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GODZILLA: SHOWA CLASSICS VOL. 2 [6-DISC SET]
 
AFTERMATH / GENESIS [DOUBLE FEATURE] [BANNED GRAPH...
 
12/6/2009 2:00:00 AM
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ol skee's Profile

Avg. Film Rating: 
 3.87 / 5

Agreement: 95% of 41 voters agree with ol skee's reviews
Gender: Male
Location: Atlanta

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    by ol skee

Souls Of The Sword (product link)
Swordplay/Sword(s) / Martial Arts

Ko Fei is the only good thing about this movie, and sadly he cannot save it from being a turd. This had the potential to be something decent, but the twists and turns were done so low budget and sloppy that I just couldn't give a toss.
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    by ol skee

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?
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    by ol skee

The Leg Fighters (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

The dub [on the US DVD by Tai Seng] is just ridiculous. Two villains who wear bells around their necks are named Ding Dong and Dong Dong. How can anybody take this movie remotely seriously with shoddy dubbing like this? I might have enjoyed this movie more if it were subtitled (correctly).

It's movies like this that give kung fu movies a bad rap. This movie exudes low budget in almost every aspect. Too many comedic elements in this film, plus it's missing that "oomph" to draw you into the film. Tan Tao Liang's kicks are impressive but do little in making it a good movie.

AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YTan Tao Liang can be good but this one kinda stinksAH1706
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    by ol skee

Shaolin And Wu Tang (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

I don't know why people praise this movie so much. I thought it was pretty poor in direction. Let's not get into the argument about "we don't watch these movies for the direction, we watch them for the action", because I can't be clumped into that majority. Granted, I am not expecting Academy Award direction or performances, but a sense of cohesion and plot that makes sense can go a long way, no matter how simplistic or complex it may be.

There was a decent amount of action, but the movie screamed low budget to me. Liu and Cheng do play their roles well, but I have to say the ending is just a plain let down. But this movie has one of the coolest intros in kung fu movie history.

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    by ol skee

The Revenger [Venom Mob] (product link)
Martial Arts / Swordplay/Sword(s)

Disappointing is how this movie can be summed up in one word. Ti Lung takes on double duty as a bad ass fighter in the first half of the movie and then plays the son seeking his father's bones in the last half of the movie. There are some serious head scratching moments that do not make sense (I wont bother getting into detail with that) or need to be explained better. This does have some notable stars that you all may be familiar with, but that makes no difference. It has a decent amount of action throughout the movie but I felt the finale was really slow. I mean, it looked like Ti Lung was phoning it in and expecting post production to undercrank it in the end. I honestly can't even recommend this flick to Ti Lung fans because he's got plenty of other films that are worth viewing compared to this.
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    by ol skee

Ninjas And Dragons (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

I would actually give this more of a 2.75 rating. There's a fair amount of action, which is decent. However, 3 gripes from me: 1) The old "lady" is actually a dude but dubbed in a woman's voice. 2) Someone tell me the old lady's cohort who was supposed to be a chick is actually a dude? Either way that's one ugly ass chick! 3) The midget/kid: annoying ass voice. I could not stand it. I wanted him to be thrown off a cliff with weights attached to its ankles.

The story is just a freakin' mess. A ninja is in China on a quest to find another ninja who betrayed his clan. Long story short, ninja hooks up with the good guys to get rid of the general, the old "lady", her companion, and the midget/kid. You can pretty much figure out the mystery early on, and when it's finally "revealed" at the end, it's done pretty much half-assed. I don't recommend this title.

AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
NOl Skee you are being kind I would not recomend this title to anyone everything use stated is true. A ninja in china plot was as mixed up as a jigsaw puzzle. 0 stars!Kung Fu Classic Viewer
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    by ol skee

Shaolin Vs. Tai Chi (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure



This movie was a letdown. Classify this into the "if it's an indie/rare it has to be good" overhyped category. Although minor, the music score sucked. Now let's get into the plot/direction. I couldn't make sense of what was going on until halfway into the movie. Basically, you have a friendly fight between the Shaolin monks and the Taoist clan. They reach a stalemate in their fight, so they decide to train students who will carry on their fight (this kind of story has been done before in other movies). The Shaolin monks pick up the "chief" of the beggars as their disciple while the Taoist clan pick up what appears to be a lord's son. Most of the movie shows the Shaolin disciple preparing for the upcoming match with the Taoist disciple. In between, you see the bad guy plotting to steal Shaolin's gold seal or something. Long story short, you get to see some betrayal action and the Shaolin disciple and Taoist disciple play a key role in between. Is there lots of action? Yes, there is. Is the story/plot/direction engaging? No, it's utter crap. This is what plagues a lot of "indie" films in my opinion, because the low budget/lack of direction really shows. The action couldn't save this at all for me. I will say the redeeming factor is that they do try to portray Buddah's teachings throughout the movie and especially in the end. If you like rares and indies for the sake of being on that bandwagon, have a look at this.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YI agree, this one bored me to tears.lifejuice
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    by ol skee

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.
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    by ol skee

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.
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    by ol skee

Ninja Hunter (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

I liked the movie up until the point where Lo Rei shows up with his Davey Crocket mullet and Elvis lambchop sideburns. I thought he was gonna' bust out a fiddle at any moment. There's ninjas, there's tits, there's a white-haired villain, there's undercranking, there's magic, there's flying... I neither hate it, nor do I love it.
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    by ol skee

The Deadly Duo (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

I was bored with this movie. The bridge scene reminded me of an SNL skit where everyone kept on jumping into a polar bear pit despite knowing the consequences. The best scene is David Chiang spearing several guys with his weapon. Other than that this was just a rather average "Rebels vs. Mongols; let's save the kidnapped prince" type movie.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YI generally like Chang Cheh; I almost always like Ti Lung; David Chiang is sometimes endurable: This is just not a well written film. The bridge scene is excessively long and foolish.Jeffrey Frawley
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    by ol skee

My Young Auntie (product link)
Martial Arts / Comedy



I would have liked this a lot more if the comedy and musical element was not present. This is unfortunate for me as I do not like those kind of elements in my kung fu movies and it seemed Lau Kar Leung seemed to dwell in the comedy aspect of his movies post-"36 Chambers"/"Invincible Pole Fighter"/"Legendary Weapons Of China". I must say that Kara Hui is absolutely stunning in this movie. I don't know why, but I never noticed much of her looks before, but she looked incredibly gorgeous in this movie. Also, she really gets to showcase her kung fu moves for a change in this movie as well. This movie has a great cast. As always, I am annoyed with Hsiao Hao's shennanigans. Fans of Gordon Liu will be disappointed as his presence is very limited. Lau Kar Leung is on top of his game as always and Wang Lung Wei plays a perfect villian to a "T". I think Leung did a good job in showing an odd situation of a much younger aunt. However, there were parts in the movie that just seemed to drag on. Again, my only gripe is that the movie loses my attention and enthusiasm when the comedy kicks in.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YThe comedy in this film didn't work for me either, and I personally agree that Kara Hui is a stunning beauty and probably my single favorite female martial artist. She doesn't get enough props.Choco
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    by ol skee

Love And Sword (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

It was alright. Typical assassin/mystery whodunit/redemption wuxia film. Lots of night shots in this that made it difficult to view at times but did not detract too much from the film. Fight choreography was nothing special. The plot could have been much better. I could go more into depth with regards to this, but there really is no point, trust me. I was fast forwarding through most of the movie. There's a thin love story that doesn't make you feel moderately connected to it till the end. Wang Chung had the coolest weapon in the movie and I felt he should have had more screentime, but he did serve his purpose in the movie. In the end, you can't help but feel sorry for the little kid that becomes a part of the main characters' lives.
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    by ol skee

The Brave Archer (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

This movie, along with the rest in this series, can be summarized with one word: convoluted.

Yes it has action, like the rest in the series, but the direction in this is horrible. It tries too hard to introduce an array of characters and sub plots with no real development. I could essentially cut and paste this review and put it in place for the other movies in this series. Only for Fu Sheng/Venom fans looking to complete their collection

AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
Yyes you are right . They should of stopped at the first one. Then they started to bring back characters as other characters. It started to get confusing . I only bought all of them because of Fu Sheng & Venom MobKOMBATIKON
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    by ol skee

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 COMMENTSAUTHOR
YI agree with u on the 3 star rating. I also thought it was lacking depth.JV47842
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    by ol skee

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.
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    by ol skee

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 COMMENTSAUTHOR
YProbably 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.Sgt. T
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    by ol skee

The Iron Fisted Monk (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

I'd really rate this @ 3.75. The tone in this movie is certainly more serious than most Sammo films. No question the fight choreography from Sammo and Chan Sing are top notch. However, the plot is rather vanilla where the Manchus are the usual bullies trying to take over a territory/factory. I dont think the rape scene everybody talks about is out of place or inappropriate. It's just conveying the hate and desire for revenge much stronger. For Sammo and Chan Sing fans this deserves a view, but I wouldn't consider this a must-have.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
Ysooooo, how does one make rape scenes subtle? Essh. XslaveX
YThe western reaction to Hong Kong cinema's justaposition of rape and light comedy is an ongoing problem. I like this about as much as does Jay Lee, but understand what he feels. Not to be smug, eastern film ethics are sometimes problematic to the west.Jeffrey Frawley
YI disagree with Jay Lee because the rape scene was not the essense of this film. but it was essential to the storyline with the whole Mongal vs. ming plot. You can not deny the fight scene and I think we should stick to the point only. But I see you Ol'!I love you rater haters
NThis is a must have in my book. And it's not the rape scene as such, it's the rape scene intercut with smarmy comedy that I personally have a problem with. Plus, im not a fan of rape scenes at all, and it could have been done in a more subtle way. JAY LEE
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    by ol skee

Daggers 8 [PanMedia] (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

Above average flick. Basic premise: Meng Yuan Man wants to learn kung fu and each of his instructors are killed off by an assassin, played by Wilson Tong. This era of kung fu is reminiscent of the classic Jackie Chan era (wearing waiter attire/silk pj's). The plot is standard: "You killed my master, so I will get revenge". I was actually surprised to find Lily Li tearing it up in the action. However, Wilson Tong steals the spotlight in my opinion as the dagger-wielding villain.

Part of the movie reminds me of "Clan of the White Lotus", except it's less "feminine" in my opinion. The only real plot hole is Meng Yuan Man's grandfather's reasons behind certain actions. There wasn't much development and the motive(s) were not convincing enough in my opinion. Above all, the action is top notch.

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    by ol skee

Challenge Of The Masters (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

Solid effort by Lau Kar Leung and Gordon Liu. Although this is not an action packed extravaganza, it does focus on the virtues of martial arts and having humility with your opponent. One of the rare times that the English dub has a quote that is worthy to listen to (Chen Kuan Tai's quote to Liu) that isn't bastardized cockney slang or chinglish.

I would give this more of a 3.75 instead of a 3.5 or 4 rating. I'm not in love with the movie but at the same time have respect for the merits of the film. Good to see excellent display of Hung Gar from Gordon Liu and Chen Kuan Tai. The Lau brothers put on an excellent showcase of Hung Gar as well. If you are expecting blood baths or gimmicks to anchor a movie, then avoid. If you want something that's more on a philosophical level, then you will enjoy this.

AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YWhile not the most riveting of Lau Kar Leung's films, this is a solid success. As is almost always the case, the martial arts choreography is extraordinary.Jeffrey Frawley
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    by ol skee

The 7 Grandmasters (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

More like 3.75 for me. There is plenty of good fighting in this one. The storyline is a bit thin on this one. You can pretty much figure out who the bad guy is.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YAgree. The thin ass story sort of made this film too predictible but regardless a good kung fu film! weeee };oPXslaveX
YStill an old school classic though..look do we really watch these movies for the storyline? lolEH21620
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    by ol skee

The Heroes [Tai Seng] (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

Not a bad indie effort. Basic premise is Ti Lung goes undercover to kill Chan Wai Man. Unfortunately, his brothers from Shaolin have to suffer the price in getting his mission accomplished. I thought it was rather comical that Chan Wai Man finally understood Ti Lung was up to something near the end when he was secretly training his brothers to fight against the Chings when he was torturing them.

I liked the film for the most part, but it wasn't anything that made me want to hit the rewind button. A worthy rental.

AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YAgreed, not Ti Lung's best but a very worthy effort.Sgt. T
YI agree 100% not one of his best by far but worth checking out.Kung Fu Classic Viewer
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    by ol skee

Shaolin Martial Arts (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure



If you are a fan of Chang Cheh's Shaolin cycle, then you will like this. You can see where Queertin Tarantino got his inspiration (but doesn't credit anybody) for Uma Thurman's character in "Kill Bill" from this movie.

I'm not gonna' get into the synopsis of this movie, as most people have covered it allready, but I do want to say Beardy did a convincing job of the iron skin technique as well as being stiff as a board in personality and demeanor. The guy looked menacing. Wang Lung Wei's technique was kind of comical in that people would punch his pooch, he would absorb the punch, and then bounce the punch back to the attacker where they fall six feet back and die from internal bleeding.

This movie was apparently the footprint for all future kf movies with the teacher/student dynamic. There are lots of drawn out training scenes (if that's your thing). It's worthy of a watch, but I can't see myself watching this repeatedly.

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    by ol skee

The Lost Sword Ship (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

If HKFlix had a 3.75 rating, that would be my true rating. Decent wuxia pian fare. Lots of action, typical plot twist to a love story/love triangle. I thought the action choreography was average (which is why I didn't rate it a 4 or higher). You can tell they used a lot of stunt doubles by the far away shots. I did not care for the English dub [on the version I watched], especially when Roc Tien (I believe that's his name, if memory serves me) is in the cave learning the fragrant sword techniques from the old guys. One of the old guys sounds like an old redneck. However, the scenery/sets are beautiful which is no surprise, considering this is an adaptation of a Ku Long novel. Storywise it's good. I would recommend this title, but do not expect the most precise action choreography.
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    by ol skee

Showdown At The Cotton Mill (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

A decent Shaolin vs. Wutang/Ching flick. Chi Kuan Chun is in top form as always against the bad guys. Tan Tao Liang makes an appearance as an "undercover" Wu Tang fighter who is on a mission to infiltrate Shaolin and get rid of Chi Kuan Chun.

There are lots of action sequences, but overall the film didn't really break any new ground (at least not for me). I will say that, for some reason, I felt Chi Kuan Chun is grittier/more intense in this film than most films I've seen of him.

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    by ol skee

Shaolin Vs. Ninja (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

Much better than "Shaolin vs. Tai Chi", which i thought was garbage. The plot in a way blends themes from "Invincible Shaolin" and "5 Element Ninjas". In other words, you have two Shaolin factions tricked into fighting each other (except it's Chinese Shaolin vs Japanese Shaolin) and then ninjas vying for domination. The plot is nothing spectacular, as it's been covered in various movies before, but it's easy to follow. Action choreography is good, as expected from the Robert Tai camp. I can't say this is a flick that I would watch over and over. It just doesn't have that appeal. But for those that are into the Shaolin/ninja/China/Japan exploitation angle, this one is for you.
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    by ol skee

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.
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    by ol skee

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
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    by ol skee

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.
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    by ol skee

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.
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    by ol skee

Hard Boiled (product link)
Action/Adventure / Bullet Ballet



I thought it was a decent actioner at best. I didnt think it deserved the godly praise that others have given it.

Highlights:

  1. Tony Leung plays a decent role as an undercover triad
  2. Lots of gunplay. The scenes where we see Tony Leung's betrayal to his boss in the warehouse is awesome.
  3. Phillip Kwok completely owning on the bad guy role
  4. Nice to see Lo Meng make a cameo role, although he doesnt add much
Downsides:
  1. The baby getting its ears plugged with cotton balls and not crying to the gun shots and explosions is a bit farce.
  2. The Dragon Dynasty version contains dubtitles so theres a lot of lost in translation involved.
  3. 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.
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    by ol skee

Fist Of The White Lotus (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure



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.
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    by ol skee

The Flag Of Iron (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

If you liked "Masked Avengers", you will probably like this. You don't typically see flagwork being done as a legit weapon in most kung fu movies, but this one sure pulls it off (also, check out "Life Gamble") without being corny.

The basic premise is that the leader of a clan is abruptly killed in a rival clan dispute. To take the heat off his clan, Kwok Choi takes the rap and goes into exile. In the end, he finds out who the killer of his master is and how it has drastically changed his clan.

Good balance of drama and action for Venoms fans.

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    by ol skee

Five Deadly Venoms (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

A cult classic for a reason. Although it may not be non-stop action, the suspense and build-up deserves a look. There are some slow patches in between where I can see typical kung fu fans may be bored, but they serve their purpose. Very unique characters with trademark techniques. I think Lu Feng's Scorpion was the coolest Venom, where Kwok Choi's Lizard was the lamest. When he does his "moves", I felt like I was watching an old Lionel Ritchie music video (for you young ones, ask your parents). To be honest, I like "Crippled Avengers" much better, but that's a completely different animal.
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    by ol skee

Lone Wolf And Cub 4: Baby Cart In Peril (product link)
Action/Adventure / Swordplay/Sword(s)

This was okay. Still the same awesome action, but even more corny gun action from the baby cart. I would have enjoyed this a lot more had this element not been present. Finally, we get to see Ogami have a showdown with the head of the Yagyu Clan. The last few scenes once again show Ogami facing incredible odds with a ton of adversaries.
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    by ol skee

Lone Wolf And Cub: Sword Of Vengeance (product link)
Action/Adventure / Swordplay/Sword(s)

I acknowledge its place in the series as it sets the tone for what's to happen later on, but I didn't like this as much as I did with the 2nd or 3rd one. With that said, the film still displays top notch samurai slashing and blood spewing action. Only in Japanese samurai films can an overweight man can reign supreme as a swordsman (which is almost a direct opposite of what you would see in wuxia type films). It's interesting to see the Yagyu Clan frame Ogami in order to attain his rank/position with the shogunate.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YMy personal favorite samurai film and for me, it deserves 5 stars.XslaveX
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    by ol skee

Lone Wolf And Cub: Sword Of Vengeance (product link)
Action/Adventure / Swordplay/Sword(s)

Good introduction into the series. Ogami Itto is setup by the Yagyu Clan and is forced to live a life as an assassin with his child in tow. Not exactly my favorite in the series, but there is plenty of development, pacing, and action to keep the fans pleased.
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    by ol skee

Pursuit (product link)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure

This is a slept on movie that I rarely hear anybody discuss/review. Going on memory, since it's been awhile since I've watched it, it's in the same vein as "Delightful Forest", where the hero must endure punishment from his captors to vindicate himself. However, this movie seems to show that to a higher/grittier degree. This movie ties into the Outlaws of the Marsh/Water Margin folklore. Fans of this series should like.
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    by ol skee

The Wolves (product link)
Crime / Drama

A nice surprise for yakuza film fans. I am surprised there is a lack of reviews for this film. It is not breaking any new ground, but it is a solid entry by Hideo Gosha. The settings and landscape are beautiful. Some may feel that the pacing in certain parts is slow/dragged out; but for someone like me who is used to this aspect in Japanese cinema, it was not an issue. Good use of music to set the tone in the scenes. Great cast as well. Gosha did a good job in conveying the double edged sword of loyalty, honor, and respect that is prevalent in all kinds of criminal organizations. Ironically, these ideals are the very thing that can be the downfall of an individual and crime family. The violence in this movie is nothing flashy but gritty and to the point.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YA very good film which has suffered from very poor quality prints for many years. One one adjusts for that, it's very worthwhile. Director and star are dependably good.Jeffrey Frawley
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    by ol skee

Samurai Fiction (product link)
Comedy

This is a good ol' samurai parody/satirical movie. The storyline is nothing complex but the pacing is done rather well and keeps you entertained throughout the whole movie. Clearly shows the virtues of honor, respect, love, avoiding killing, and redemption. The only real flaw I can find is developing more of Kazamatsuri's reasoning behind stealing the sword. Granted he does explain his reasons, but I just didn't feel as compelled to sympathize his reasons. It is shot rather well, blending elements of color, black and white, and a red screen. Fans of the chambara/jidaigeki genre will like.
AGREE?READER COMMENTSAUTHOR
YWhile the satirical intent is quite obvious, it works reasonably well read straight - and much better with tongue in cheek. Very entertaining.Jeffrey Frawley
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Kenta Fukasaku 2-DVD Set (Yo Yo Girl Cop, X-Cross)



 
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