Invincible Pole Fighter (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure A good flick featuring Gordon Liu in his non-humble role that he sometimes portrays, trying to gain acceptance at all costs from the monist temple. But that's just part of the storyline. As far as the martial aspect of this film, you won't be disappointed, but you will find "Invincible Shaolin", "Shaolin Intruders", and even "Shaolin Invincible Sticks" more enjoyable, But definitely don't sleep on this movie.
Legend Of A Fighter (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure A good story, and yes I can see where "Fearless" was a new adaptation of this film. Not real ferocious fight sequences, but the point is made! I definitely like the fact that it features the Japanese shinobi from "Heroes of the East" as the unassuming master and subsequent would-be adversary. Good lesson on loyalty and pride. I think it's worthy of being in a collection. I'm glad I got it and think you will be too.
Avenging Warriors Of Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Good SB film with the old school cast from "5 Venoms"! It's not as explosive as some of the other masterpieces out of the SB camp but definitely entertaining, directed by Cheng Cheh. [I recommend getting a Celestial version.]
Soul Brothers Of Kung Fu (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I remember when this aired at the Oriental Theater in Chicago. It was the very first of the non-Bruce Lee modern day-set films I liked. Seeing it now I still liked it and realized surprisingly one of the players is SB cast member Lo Meng. So although not an 18th/19th century-set joint, it's still a good pick to have if you call yourself an enthusiast. Also [the PanMedia DVD] has an alternate ending not found on the VHS version I owned, which was an added benefit.
SPL: Sha Po Lang (product link) Crime / Drama Great MA film for modern day setting. I generally steer away from them, but as far as they go this is one of the better ones, definitely with a non-Hollywood ending that I love about international films. Sammo is, interestingly enough, convincing as a hardened criminal and is pretty menacing. Because it's him, you could predict he would be formidable to Donnie in the movie.
Hard Boiled (product link) Action/Adventure / Bullet Ballet I first saw "The Killer" on Vanguard Cinema back in the early 90's and was turned on by the outrageous gun battles. If bullets galore is what you crave, this is one for you. Try to see all those John Woo films (e.g. "A Better Tomorrow" and another that escapes me now also starring Chow Yun Fat).
The Sword Of Doom (product link) Drama / Swordplay/Sword(s) Great storyline starring, to me, a Kenjutsu master who was unknown, with a short appearance by the master himself, Toshiro Mifune. Set in feudal Japan where damn near anything went, this is a good film to have in any non-theatrical swordplay repertoire.
Benji / Benji 2: For The Love Of Benji [2-Disc Set] (product link) Drama / Action/Adventure A sentimental favorite. I got it to share with my sons, as I loved it as a kid when it was presented on channel x-tra (pre-cable pay TV).
The Martial Club (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Slow, but the drama does build. The last corridor sequence is worth the price of admission alone. A great film to have for SB enthusiasts and especially Gordon Liu fans.
Drunken Master 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Good fights, but I don't know what all the hoopla is about on this one. If you're a collector of MA films, yes; but if you just want to get the best of the best, then no. I'm not dissing Jackie Chan, but this is no "Police Story", "Wheels on Meals", or even "To Kill With Intrigue", but rather humorous kung fu action entertainment. Try the original or even "Snake In The Monkey's Shadow" first.
Shaolin And Wu Tang (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure My goodness, I don't recall having actually seen this one previously, but it's a great film from the genre. Kind of a different twist on the "Invincible Shaolin" ("Unbeatable Dragon") storyline. Great fights from expert practitioners. I loved it because, of all the old school flix I ordered, this one is new to me. I don't know how I missed this one back in the day. If you did, then this is definitely one to see.
The Mystery Of Chess Boxing [Tai Seng] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Childhood favorite! Still good to me now, although many movies released since far surpass it in every way. Still it's a sentimental favorite.
Ten Tigers From Kwangtung (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Although I remember enjoying this film, seeing it now leaves me a little wanting. If you must have SB Venom films, then yes. The gore of the final sequence was worth seeing again after 20 years, so yes I would still recommend this film, but it's not a top 5 SB film. Maybe in my top 18 of all MA films. But if you're a real enthusiast of the genre you can't go wrong with this one.
Lightning Kung Fu (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I got this film because of Chen Kuan Tai's ("Heroes Two", "Three Evil Masters") appearance in the credits. It's slow to move and not really very satisfying as a TMA film. Can be left on the shelf. Not generally what I'm looking for in a TMA film.
Iron Monkey [1993] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great story with a powerful evil monk that two unwitting martialists must ally to try to defeat. Unassuming players must stand courageously to try to thwart the evil regime that's ruling the provinces. Extremely good martial work from the players, the only drawback for me is the speed modification [undercranking] for certain sequences for emphasis. But other than that it's a great film and story for the famed Wong Fei Hung.
Five Fingers Of Death (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure The granddaddy of the genre, for me at least, this film is a must-have just on general principle. As its intended title ("King Boxer") would suggest, it introduced many to the scarcely known arts back then--except those of us who had relatives stationed in Korea or Okinawa from the 50's and 60's. As my first experience with Lo Lieh, who would eventually get most notoriety as The White Lotus clan leader Pei Mei, this is a sentimental favorite for me.
Black Belt (product link) Martial Arts / Drama Excellent movie!!! As is typical with Japanese karate and kenjutsu films, it has a more dynamic storyline (e.g. all old school "Zatoichi" films, "Yojimbo", "Sanjuro", "Sword of Doom"). It captivates with all business moves. It gives an interesting perspective on how Imperial Japan and corrupt officials were usurpers in an early 20th century context, and how someone can become consumed with their esoteric knowledge of the arts and go down the wrong and consequently ruinous path. The fight in the quest for the black belt by the "poison" Shishidan or Shihan and would-be Jakideshi (direct disciple of the grandmaster) could have been a little more demonstrative of their skills as a final sequence, but I still "got it".
The Return Of Master Killer (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Cool but not a must-have of Gordon Liu or the genre. If you have the disposable cash, cool; if not there are other films that are required long before getting this one, such as "Invincible Pole Fighter". If you're not familiar with the genre at all, start out with "King Boxer", then the "Master Killer" ("36 Chambers"), then "Heroes of the East" and you'll get my point. This one you can take or leave depending on how much you really enjoy the genre.
The Magnificent Ruffians (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Must-have for the SB 5 Venoms fan. Sold now under name "The Destroyers", I almost missed it, as I didn't recognize it under that name. Lo Mang and company work it out as they usually do, including the elusive tear jerking component rarely found in such films. No it's not "5 Deadly Venoms" but required watching. If you liked "Golden Arms", "Super Ninja", "Invincible Shaolin", "Avenging Warriors of Shaolin", or "Two Champions of Shaolin", then you'll love this!
Shaolin Mantis (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not as good as the title would suggest at all. Not in the vein of "7 Commandments of Kung Fu", or the final fight sequences of either "Shaolin Iron Claws" or "Warriors Two", both of which are must-haves for Mantis fans. You won't be missing a thing if you never see it, unlike the others just mentioned here. They are must-haves for the Mantis fan.
Ong-Bak 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Actually a great TMA film with a good storyline and a few training sequences, and Tony Jaa doesn't disappoint. Just don't expect that it is truly a sequel to "Ong-Bak". It's set in a totally different time period (pre-modern) with different players. You won't be disappointed in the least bit if you love the genre. Surprising ruthlessness and compassion.
Executioners From Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure The legend of Pai Mei (portrayed here by my favorite Pai Mei actor, Lo Lieh--"Fist of the White Lotus", "King Boxer", "Stranger and the Gunfighter") is again revealed for those who saw "Kill Bill". Typical outlandish stunts that would never occur, and the unwitting hero uncle, but gives the same feeling that one used to get when you watched Clint Eastwood films. It's only a matter of time before the stuff hits the fan and you must demonstrate and execute superior skill to deal with the master, Pai Mei.
The Chaser (product link) Action/Adventure / Crime A shocking, moderately gruesome element that is absent in most Hollywood films. This film has what some could very easily find themselves disturbed about. Not your typical action drama from Hollywood. Not quite a nail biter but definitely not mundane.
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READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
Y
I agree but I must say for the record that I just finished the movie and I chewed my nails down fairly well.
Opium And The Kung-Fu Master (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great film. I was pleasantly surprised by it as I was not familiar with it. I bought it sight unseen and have no regrets. You won't either, especially if you're a fan of pre-modern traditional martial arts films. Is it Super Ninja? No, but then again no movie is.
Dragon Tiger Gate (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Reality turns to fantasy in this depiction of a comic book (although I'm unfamiliar with the series). Two brothers separated from "the Gate Dojo" are reunited by a chance gang/vigilante encounter. Donnie Yen provides an excellent performance (if a little self gratuitous) when he enters the movie. As it moves along, the fantasy portion begins to take over. If you're cool with this, this is definitely something you can add to your collection. As DY begins to develop a reputable collection of films, this might fit in his category of "gotta' see it", at least thus far.
The 7 Commandments Of Kung Fu (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure The dubbing seems cheesy now in comparison to some of the more recent releases, but as it was one of my childhood favorites I delighted in finding this gem. Not the typical plot line for revenge, but revenge nonetheless. It has a little of the choppy editing inherent in this director's films during that timeframe but is an enjoyable piece nonetheless.
Ip Man (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Brilliant fight sequences and story coverage. Definitely destined to go in the annals of history as a top wing chun film. But not surprising considering Sammo was the choreography director.
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