Get this movie!
The Water Margin [1972] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
What a classic this is. To most of us Americans this was referred to as the 7 Blows of the Dragon (heavily edited). I remember watching this with my family back when I was a lil boy back in the 80s, so a lot of sentimental value to see it in a restoration effort [on the Image DVD I viewed].
Although, there is not a lot of fighting in here or to the standard of a Venoms/Gordon Liu flick, the plot is an intriguing one, despite how they try to cram as many twist and turns in the film. Some complain of this, but its kind of hard to try to condense an epic novel into a movie.
Basic summary of movie: The bandits need to enact revenge on Golden Spear, after he kills one of their brothers. They cant do it alone, so they look to enlist the help of Jade Dragon and Young Dragon (referred to as The Prodigy). The bandits pay Jade Dragon/Young Dragon a visit, but it somehow turns into turnmoil when the Army is convinced that Jade Dragon and Young Dragon are harboring fugitives. You can thank Jade Dragon's clerk and wife for this as they try to plot his demise. After being imprisoned and escaping a few times, the Jade Dragon and Young Dragon finally join the Bandits for they can not turn anywhere else and finally get their revenge on the clerk and wife and the governor's army. Lastly they have a climatic battle with the Golden Spear and his disciples.
Starring an all-star cast (that unfortunately isn't used to its full potential), this is a flick for the nostalgic kung fu fans who can appreciate an epic novel being transformed into a movie.
All Men are Brothers is the anticipated sequel to The Water Margin. To be honest with you, I actually enjoyed this movie a lot more than The Water Margin. It has a lot more fighting involved and a more "elaborate" story plot and pacing than The Water Margin. Although, there are certain things in the film that make you go "huh?" (like when the bandits are in the water and dont have the sense to climb over the floatable wooden gate, but instead get owned by the soldiers in the boats). It was good to see Chen Kuan Tai get some on screen action in this movie and he provided a valiant effort to kill off the emperor's army and generals. Blackwhirlwind as always, never follows orders and causes more problems for the Bandits, but as always, he kicks much ass when needed. We also get to see a young Bolo Yeung in the film. The final plan to take over the emperor's castle is action packed. Overall, if you liked The Water Margin, you wont be dissapointed with this movie.
AGREE?
READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
Y
I agree with everything you said. Some of the things in this movie just don't make sense as you mentioned. I also agree this is better than The Water Margin. I must also mention that this has a truly great cast
Although this does not have as much action as other Venoms films, the action that does happen makes up for it. Kuo Choi plays the hero once again while Lu Feng and Chiang Siang take on the villian roles.
Kuo Choi discovers the Golden Snake's weapons,manual, and map to his treasure. Fullfilling the promise to Golden Snake, he sets out to find a woman that is to receive a large sum of money. On the way, Kuo Choi befriends a lame attempt of a cross dressing woman, who obviously has the hots for Kuo Choi. How he finally realizes its a chick is perhaps the saddest attempt of revelation in martial arts movie history, lol. He of course gets caught up in the mix as his associated schoolmates are requesting the stolen money that the Five element Array fighters took. This also leads to some revelations with the cross dressing girl, her mom, the Five Element Array Fighters, Golden Snake, and how Kui Choi plays a part in it too. Despite how there are certain slow parts in the movie, when the action happens, its classic Venoms choreography as always. If you're a Venoms fan, add this to your collection!
The Flag Of Iron (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Another great Venoms film, although Sun Chien and Lo Meng are not present. Lu Feng shines once again as a manipulative villian, while Kuo Choi and Chiang Sheng play the heroes who are caught in the middle of a treacherous plot where Lu Feng assumes control of their clan after their master dies. Lung Tien-hsiang also provides a key supporting role as an assasin who we dont know is really a good guy or bad. As always, the Venoms choreography is top notch and the use of a "Iron Flag" is pretty cool and not typically used in most kung fu movies. If you liked the trident fighting in Masked Avengers, you will definently like this movie. Venoms fans, add this to your collection!
I'm going to go against the grain on this one and say I don't like this flick as much as most Gordon Liu fans do. Don't get me wrong, there are some decent fight scenes, but what got me the most was the repetitive go fight/get beat up/go back and retrain/go back and fight but not 100% ready/get beat up/go train again, etc. Not to be homophobic, but Gordon Liu had some gay moments in his training/fighting (trust me, I understand the whole logic behind it all). The end scene is the best though with the acuputure needles. This is a remake of "Executioners Of Shaolin" with Gordon Liu taking his revenge on the White Lotus Clan. I watched the PanMedia Version 1 DVD. Warning for those wanting to get the IVL/Deltamac versions, the audio remixes on those are horrible. You never know, Dragon Dynasty may release this in the future (that's if they've acquired the rights to it) and give it a proper remaster.
Masked Avengers (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure If you are a Venoms fan, this is a must-have in your collection. Despite the fact that Lo Meng and Sun Chien not present, this movie still kicks ass. Chiang Sheng leads a group of heroes into a town to find the identities and whearabouts of the Masked Avengers. There is plenty of mystery for the heroes in finding the top chiefs and even finding out who the 3rd chief is. Lu Feng and Wong Lik play the typical conniving villians, while Kuo Choi proves to be a valuable asset to the heroes. Tridents are the main weapons of villains, but Chiang Sheng has the best "hybrid" weapon(s) that go from a fan, to mini spears and a belt, to metal hoop/ring. The last scene has a great showdown in an elaborate "chamber" that has booby traps galore. Great fight choreography from the Venoms camp and plenty of action and suspense to keep the martial arts fan glued to the screen.
Shaolin Master Killer (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Excellent movie with Gordon Liu and directed by Lau Kar Leung. This is by far a must-have for all kung fans. Although a common tale of revenge, Gordon Liu owns this performance as a young man who escapes the tyranny of the Manchus and sets out to learn kung fu from the Shaolin Temple so that he can one day get his revenge. Excellent training scenes, plot, and action scenes.
Invincible Pole Fighter (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Another great Gordon Liu/Lau Kar-Leung flick. Gordon once again provides a fantastic Shaolin monk performance. Fu Sheng and Gordon Liu are the only male survivors in their clan. While Fu Sheng becomes insane (and rather annoying, I might add, but that goes good with his character), Gordon Liu manages to find his way to a Shaolin temple and becomes a student who predictably advances through the ranks. My only gripe with this movie is the lack of training Gordon Liu gets, but it's overlooked based on the fact he is a good spearsman already. The end fight scene has some clever choreography, as would be expected in a Lau Kar-Leung movie. For Gordon Liu fans, this is a must-have in the collection
Two Champions Of Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This was an alright Venoms movie. Although it is missing Kwok Choi, it doesnt lack in any action. Some highlights include: Sun Chien and his sister teaching Lo Meng how to use knives and counter them; Shaolin versus Wu Tang in a "death tournament" that includes a lovely testicle rip scene (not for the squeamish); and of course the final battle with Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Wong Lik, and Chin Siu Ho. The ending kind of disappointed me, especially Chin Siu Ho's actions. Also, I wished they would have had San Te in a bigger role and show Pai Mei (or was that the "teacher" the Wu Tang were talking to in the beginning? Either way, he should have had a bigger role). The overall plot was a little bland, but if you're a Venoms fan, you will appreciate the fight choreography as always.
I thought it was a decent actioner at best. I didnt think it deserved the godly praise that others have given it.
Highlights:
Tony Leung plays a decent role as an undercover triad
Lots of gunplay. The scenes where we see Tony Leung's betrayal to his boss in the warehouse is awesome.
Phillip Kwok completely owning on the bad guy role
Nice to see Lo Meng make a cameo role, although he doesnt add much
Downsides:
The baby getting its ears plugged with cotton balls and not crying to the gun shots and explosions is a bit farce.
The Dragon Dynasty version contains dubtitles so theres a lot of lost in translation involved.
The fact that the triads have a weapons armory at the bottom of a hospital is ridiculous.
Summary: If you want some senseless gunplay action without a cohesive plot, this is for you. Although, I give Woo some credit for his cinematography, there is some really unnecesary slow motion that I think was added in for hell of it and not so much for effect (check out one slow motion frame when Tony Leung and Chow Yun-Fat are after Philli Kwok to get what I mean). I easily give this a rental.
The Last Hurrah For Chivalry (product link) Swordplay/Sword(s) / Martial Arts A good directorial debut by John Woo. An intriguing story and change of pace/direction than what most of us may be accustomed to. If you are fan of swordplay than this may be of interest. I dont think this is a top 10 by any means, but its a solid effort by Woo.
The Kid With The Golden Arm (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I enjoyed this movie. Cool costumes and characters make this a classic Venoms film. Theres a little twist at the end (however, the explanation behind the "face" is a bit lame). Lu Feng has the best weapons in this movie, next to Chiang Sheng's Short Axes. Lo Meng, just like in 5 Element Ninjas, has no need for weapons but uses his arms instead. If you are a Venoms fan, go get this!
Rendezvous With Death (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I was pleasantly suprised with this movie. Heard a lot of buzz about it and don't recall ever seeing it back in the day. A film directed by Sun Cheung and choreographed by Tong Gaai, this is a nice departure from the linear plots of Chang Cheh or heavily comedic plots of Lar Kar Leung. Plenty of plot twists and heroes trying to make a name for themselves, heroes trying to uphold their reputation, assasins, and bandits, this movie is just plain fun and filled with action. I never thought in a million years I could tolerate a main hero using an umbrella as a weapon, but Wong Yu certainly makes it work. Chen Kuan Tai definitely has a commanding performance in this movie as well, as you try to decide what side of the fence he's fighting on. Lots of characters are introduced into this movie and are given an adequate amount of time to shine.
I was actually suprised by this movie, considering how I don't typically like movies in this era. I tend to watch more Shaolin or "costumed" era kung fu movies. With that said, you get to view wang Li, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng, and Kuo Choi as starving martial artists who get beat up by restaurant owners for skipping out on paying the bill. Eventually, they are befriended by Lu Feng, who tricks them into thinking he's looking out for their best interests, but would rather use them as manpower to kill Lo Meng. His plot is foiled and resorts to switching out Kuo Choi's staff, which is packed with dynamite (don't think too hard on this one, just pretend it makes sense). As a result, Kuo Choi accidently kills Lo Meng and causes a rift with the other fellas. Eventually, Chiang Sheng and Kuo Choi find out the truth and band together to take on Lu Feng in the finale. Solid effort by the Venom boys. Good fights and choreography as always.
House Of Traps (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not a bad entry for the Venoms crew. Granted, I don't think this should have been the curtain call for them, but nevertheless I was entertained. "The House of Traps" was a nice concept that could have been utilized more. I agree that Sun Chien could have been utilized more than a scholar, but I guess Chang Cheh had his reasons. Lu Feng and Kuo Choi definitely get the "what the hell is on your ears" award with their headgear. Some people complained that this movie didn't have enough fights, and I disagree. There were plenty peppered throughout and for the finale. You don't always need nonstop action to make a good movie. I only disagree near the ending with Kuo choi's logic, but whatever. Good to see this finally re-released [by Celestial].
AGREE?
READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
Y
Good call! I guess all thieves have to wear standard issue headgear in the martial arts world.
Life Gamble (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This was a decent movie. It's filled with a lot of stars and is more plot-driven than action. This is pretty much an asian western with knives/daggers instead of revolvers. My favorite character was definitely Kuo Choi. This is not a Venoms vehicle but more so a movie where Fu Sheng helps anchor in the cast and beef up ther status despite him not dominating the screentime as much as say Kuo Choi. This movie had cool characters, weapons, and even includes some outside fight scenes, which became more rare in later Chang Cheh films. Definitely pick this up!
The City Of Violence (product link) Action/Adventure / Crime This is an action-packed Korean movie. It's a typical plot where a group of kids grow up and one of their own dies and two must find out the truth to their friend's death. Not suprisingly, one of the friends is found responsible for the death and all hell breaks loose for revenge. There isnt a whole lot of character development, but I guess thats not really necessary for a movie like this. I will say that it's got some nice shots and the end finale has remnants of "Kill Bill" to it, but with a different edge. Despite a lot of hard-hitting action, it's not one of those movies I'll be watching over and over again. Definitely worth a rental though.
Chinese Super Ninja (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is a classic that is loved by most Venom fans, despite the fact that Lo Meng is the only original Venom cast (whereas there are other "baby" Venoms present). The opening scene is tops and sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Of course there are some campy moments galore (for instance, the golden tinfoil ninjas or even when Ricky Cheng Tien and his ninja brothers form that ridiculous formation which is resembles a circus act); but otherwise, Venom/costume era fans should enjoy this movie. Besides, you get to see some nice skimpy action from Chen Pei Hsi.
Outlaw Of The Forest (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Good movie with Ti Lung. He totally dominates in his role as a righetous rebel who has been inprisoned for killing the man who killed his brother. The finale is a bloody mess. We also get to see how his character, Wu Sung, transforms into the "monk" we all know from Water Margin and All Men are Brothers. A must for all Ti Lung fans
Avenging Warriors Of Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure A decent entry for the Venoms camp. Kwok Choi is my favorite in this movie with his comedy (something I don't normally dig in my kung fu movies). His facial expressions and picking his nose was hilarious to me. Why is it that San Te in any of the Venoms films portrayed as kinda' weak? Anyways, it's probably not my favorite Venoms movie, but I liked it much better than say "Two Champions of Shaolin". Hell, we get to see Lo Meng use a pitchfork for a change (he's no Lu Feng, but he did what was needed). If you are a Venoms fan, add this to your collection, although there are other better Venom films out there.
Ten Tigers From Kwangtung (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure The first half is good. However, after it shifts focus to the pupils, it gets bad. Just because this is a star cast and had an adequate amount of action doesn't mean this a good movie. This is one of the weakest executions of narrative/plot that Chang Cheh has done. I understand the reasoning behind the story, but it's done very poorly and is an utterly confusing and pointless mess near the end. Not even the level and amount of kung fu could make me like this movie any more. For Venoms and Ti Lung/Fu Sheng completists, get it. But if you want some cohesion and good directing, choose elsewhere.
Shaolin Intruders (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I was pretty surprised by this movie. If you liked Shaolin Prince, then you will love Shaolin Intruders. Lots of action, wirework that wasn't as corny as most wirework films can be, and a nice amount of plot twists and intrigue that keeps you glued to the screen.
The Deadly Breaking Sword (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not a bad movie with an interesting gimmick (yet makes no sense) by Ti Lung. He issues a death blow to his opponents which is where his sword breaks off an inch into his enemy's flesh. Don't try to think logically of how this happens for you might think he starts off his kung fu career with a 20 foot sword. Chan Wai Man shines as a man hell bent on revenge and Ku Feng plays a sinister doctor who is proficient with accupuncture needles and can "cure" people. Fu Sheng is in the mix as well as a gambler trying to pay his debts but keeps on getting involved with trouble. Long story short, if your a fan of the Ti Lung and Fu Sheng combo, get this. I only wished Chan Wai Man had more action.
Legendary Weapons Of China (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is a good movie. A good dose of spiritual boxing, magic, comedy, and of course weapons. The end fight is a classic and not to be missed by LKL fans.
Shaolin Mantis (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I remember watching this back when I was a kid. I think I enjoyed it a lot more then than now. However, a lot of people argue that this is one of David Chaing's best kung fu roles. He's certainly improved from his roles in the 70s and being under the direction of LKL. He does a convincing job of praying mantis. The only gripe I have about this movie is the short entry of Gordon Liu.
Ode To Gallantry (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not the best Venoms film by any means. Kuo Choi plays a double role of "prince and pauper" and really does what he can to carry the movie but the plot suffers, which focuses heavily on a mistaken identity theme and origins of the main character(s). There are some decent fight scenes but again, the plot makes really no sense and could have either a) wrapped up 15 minutes earlier, or b) have a better ending. The final scene where Sun Chien "sneaks" up on the bad guys is not only laughable but incredibly unrealistic. Either the bad guys have tunnel vision or Cheh was really insulting the fans logic in that scene. Chang Cheh could have used more thought in connecting the main characters but it is what it is. Get this to complete your Venoms collection but don't expect a well thought plot or ending.
The Magic Blade (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Solid effort by director Chu Yuan and starring Ti Lung and Lo Lieh. Great soundtrack and Ti Lung just plays his role to a "T". This is definitely a wuxia version of a spaghetti western and has lots of action thru out. You'll either love it or hate it.
Lightning Kung Fu (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Although it's not high on action like a LKL or Venoms movie, there is an engaging plot that keeps you interested throughout the whole movie. I have to agree that the fighting is at the pace and level of a samurai movie. Don't expect acrobatics or shapes. Fans of Chen Kuan Tai will love this movie.
Legend Of The Fox (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I was actually suprised by this movie. I had expectations that it was bad (after watching "Ode To Gallantry", you may expect why). It may not be the best but it deserves a watch. Standard avenging plot with some good swordplay thrown in and a lil' bit of poisons as well. It may be longer than most Venom movies, but if you are a Venoms fan you will enjoy this in your collection
The Bamboo House Of Dolls (product link) Drama / Martial Arts This movie is about as exploitative and campy as they get. If that's your thing then you will like this movie, but if you are looking for a well thought-out original plot, look elsewhere. Saving graces are gratuitous amounts of nudity. Isn't that why most of us watch these kind of movies in the first place?
Clan Feuds (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Plotwise this is just a disaster. Cramming a novel into 90 minutes is a hard thing to do, and Chu Yuan should have broken this up maybe into two installments. There are a lot of "wtf" moments from the beginning of the movie to the ending revelation. However, there is a redeeming factor and there is plenty of action to keep you occupied. Ti Lung along with an all star cast try to carry this movie through, but it just falls short.
AGREE?
READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
Y
Probably 3and a half stars for me. Ti Lung and the cast kept this one going. The director however was not Chu yuan but was Chang Peng Yi, he does a credible job here but not like Chu Yuan.
The Blood Brothers (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure A good plot-driven story where ambition, love, and deception tear a group of individuals apart. Ti Lung is an ambitious fighter who is on a quest for power. Chen Kuan Tai and David Chiang are bandits who are influenced by Ti Lung's passion for power and all three become blood brothers. Long story short, Ti Lung becomes a maniacal general who will stop at nothing to get more power and to get Chen Kuan Tai's wife. This causes a rift between all parties and the only way to settle it is to fight to the death. This has plenty of action peppered throughout the movie. Ti Lung plays a villain quite well. I only wish something more sinister happened to Cheng Li. Good plot, okay action.
The Shaolin Avengers [1976] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I didnt think this movie was that great. The whole anus this was well, shitty. I didnt like the flashback narrative. The action was decent but there are better Shaolin vs. Wu Tang/Pai Mei movies out there
Five Shaolin Masters (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I'm gonna' go against the tide and say this movie is overhyped. I thought this was a mediocre film at best. "Shaolin Temple" was way better in my opinion. Yes there's lots of action throughout the movie, but it seemed like something was missing to draw me into the movie more. The plot is standard Shaolin rebels vs. Manchus. If you are a Fu Sheng/Chi Kuan Chun/David Chiang/Ti Lung fan, you will like this; but if you're expecting it to be on par with "Shaolin Temple", don't be (amazing what a two-year difference in choreography can make). I will say that David Chiang puts on a decent performance with the whip chain.
The Flying Guillotine 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I didn't think much of this movie to be honest. Not even Ti Lung could save this flick. I will say that Ku Feng played his bad guy roll to a "T". There's enough action, but the overall movie is lacking depth.
AGREE?
READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
Y
I agree with u on the 3 star rating. I also thought it was lacking depth.
Gang Master (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not a bad setup/betrayal movie with lots of action. My only complaint is the "say a Chinese proverb, do a kung fo move" (you will know what I mean once you watch it). Although, you figure out who the guilty parties are a lil' after the midpoint, it's got an intriguing plot to keep you occupied 'til the end. This is one of the SB titles that kinda' fell under the radar
Secret Service Of The Imperial Court (product link) Action/Adventure / Martial Arts I agree with the previous reviewer's comments. Good role for Beardy. If this movie didn't have undercranking (speeding-up of fights), I would have given this at least a 4 1/2 rating. The eunuch that beardy faces is totally flaming. A lot of silly wirework in this movie too. If you want realistic fights, look elsewhere. If you like crazy wirework and undercranking, then this is for you. I will say that the plot/story is decent enough sans the other cons of the movie.
Shaolin Temple [1976] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Excellent Shaolin-based movie boasting an all-star cast. Much better than "5 Shaolin Masters" (which has a cheap indie feel to it) by a landslide. Has great training scenes, and when the action comes to a head near the end it's all-out pandemonium. Highly reccomend
The Weird Man (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Appropriately titled movie. Decent amount of action but the storyline/plot is a mess. Lots of illogical sequences too. Very disappointing for Baby Venoms fans. Only have in your collection for completion's sake and nothing more.
SECURE CREDIT CARD PROCESSING BY VERISIGN.
1391 users online right now / 127975 visitors since 11/29/2009 5:34:49 AM All content copyright 2000+ HKFlix.com, not to be used without written permission.
