Agreement:80% of 5 voters agree with KH9906's reviews Gender: Male Age: 25 Location: Little Rock
Bio: I've been a big fan of martial arts movies since I was a kid. I was raised on Bruce Lee videos and had the opportunity to meet and perform before a real Grandmaster (H.U. Lee, 9th degree Songahm Traditional Taekwondo) by the time I was 11. I'm a big fan of Golden Harvest and Sesonal Films. I'm growing more fond of Shaw Bros everyday. Coming from a Taekwondo background, John Liu, Dorian Tan and Hwang Jang Lee are some of my favorites actors. I also believe that Sammo Hung is highly underrated.
The Hand of Death aka Countdown in Kung Fu (1976) is a vastly underrated early work by director John Woo. Many people believe, or have been lead to believe by deceptive advertising, that this is a Jackie Chan film. This is not a Jackie Chan film, Dorian Tan is the star but Jackie gives one of his best (most serious) early performances.
The martial arts action in the film is above average under the direction of Sammo Hung. Dorian Tan uses his trademark high kicks very effectively as the "Northern eighteen styles kicks" and uses some "Southern five styles boxing." Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan provide excellent martial arts performances as well. James Tien is not the greatest martial artist on the Jade screen but does an acceptable job. Some of the early fights are a bit slow and seem over choreographed but the final showdowns featuring Chan, Tan and Hung are very good.
Director John Woo provides plenty of interesting character development in the film, which is refreshing. The cinematography by Leung Wing Kat is very stylish, unique and beautiful for a kung fu film of this era. Joseph Koo's music: a combination of soft flutes and 70's "Shaft" style orchestral pieces is kung fu cinema at its best.
Hand of Death aka Countdown in Kung Fu is an underrated classic in the old school kung fu genre. The film is one of the best artistically of its time and a preview of the great things to come from Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung.
Hand of Death is a stylish old school kung fu film and a solid early work of the legendary John Woo.
The Secret Rivals (1976) is a fantastic independent kung fu film by the legendary Ng See Yuen and is perhaps one of the 10 best films of the martial arts genre.
The Secret Rivals is a story about two strangers who come to town with different motives, one is out for justice the other for revenge. Eventually they have to work together to accomplish their secret shared goal.
Filmed in Korea among beautiful pagodas and ancient temples, the Secret Rivals features plenty of the local martial art- Taekwondo. This movie is perhaps the greatest kicking movie of all time. Real life Taekwondo masters and screen kicking legends John Liu and Hwang Jang Lee put on an absolute kicking exhibition with flying kicks, jump spinning kicks and nearly vertical side kicks.
John Liu puts on an awesome display of flexibility and kicking ability in this film and proves that he is perhaps one of the most flexible actors in the history of kung fu cinema. Liu also gives a solid acting performance as the "northern leg" Shao Yi-Fei, a man who is a "loner by nature." Wang Tao gives a charismatic performance as "southern fist" Sheng Ying Wei. Wang Tao is in tremendous shape in this film and gives a terrific physical performance, perhaps the best of his career. Secret Rivals was also a breakthrough film for Hwang Jang Lee. Lee brings a powerful presence to the screen as the evil "Silver Fox", one of the greatest villains in the genre's history. As a real life 7th degree black belt of Taekwondo, Lee convincingly holds his own against the talented Liu and Tao.
The Secret Rivals is a bit slow starting as a lot of plot and backstory are introduced but the action heats up big time when the Silver Fox (Lee) drops in. Secret Rivals features a unique "spaghetti western" sound track (The Big Gundown by Ennio Morricone) with pounding drums, twanging electric guitar, blaring brass section and angelic choral singers. The film is really helped out by great supporting performances featuring many talented martial artists in smaller roles.
Li Ming Wen (Tommy Lee) and Chang Chuan do a fantastic job at fight choreography. Many kung fu films around the same time had dance-like, over choreographed fight sequences. The Secret Rivals features a faster, more brutal, and realistic style of fight choreography.
The Secret Rivals is a fantastic first effort for Seasonal Films and is one of the best independent martial arts films ever made. Solid writing and direction by Ng See Yuen, great physical performances by John Liu, Hwang Jang Lee and Wang Tao plus some nice stunt work by Yuen Baio make the Secret Rivals one of the very best films of the kung fu genre.
Shaolin Chastity Kung Fu (1981) is an interesting, entertaining and very cheap film. It is about a group of 30 or so kids (5 to 18 years old) who train in the art of kung fu and take revenge on an evil gang. After a village is burned and all of the adults are killed, the town children are left orphaned. Two Shaolin monks discover the children and give them refuge at the temple. While in their care the monks decide to teach the children the art of Shaolin Kung Fu so they can protect themselves.
There is surprisingly plenty of bloody martial arts action in this film, yet it has its child friendly moments as well. The martial arts action in this movie is surprisingly good. Not only is there Kung Fu (and Karate), there is plenty of amazing acrobatics as well. The kids are very well trained and do some unbelievable physical stunts.
At the end of the film the group of kids, after being brutally trained in Shaolin Kung Fu, work together to fight the 9 Devils gang. The fight sequences with the kids are not fake like children's movies today, they are truly impressive. The kids really did all the stunts. It is really pretty harsh (and comical) the way the bandits beat on the kids. You won't see anything like this made in America! Alexander Lou (Incredible Kung Fu Mission) turns in a good performance as the eldest brother. Lou is the star of the film though there are plenty of other talented kids who give great physical performances. The last 20 minutes or so of this movie is packed with martial art showdowns between bandits, kids, monks and teens. The movie has some light moments and tries to preach a positive message about toleration of other cultures (Japanese). My only complaints with this film is some over the top wire work and a lot of really bad acting.
I was very surprised by how entertaining this movie was and how well done the action sequences were featuring the kids. There are a lot of silly (stupid) gags along the way that are kind of funny, sometimes unintentionally. Shaolin Chastity Kung Fu is fun and silly and not to be taken too seriously. It is definitely one of the most unique kung fu movies and is certainly the most hardcore children's movie ever made. If you are looking for a truly unique movie and a few laughs too, check out Shaolin Chastity Kung Fu.
Stroke Of Death (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "Stroke Of Death" is truly an old school gem. "Stroke Of Death" has the best of both worlds: high Shaw Brothers production values and great martial arts choreography and performances you sometimes find in independent productions like the "Secret Rivals." The kung fu in this film is way above average, and I would say better and faster than anything you would find Lau Kar-Leung or Sammo Hung doing in 1979. The story is interesting, and director Lo Mar gives the film a fast pace similar to "Drunken Master" or other Chan films of the same era. Tony Ching Siu-Tung and Hau Chiu Sing are unbelievable and perform some of the most realistic and efficient Monkey Kung Fu you’ll ever see. Some undercranking in the last five minutes almost ruins it for me, but overall I’d say "Stroke Of Death" is a stroke of martial arts genius.
AGREE?
READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
Y
great flick, but NO ONE was better than Sammo or LKL in 1979.
The Avenging Eagle (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "The Avenging Eagle" is a stylish old school masterpiece. The film has an excellent story with interesting writing, including many great twists and shockers. Director Suen Chung tells the story in a unique way using flashbacks, slow motion and freeze frame. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking and the most stylish since “One Armed Swordsman" (1967). The kung fu action is above average, featuring weapons such as the three section staff, swords, knives, rings and more. There is a lot of jumping around but there is minimal use of wires. Ti Lung and Alexander Fu Sheng are great in the action scenes and perform just as well in the dramatic scenes. I've never been a big fan of Alexander Fu Sheng as a martial artist, but he impresses me here.
"The Avenging Eagle" is an extremely well crafted old school film and a definite must have!
The Art Of High-Impact Kicking (product link) Instructional / Martial Arts Hwang Jang Lee, the greatest villain in kung fu cinema, in an old school instructional video? Totally awesome! In the film Lee does a great job of displaying the proper technique for several dozen taekwondo kicks. The opening vignette is very entertaining and establishes Lee’s mastery of the kicking art. Lee proceeds to perform some amazing kicks throughout the video which is very entertaining. Cheezy 80’s instructional video music and graphics also add to the entertainment level of the film. The video is informational enough to learn from but I prefer it simply for the novelty of it. Recommended for martial arts students and big fans of Hwang Jang Lee.
The 7 Grandmasters (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "The 7 Grandmasters" is one of the best kung fu films you will ever find. They don’t come much better than this. The martial arts action is very fast, unique, impressively executed, and non-stop. There are a few wire tricks and camera gags but nothing really over the top or distracting. The story is interesting and allows for an endless amount of kung fu showdowns. "The 7 Grandmasters" has just about every thing one could want and expect from an old-school martial arts film. Though it is a cheap independent film, the big studios ain’t got nothing on it.
The Death Duel Of Kung Fu [DOUBLE FEATURE] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "Death Duel of Kung Fu" is another fun teaming of John Liu and Wong Tao. It is no "Secret Rivals" or "Hot, Cool and the Vicious" but is still entertaining and action packed. Some of the plot elements are similar to the “The Secret Rivals” so it almost seems like a rehash. The martial arts action is above average but it always seems like the heroes fight the same three henchmen with the same three weapons the entire movie. Phillip Ko is no Hwang Jang Lee but is villainous and talented enough to require a double team. The western film score and shots of the hero walking alone along the countryside are quite cool. John Liu and Wong Tao are charismatic actors and talented martial artists so I recommend the film based on their performances.
The film is a solid bargin buy.
AGREE?
READER COMMENTS
AUTHOR
N
The lead villian was Eagle Han Ying not Phillip Ko and Wong Tao doesn't show an ounce of charisma. Some of your other points are valid though
"Warriors Two" belongs in the pantheon of the greatest old school kung fu movies ever made. Sammo Hung and Leung Kar Yan are at their best in this film. Casanova Wong, Fung Hak On and Lee Hoi Sang are great in their supporting roles.
The martial arts action in this film is some of the best that Sammo Hung has ever performed and directed. There is some use of wirework, camera tricks and fantasy elements here but mostly it is just great wing chun kung fu. "Warriors Two" is a Sammo Hung film so there is a lot of silliness, but there are some intense scenes as well. There are many great training scenes and tons of weapons and styles displayed here. Since this is a Golden Harvest production there are high production values and a stable of good stuntmen such as Lam Ching Ying and Yuen Biao.
This film presents Sammo Hung at his peak. This is one of my personal favorites and I highly recommend it.
The Leg Fighters (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This is definitely not the best kicking movie of all time--far from it. Despite the cool title, the film does not deliver. The story is boring. The comedy is too lame. There is not enough Dorian Tan or good martial arts action.
I’m a big fan of Dorian Tan and independent kung fu flicks and I wanted to like “The Leg Fighters”, but I just can’t recommend it.
Two Great Cavaliers (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "The Two Great Cavilers" is not so great. I expected great things and was disappointed. There is too much melodrama, not enough action. The choreography is amateurish, the film is dark, and for stretches it’s just plain boring. When action does break out, it's pretty lame and unbelievable. Even the great Chen Sing is not so great. One highlight of the film is the great cast: there are lots of cool stars.
I’m a huge fan of John Liu, but I was disappointed. This is definitely not “The Secret Rivals” or “Invincible Armor.” I don't think I can recommend it.
Dirty Ho (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Not my favorite Gordon Liu/Liu Chia-Liang collaboration. There is too much talk and not enough action. There are a couple of interesting fight scenes, but not enough to be completely satisfying. I found the film a bit boring.
If you are a fan of Gordon Liu, you should add it to your collection eventually, but check out “36th Chamber of Shaolin,” "Shaolin vs. Ninja,” “8 Diagram Pole Fighter” or “Fist of the White Lotus” first.
"Eastern Condors" is one of Sammo Hung’s best films. The action in this film rivals the great Hollywood action films of the 80’s. Some of the awesome stunts here would never be attempted in an American production. There are a few scenes of martial arts action, and it is great. Mostly, "Eastern Condors" is a shoot ‘em up in the tradition of “First Blood” and “Commando".
The film is filled top to bottom with stars, features great stunts, humor, great production values, and is photographed very well. "Eastern Condors" is one of Hung's most well crafted films as a director. The film is a fun and different turn for the Golden Harvest martial arts stable. Sammo is in great shape for this film: a lean mean fighting machine! This is the only Hong Kong action film I can think of featuring an Academy Award Winner (Dr. Haing S. Ngor- Best Supporting Actor 1985- “The Killing Fields”)!
Yes, the story is a rip-off of many American films ("The Dirty Dozen", "Rambo II", "Missing in Action"), but the action has a Hong Kong twist. The film has its melodrama and over-the-top acting, but I believe "Eastern Condors" is one of the best Hong Kong action films of the 80’s. Highly recommended.
SECURE CREDIT CARD PROCESSING BY VERISIGN.
1100 users online right now / 511893 visitors since 11/29/2009 5:34:49 AM All content copyright 2000+ HKFlix.com, not to be used without written permission.
