Agreement:95% of 241 voters agree with Sgt. T's reviews Gender: Male Location: Jackson,MS.
Bio: Born and raised in Chicago, a former Military Police Officer. Now a MS. State Capitol Police Officer. Hobbies include viewing and collecting martial arts films. Reading, weight training, and jogging.
Twenty years ago Warner Brothers decided to create a big budget Batman movie. At first rumor had it that Bill Murray had the title role, but the producer decided on Michael Keaton, hot on the heals of his performance in "Beetle Juice". I remember people saying this movie would be terrible because they thought of Keaton only as a comic actor. They were wrong. For me this is the best Batman movie and still number one. Granted I enjoyed the updated versions by Nolan, but Tim Burton's gothic vision of Batman's world was second to none.
Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker should have earned him an Oscar nomination at the time, however screen academy officials were stodgy then as they are now. Any actor could wear clown make up and any stuntman could wear a bat costume. What made this movie good was the performances of Keaton and Nicholson. Keaton was an excellent Bruce Wayne, portraying him as an eccentric man with hidden psychological problems stemming from his parents' death. Nicholson of course will always be the Joker! His performance of a psycho gangster to an incurable mad man was outstanding.
Though some may think this movie is dated. I say Tim Burton's depiction of Gotham and its characters are forever frozen in a timeless world to be viewed over and over!
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Michael Keaton IS Batman to me to this day. This was 100 times better than Batman Begins.
Five Deadly Venoms (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This film of course is a classic that first introduced the actors that have come to be known as the Venoms. The feature itself is full of plot twists, the trademark intricate Shaw Brothers sets, and beautifully choreographed action sequences when the Venoms clash with each other.
The plot keeps you interested as the action culminates into a great grand finale! Naturally if you're a Venoms fan you need this one in your collection. This is the film that helped influence pop culture along with Bruce Lee, "King Boxer", and "The 36 Chambers Of Shaolin".
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An important and influential film, yes - but mostly, it's great fun to watch. The Venoms are engaging and talented performers.
This film has garnered lots of criticism for the story and abrupt ending. It has also gotten many thumbs up for the great action sequences by Tony Jaa and the stunt personnel involved in making this awesome feature!
This is a period film of revenge set in a turbulent time of Thailand/Siam's history. Tony Jaa watches his parents die on order from the King's mad heir, in order to secure his power. Tony escapes and is taken in and trained by a community of pirate mercenaries from childhood. When Tony comes of age he leaves the adoptive father and leader of the pirates for revenge! Along the way is plenty of action and a good plot twist leaving the viewer wanting more!
The cinematography was excellent! The stunts and action outstanding. Tony Jaa shows that he is more than just a Muay-Thai expert by using various forms and weapons! The story was straightforward and simple with a great supporting cast portraying the villains, fighters, and family! I think many overlook the acting in favor of the action. The actor portraying Cher Nung, the pirate leader, was excellent. The ending is not what you expect but sets you up for a sequel, kind of like the ending of " The Empire Strikes Back ". All in all this is a must-see film for action lovers. The stunts are fantastic!
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This movie was totally awesome and I also agree about the abrupt ending. I think that some people out there are aware that Tony is capable of more than just Muay Thai. In Ong Bak he unleashed numerous Korean and Chinese kicking and acrobatic techniques.
Once one gets past the abruptness of the ending, this is a great action showcase, with better acting than I had previously seen in Thai martial arts cinema. Tony Jaa is a phenomenal fighter. As for the abrupt ending, Part 3 is coming: Hope for the best!
In my humble opinion, "Drunken Master 2" is Jackie Chan's best martial arts film. With that in mind, "Police Story" is Jackie's best action/adventure film.
Jackie portrays a top cop that helps capture a drug czar, but soon finds himself framed and on the run by the drug lord and his organization. What follows is great action and comedy as Jackie breaks the rules to prove his innocence.
This movie has some of the best death-defying stunts ever filmed and was way ahead of its time. The supporting cast is excellent and the theme song to the movie was performed by none other than Jackie Chan.
As a side note, Jackie had already portrayed a police officer in "The Protector". Jackie, feeling that this was not a well done police film, went on to make "Police Story", which raised the bar for future police action dramas.
This film will always stand the test of time and I highly recommend it to Chan fans, and action lovers!
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Ahh my favorite JC film. Required viewing with incredible action and mind blowing stunts with a solid story
If one appreciates Jackie Chan action-adventure films (and how could one not?) this is somewhere in his top few. Choco is right about the HK version of "the Protector."
Terrific review, I totally agree. This film is pure adrenaline. But I still say the HK version of "The Protector" was bad-ass, even though no one else agrees!
Iron Monkey [1993] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Let's compare the wire-fu era to the steroid era in baseball. There were some great players during the nineties, however their accomplishments will always be tied up in the steroid era. During the very late eighties and early nineties, wire-fu reached a peak birthing the wire-fu era.
"The Iron Monkey" is one of the top wire-fu movies of its time. The special effects were great and the plot was top notch. Yu Rong Guang gives an excellent portrayal as the masked hero Iron Monkey, who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Donnie Yen also gives an excellent performance as Wong Kai Ying, who inexplicably tries to bring the Iron Monkey to justice, but then battles a corrupt government official (traitorous ex-Shaolin monk) by his side.
Last but not least is Tse-Man's portrayal of young Wong Fei Hung. Considering that she is a girl, she gives an outstanding performance. The action is sped up in places, but on the whole this is one of the best wire-fu films for its time period. A must-have for all collectors!
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Definately a must-have! Good to hear you trusted my review and checked out Protoge and enjoyed it.
Ip Man (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great film biography of Bruce Lee's teacher, Yip Man. This is by far Donnie Yen's best acting performance to date. He gives us an all too human Yip Man full of quiet inner strength with just the right touch of humility.
The supporting cast from top to bottom helped to make this one of the best movies of the year. Last but not least is the wonderful fight choreography by Sammo Hung. Sammo has shown us that he just gets better with age. This movie has it all: great acting, lots of drama, and great fighting!
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Make no mistake - this was no biography (far from it)! But can't agree with you more on every other point!
The Magnificent Butcher (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Sammo Hung turns in an awesome portrayal of Butcher Wing, a student in real life of legendary folk hero Wong Fei Hong. This film has the right blend of action and comedy as we watch Sammo blunder from one situation to another.
The martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo Ping and Sammo is outstanding! Add Kwan Tak Hing portraying Wong Fei Hung, and you have an instant classic. Even if you do not like kung fu comedy, this film is worth watching for the action alone. Highly recommended
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This is Canto-comedy done right, with great action.
The Prodigal Son (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great martial arts film featuring Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung! Yuen Biao stars as a spoiled rich kid that thinks he is the best in town when it comes to kung fu. He later learns that his fights were all staged and that he knows no kung fu at all!
The fight choreography is excellent! The cast, especially Lam Ching Ying, all turn in some great performances in this must-have action/comedy/drama. Highly recommended!
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Great performances all around. Lam Ching Ying gives the performance of his life.
Oldboy (product link) Thriller / Action/Adventure A truly chilling and haunting film by director Park Chan-Wook that leaves dark echoes imprinted in the mind.
Choi Min-Sik portrays Oh Dae-Soo, a character that is kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years. Upon being freed by his kidnapper, Oh Dae-Soo is taunted with clues as to the why. Thus begins the journey filled with many disturbing plot twists before reaching the ultimate climax! The plot keeps you guessing, the action is great, and the acting is excellent. This is one cinematic experience that if anything, will stay on your mind long after viewing.
Black Belt (product link) Martial Arts / Drama An outstanding action-melodrama that deals with the zen of karate. Three students go down three different paths, learning the true physical and spiritual concepts of karate after the death of their master.
This is a truly refreshing and well acted film. The fighting is crisp, fresh, and original! No wires or special effects, just plain outstanding fight choreography that highlights the stark realism of the fights!
The cast does a fantastic job from top to bottom in creating what I consider one of the best films of the decade. I highly recommend this film for those that want to be entertained. Some may think there is too much drama but this is a well rounded film exploring what karate truly is.
This film is a beast. It managed to muscle its way into my top 10 favorite martial arts movies of all time. No MA film collection is complete without this one.
The Dragon Dynasty version of "Tom Yum Goong" is nothing short of fabulous! You get the English version chock full of extras, and the longer--and in my opinion better--international version.
This follow up to "Ong-Bak" has the same creative team of Prachya Pinkaew, Panna Rittikrai, and star Tony Jaa. This time they have surpassed the incredible stunts and jaw-dropping action of "Ong-Bak". Simply put, "Tom Yum Goong" is a stunt extravaganza!
The plot is a simple one as Kham (Tony Jaa) goes to Sydney, Austrailia in search of his family's stolen prized elephants. Most would consider the plot weak, but it works for me, quite possibly because the mystique of being descended from a line of elephant warrior protectors is revealed and becomes a recurring theme later in the film.
Jing Xing's portrayal of Madame Rose, the gangster force behind Kham's troubles, was very good. Though most of the character developement in this film suffered to present some amazing action sequences, I did honestly enjoy what was there.
The fight scene in the church with the capoeira fighter was magnificent. The fight in the restaurant as Kham went up the winding levels was outstanding. The grand finale against Rose and her henchmen culminated into one of the best action films of the decade! A must-have for all action lovers!
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Good concise review. Tony has changed action films for all time!
This film is my personal favorite of all the movies Jet Li has done, and probably the best of an outstanding selection of great martial arts features starring Jet Li Lian-Jie. This is a great remake of the Bruce Lee classic " Fists Of Fury " and is also a classic on its own as the best remake of a Bruce Lee film. Not only is the martial arts action and choreograrhy astounding, but the acting is great also. Nakayama Shinobu is cute and sweet as Jet Li's love interest, Chin Siu-Ho turns in a great performance as Jet Li's foster brother and rival for leadership of their school. Let's not forget one of the best fights and acting performances by the legendary Yasuaki Kurata as an aging Japanese master that teaches Jet Li a thing or two about fighting.
This is a solid movie all the way around and the Dragon Dynasty 2-Disc Set provides us with both the English language version and the original language version which I happen to like more. Again what makes this film great besides the awsome fighting, is the quality performances by Jet and his supporting cast! This movie is a must have for any martial arts fan!
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Absolutely!!! Jet is superb and the rest of the cast excellent! Two disc version is fantastic!
Although I have great affection for several other Jet Li films, this may be the most accomplished demonstration of his minimally-wire enhanced abilities
Right on, brother! The new 2-disc set is a dream come true. And it's been so great re-discovering this film again. It's even better than I remembered it.
The Way Of The Dragon (product link) Martial Arts This outstanding film was released to Western audiences as "Return Of The Dragon" after Bruce Lee's untimely death. Unfortunately some of the more comedic scenes were edited out when I initially saw this film as a young tyke. This film shows how versatile the great Bruce Lee was. He directed, produced, wrote the initial plot, and did the fight choreography! I know some people do not like comedy in their martial arts films, but Bruce was great as the naive country bumpkin that saves the beautiful Nora Miao and her restaurant business. Then we have one of the top five cinema fights of all time between Lee and the great Chuck Norris! This film is a must-have for any Bruce Lee fan!
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This may be Bruce Lee's best. Everything is excellent about this movie, and it is entertaining from start to finish with never a dull moment.
I am usually averse to a lot of comedy in martial arts films, but Bruce Lee's original vision is extremely good. Part of the charm of him playing a provincial bumpkin is that the audience knows the real Lee was cosmopolitan and far from naive.
Fist Of Fury [1972] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This feature, as we all know, was released to Western audiences as "The Chinese Connection". For me this is probably my all-time favorite Bruce Lee movie! I first saw this at a drive-in with my family and it literally blew my mind. Bruce Lee was incredible in this film! His charisma and screen intensity for this masterpiece are second to none. This is one of the best Chinese versus Japanese movies ever made, and it does withstand the test of time! Bruce demonstrates all his amazing skills, including a beat down of the enemy Japanese school complete with nunchuks. My opinion will always be biased when it comes to this film, also starring the ever beautiful Nora Miao as Bruce Lee's love interest! If you collect martial arts films, this classic is a must-have!
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I am from china, so I like the parts about his disproof of the "Sick man of Asia' label, but the movie is not even Bruce's best, let alone the best in China. He uses "nunchakus", incidentally.
Killer Clans (product link) Swordplay/Sword(s) / Martial Arts This rating may be biased, but not by much! This Chor Yuen-directed feature based on a Ku Lung novel is outstanding. There are many plot twists to keep up with, but the viewer gets drawn in due to the wonderful character development. Add the beautiful sets, great action, along with a great cast and you have this entertaining gem to watch. Ku Feng portrays the benevolent head of a secret society trying to fend off betrayal from within, as he plans for every contingency. Yueh Hua is great as he portrays Ku Feng's right hand man, and Tsung Hua is equally great as the killer contracted to murder Ku Feng. A must-see for martial arts fans!
The Kid With The Golden Arm (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is the second film I saw starring the Venoms and is probably my all-time favorite Venoms film. The choreography is not the greatest, but I loved the characters! Kuo Chui gives an outstanding performance as a drunken government agent! Lo Meng is excellent as the villain Golden Arm! Let's not forget Wei Pei's portrayal of an arrogant master swordsman, with whom honor means everything. This film is one of the few starring the original Venom cast, namely Wei Pei ("The Snake"), who also appears in my third favorite Venoms film, "Invincible Shaolin". This film does not have the best fight sequences in a Venoms film, but it is entertaining with a bizarre ending to top it off!
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I don't get why people didn't like it. Perhaps it's natural to hate good things.
Wheels On Meals (product link) Martial Arts / Comedy Some "I only love action" fans will not care for this movie! For me this was a great zany kung fu comedy starring Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and the always under-rated Yuen Biao. The spectacular action at the end, culminating with one of the greatest fights of all time between Jackie Chan and Champion Kick Boxer Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, is testimony enough to watch this film. However, add car chases, skateboards, a castle with a sword-wielding Count, along with the backdrop of Spain, and you have a very entertaining comedy. One that highlights the physical comedy as well as the bad but hilariously funny jokes. Loved it!
An outstanding film set starring Jet Li at his best portraying the legendary Chinese Folk Hero Wong Fei Hung! This is a must have for any martial arts fan. I have of course seen all three films English dubbed but I prefer these three in the original language! The stories are better, for example in the dubbed versions Rosamund Kwan is Jet Li's cousin with the problem of being in love with Li. In the original language versions, she plays his aunt which makes the storylines a little funnier and more compromising. Along with the comedy is Jet Li's explosive fighting skills which culminates into one of the best fights ever against Donnie Yen in part 2. Add Yuen Biao, Chiu Jian Guo the star of South Shaolin Master in part one, and add Max Mok and Xiong Xin Xin with an astonishing Lion Dance Competition in part 3 and you cannot go wrong! All in all some of Jet Li's best body of work produced by the great Tsiu Hark!
Hard Boiled (product link) Action/Adventure / Bullet Ballet The second John Woo film I saw after "The Killer" and my personal favorite! This movie has loads of gun bursting action with a great story! We have drama, loyalty, revenge, and love with a back drop of John Woo's special trademark spectacular stunts! Chow Yun Fat is outstanding as a cop named Tequila, he takes no prisoners. Little Tony Leung is also outstanding as a gun supplier's right hand man! look also for Phillip Kwok (Lizard, "5 Deadly Venoms"), appearing as Anthony Wong's troubleshooter. There is nothing left to say except watch this John Woo classic immediatley!
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There is no finer John Woo gun-fu adventure. He has made more meaningful films, but none with a greater thrill.
The Killer [1989] (product link) Bullet Ballet / Drama The first John Woo movie I ever saw and it totally blew me away. If you like two-fisted gun shooting action, this film is for you! John Woo's American movies ("Face/Off", "Mission Impossible: 2", etc.) are great, but his Chinese productions are the stuff of legend and instant classics! "The Killer", starring Chow Yun-Fat and Danny Lee, is one of John Woo's best--if not the best! "Hard Boiled" and "A Better Tomorrow", along with "The Killer", are what made Chow Yun-Fat a star! "Crouching Who And Hidden What" cannot compare!
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I agree with your assessment. Danny Lee seems to have liked his character and made a career of repeating it. This is in my top 3 John Woo films.
Enter The Dragon (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Bruce Lee's greatest martial arts film which set the standard, and was the early entry into martial art action movies. Bruce is a James Bond like spy sent to an island fortress to participate in a martial arts tournament. While there his mission is to get evidence of on an opium ring using the island as its base of operations. Lee must also face the head of all this, an ex pupil of Shaolin Temple! This was the first and best co-produced martial arts movie between Warner Brothers and Raymond Chow of Golden Harvest Studios. Many have seen this film and most agree that Brue Lee was the best martial arts actor of his time to to his lightning fast moves and unending charisma! The reason I became enamoured with martial arts films was due to this man. He was and is still number one in my book.
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My love of kung fu also began with watching Bruce Lee movies. Entertainment-wise, I like this Bruce Lee movie the most too.
Five Fingers Of Death (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is an older Shaw Brothers film that stands the test of time for me. This film literally helped fan the fire started by the late great Bruce Lee's "Big Boss" into the Karate movie craze of the seventies. Tons of exports came to theatres in the United States due to the success of the "King Boxer", retitled "The Five Fingers of Death" for Western audiences. This film has larger than life heroes, wicked villains, betrayal, and a love triangle. This is Lo Lieh's best performance and one of the few that he is cast as the Hero! I really enjoyed this eternal classic, having seen it as a child in the old movie theatre!
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Judged on its own merits, this is an excellent film; Considering the standards of the time, it is phenomenal. Anyone who likes martial arts cinema should pray to his god(s) thanking him/them for this precedent.
The Avenging Eagle (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Sun Chung directs an outstanding old school classic, choreographed by Tang Chia. This film has great performances all around. Alexander Fu Shing trades in the naive role for a hard edged grim and gritty one. Ti Lung is outstanding as usual as a killer learning right from wrong. Ku Feng is at his villainous best. To me Ku Feng is on par with the villainous characters he portrayed in The New One Armed Swordsman and The Flying Guiolltine 2! Three of his greatest roles with this being the best!
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This is a well conceived and entertaining film, and it seems to mark a transition of Ti Lung's characters from sword stud to man of conscience. This is the first film of Fu Sheng's in which his acting impresses me.
Challenge Of The Masters (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Though I thought the fighting sequences were better in the sequel, "The Martial Club", this movie is better in story and spirit. Gordon Liu is outstanding as Wong Fei Hung learning kung fu from Shaw great Chen Kuan Tai. We see the lessons on kindness, nobility, and justice that director and fight choreographer Liu Chia Liang tries to impart to us. What is also spectacular is watching Liu Chia Liang fight with his brother Liu Chia Yung and then with his pupil Liu Chia Hui!
Fist Of The White Lotus (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure An outstanding remake of "Executioners Of Shaolin" also starring the late great Lo Lieh. Lo Lieh is at his best as Priest White Lotus, head of the White Lotus Clan. Some think that he is portraying Pai Mei whom he has played in "Executioners" and "Abbot Of Shaolin" (a.k.a. "A Slice Of Death"). However, in the English dubbed version of Fist of the White Lotus, Lo Lieh clearly states that he wants revenge for the killing of his classmate Pai Mei. Lo Lieh directs beautifully and the fight sequences are excellent as always when choreographed by Liu Chia Liang! Lo Lieh's best since the classic "King Boxer" (a.k.a. "Five Fingers of Death")!
Drunken Master 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Jackie Chan is outstanding in his portrayal of legendary Chinese Folk Hero Wong Fei Hung.This film has it all, great acting, great cinematography, great musical score, and of course great fight sequences directed by Shaw Brothers legend Liu Chia Liang. Ti Lung and the late beautiful Anita Mui Yim Fong turn in superb performances as Jackie's parents. Their performances are a great blend of seriousness and comedic spice that add to the flavor of an excellent movie.
Boss Nigger (product link) Western / Action/Adventure Fred Williamson is at his best in this blaxploitation western as a black sheriff in a prejudiced town. D'Urville Martin gives a great comic performance as Williamson's Deputy.
During the early nineties, a lot of wire-fu features were produced in HK cinema. Jet Li, as we know, starred in some of the best wire-fu flicks like the "Once Upon A Time In China" films and "Tai Chi Master"! This film is no exception! Jet Li portrays the early life of Chinese folk hero Fong Sai Yuk. Unlike the Shaw Classics starring Alexander Fu Sheng, we get a Fong Sai Yuk full of fun and mischief. The story begins lighthearted but soon turns serious as Fong Sai Yuk and his mother (portrayed by Josephine Siao) discover that Sai Yuk's father is secretly a rebel.
This leads to Jet Li fighting the governor (portrayed by Chiu Man Cheuk) for his father's life in the grand finale. Granted there is a lot of wire-fu, but I loved the comic performances of Jet Li and Josephine Siao. Josephine Siao makes this movie with her comic portrayal as Sai Yuk's kung fu mama! Great movie for wire-fu lovers, comedy lovers, and Jet Li fans! The Dragon Dynasty version does have the original language version, which I recommend!
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"Josephine Siao makes this movie with her comic portrayal as Sai Yuk's kung fu mama!" OH YEAH, SHE DID! But I will give this movie 5 because it was well-written flick.
The Lady Hermit (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great 1971 wuxia classic starring Cheng Pei-Pei as the heroine Lady Hermit. Lady Hermit was wounded by the vicious Black Demon and is in hiding until she recovers. Enter Shih Szu, searching for Lady Hermit in order to become her pupil. Enter Lo Lieh, who falls in love with Lady Hermit thinking she is a simple maid.
Needless to say, Shih Szu soon falls for Lo Lieh, causing a love triangle to ensue. Lady Hermit's cover is blown and she soon faces the Black Demon and his gang. This time she gets help from Lo Lieh and Shih Szu!
Great acting, good special effects, and great fight sequences make this one of Cheng Pei-Pei's best films! A must-have for all Wuxia and Cheng Pei-Pei fans!
The Lady Assassin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great plot and lots of action in this tale of court intrigue directed by Lu Chun-Ku.
Liu Yung gives a great performance as a ruthless Manchu prince that does anything and everything in order to become emperor. Once on the throne, he tries to eliminate all obstacles that threaten his power. Unfortunately for him the beautiful and determined Liu Hsueh-Hua stands in his way!
Great choreography and special effects. The fighting is sped up in some places, however the total package is fun to watch!
Police Story 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Comedy It begins again, the sequel to "Police Story". This time around the villains from the first movie return and threaten Jackie's girlfriend, Maggie Cheung. As if this was not enough, Jackie must also contend with some mad bombers trying to extort money from a rich corporation.
The tone is much darker, but the comedy and death-defying stunts are just about as good as the original, and in some respects better. The sequel tries to focus more on Jackie's relationship with his girlfriend, thus slowing down the pacing of the film. With this said, some viewers may find the movie slow at times, but this is also a drama and not just an action movie.
Look for a great performance from Benny Lai as a deaf mute kicking machine that gives Jackie a run for his money!
Highly recommended for Chan fans, and those that like drama/romance as well as action.
Dreadnaught (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Any film starring the legendary Kwan Tak-Hing as Wong Fei-Hung is worth having in your collection. This feature stars Yuen Biao as a shy laundry worker that gets bullied by everyone. Leung Kar-Yan portrays Leung Foon, a student of Wong Fei-Hung and Yuen Biao's best friend.
The film centers on the relationship between the two as Leung Kar-Yan basically acts as a big brother, helping out from one comedic situation to another. Yuen Shun-Yi is outstanding as the psychotic White Tiger and main villain of the film. The comedy might not work all the time, but the cast is great and the action choreography by the Yuen group is excellent! This is a well rounded film combining action, comedy, and drama.
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Yuen Biao does wonderfully in his first starring role, and Yuen Shun-yi is a marvelous villain. This is in my top 10, if not top 5.
Come Drink With Me (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure A visually stunning film for the eyes, as every scene was filmed in detail. Of course this is what director King Hu is known for. The Dragon Dynasty DVD of "Come Drink With Me" is a must-have for all collections. The film itself shows the beauty and grace of Cheng Pei-Pei as she portrays the character Golden Swallow. Yueh Hua also turns in a great performance as the character Drunken Cat.
For some, the action sequences maybe a little too slow. However, people remember: this was filmed in 1966! This influential classic actually changed how future martial arts movies would be filmed. Along with the beautiful re-mastered print, the Dragon Dynasty DVD offers some great extras, such as interviews with the lead stars. This is one no collection should be without!
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Even dated as it is, this one is an all time classic!
Legendary Weapons Of China (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is an outstanding film testimony to the skills of the great Lau Kar Leung (Liu Chia Liang). This film has spiritual boxing, comedy, outstanding choreographed fights, and character appearances by Gordon Liu and Alexander Fu Sheng. The always underrated Hsiao Ho displays great acting and fighting throughout this feature.
This is a great film culminating in a grand fight finale between Liu Chia Liang and Liu Chia Yung! A must-have for any collection!
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Yes it is an outstanding film! And Hsiao Ho is excellent and amazing. And he can really act! Five Stars!
I did not appreciate this properly when I first saw it. After learning more about Hong Kong film, Shaw Brothers and the brilliant Lau Kar Leung I now find it outstanding.
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Prachya Pinkaew, Panna Rittikrai, and Tony Jaa have put together an outstanding martial arts feature showcasing Muay Thai combined with some awesome acrobatics.
The plot is simple as soon to-be-ordained priest Tony Jaa ventures forth into Bangkok, in order to retrieve the head of the village idol Ong-Bak. The head was stolen by unscrupulous antique thieves. What follows is Tony Jaa's unique Muay Thai style, combined with fantastic acrobatic moves, as he smashes the bad guys! The club fight, chase on carts, and cave fight were outstanding and well choreographed. I loved the use of slow motion combined with live action during the end fights!
Tony Jaa displays great screen presence like the legendary Bruce Lee! A must-have for all action fans!
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I don't think Tony has a match among the martial artists today! Ten Stars!
This film came as a great shock - showing what screen fighting could and should be. It remains to be seen if anyone can match Tony Jaa in the present day.
The Big Boss (product link) Action/Adventure / Martial Arts This film, as every one knows, was released to Western audiences in the United States as "Fists Of Fury". What makes this film so good is that it introduced Bruce Lee into mainstream martial arts movies. This film was a low budget production that benifited greatly from its star. Bruce not only shows us his style, which actually changed the course of martial arts cinema, but he shows great screen presence and a charismatic flair for the camera. I also enjoyed the performances of Maria Yi, James Tien, and Liu Yung. I recommend this film to all Bruce Lee fans, this is a classic that formally introduced the Dragon to the silver screen. For new fans of the great Bruce Lee, remember that this film was produced in the seventies. Again it was low budget, but it's old school kung fu at its best!
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I prefer Lee's three other completed films, but of what other star can it be said that the least of his films is this good?
The Tai Chi Master [1993] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great Jet Li film co-starring Michelle Yeoh, and Chin Siu-Ho. I loved the Dragon Dynasty version with the Chin Siu-Ho interview. The Dragon Dynasty version is also re-mastered and un-cut in both English and the original language. This is an awesome tale of friendship and betrayal as two childhood friends take different paths in life. Both are expelled from Shaolin Temple and must ultimately face each other in a battle of good versus evil. Some may not like the Yuen Wo Ping special effects, because there is plenty of wire-fu in this film. Me personally, I just took it in stride with the movie. There are some great acting performances, especially from Chin Siu-Ho, as we see him transform into a power mad tyrant. Overall the martial arts action is outstanding, but it is laced with Wo Ping's trademark nineties wire-fu, which I happen to like!
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This is one of the most visually enchanting martial arts films of the '90s. Jet Li gives one of his 3 or 4 best fighting performances, and Chin Si-Ho is an extremely competent opponent. While I usually prefer realism to wire fu, this is just beautiful.
Outlaw Of The Forest (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This film opens with a good old school knockdown, drag out fight, between Liu Chia Yung and Ti Lung. It just gets better from here, starring Ti Lung as a no nonsense hero, imprisoned for killing his brother's murderers. Our hero soon gets caught up in intrigue as he helps the prison chief's son regain control of a paradise named "The Happy Forest". Unfortunately the prison chief's boss is the hidden enemy who wants to secretly keep control of the town. This leads to betrayal and a bloody finale that shows how Ti Lung becomes Monk Wu San from "The Water Margin", and its sequel "All Men Are Brothers". We clearly see great acting as well as action from Ti Lung and a good supporting cast. A must-see for all Ti Lung fans!
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It's difficult to pinpoint what works about this film, but it is very appealing. I suspect it would have amounted to very little without Ti Lung's presence. I wouldn't go quite as far as ****1/2, but it's quite worthy.
Fearless [2006] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I thought this was a very entertaining film from the standpoint of Jet Li's acting. This was one of his best and most versatile performances that I have seen. Quite frankly there are better Jet movies when it comes to martial arts action and fight choreography. Take a look at the "Once Upon A Time in China" movies, "Fist Of Legend", "The New Hero Of Shaolin", or "Tai Chi Master", to name a few. However in this particular offering I thought Jet Li Lian-Jie gave a very heart warming performance as Chinese folk hero Huo Yuanjia, in this action/drama/ biopic. Four and a half stars for the acting and wonderful supporting characters. Three stars for those who judge this film only as a martial arts movie.
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Once again I agree with you Sgt T. Jet Li's performance is what made this film great.
yes i totally agree with you sgt.t this film is very entertaining i own the uk version of the film i cant wait to get my hands on the 2 disc directors cut.its without doubt jet li's best film in recent years.
I agree- I wish the newer Jet Li flicks were up to par with Fearless, though it was his martial arts outing, and it was incredible with the story, acting, & of course the fights.
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