The Myth (product link) Action/Adventure / Fantasy "The Myth" has a surprising epic look and feel. Whether it's the period scenes with Chan in ancient China with legions of soldiers, or the modern scenes set in India, everything was beautifully filmed. I don't think any other Jackie Chan film had this much care in each shot, fans should be pleasantly surprised.
[warning: possible spoikers follow] Heck I nearly cried when Meng Yi's faithful horse passed on. Don't worry. Wait until after the film to see the outtakes and you'll see the horse is really alive an well in those scenes.
The Iron Monkey [1977] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Fans of classic Shaw Brothers films will be pleased to recognize Chen Kuan Tai, Wilson Tong, and Chi Kuan Chun. Even "beardy", Leung Kar Yan, is in this as a bad guy. It's clearly a low-budget film, filmed at actual locations and few, if any, sets. "Iron Monkey" was filmed at near the height of this genre's popularity so the fight scenes are not that fast as say, "Flag of Iron" or "Legendary Weapons of Kung Fu". However, there is emphasis on the animal styles, specifically monkey and eagle. Those who are offended by animal cruelty should skip the opening title sequence. There are scenes of an eagle and monkey obviously thrown together to fight. If owning or seeing something like this is more than offensive, than you can pass this altogether. The fight choreography isn't bad and the plot is similar to any other revenge flick of the time. Chen Kuan Tai's monkey is also different than others you may be used to. It's more high up and not low to the ground. The training sequences are also enjoyable to watch, especially when Chen Kuan Tai learns from a monkey.
The Proud Youth (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "The Proud Youth" exhibits the typical trait of a Sun Chung film: lots of good drama with twists and turns. This is also one of the few films I know where Wang Yu doesn't play a clown, instead demonstrating serious acting. There is a good amount of kung fu fights--none as long as in Chang Cheh's or Lau Kar Leung's films, but enough to keep action fans interested. The film has a huge cast, and the costumes are varied also. The only turn off for me was the use of wire-fu in some scenes.
Shaolin Prince (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure It's obvious throughout "Shaolin Prince" that the filmmakers went crazy using wire-fu. That's a shame because there were some good fight scenes but spoiled when the wire-fu came in. Some of the comedy was good and even had an unexpected horror scene. The wire-fu was appropriate in that, though the horror element could have been left out completely. There were a few nice outdoor scenes but not really anything not seen before such as the long stairway up to the Shaolin Temple. However, if all the flying around doesn't bother you, then this elaborate production should satisfy.
Coward Bastard (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure The fights are well choreographed, especially with Wang Lung Wei and Kwan Fung as the bad guys. However, what brought the film down for me were the several attempts at comedy by actors not as memorable as Gordon Liu or Wang Yu. However, the main character is quite capable in kung fu but just didn't have the charisma of more successful Shaw actors.
Ninja In Ancient China (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Don't expect another "5 Element Ninjas", but the fight choreography isn't bad. The film is a kind of bizarre mix of old school fight choreography with the look of non-Shaw Brothers films made in the 1990's. Like any Chang Cheh film, there's lots of violence and tragedy. The stars were unknown to me so they didn't have the same charisma of past Venom greats. They are capable of performing some good acrobatics, but nothing you haven't seen Kuo Chiu, Chiang Sheng, or Lu Feng do better. However, it's a worth watching and completes anyone's Chang Cheh collection.
Kid From Kwangtung (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Really good fight choreography. Wang Yu usual funny as ever and Hwang Jang Lee the kicking king as expected. Chiang Kam is finally showing he can do kung fu rather than just be "fatty" he played in other films! Yuen Tak was underused probably because he was doing double duty as stunt choreographer. Lots of veterans here makes the film shine. The spooky segment was OK but could have been a bit better done. The "chicken" "centipede" dance segment I didn't get. I suppose it was a take on the Lion Dance but still didn't understand it. Still a strong film.
Snake In The Monkey's Shadow (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Snake in the Monkey's Shadow follows the same formula as Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Drunken Master, Jade Claw, and Super Power. If you liked those films, you'll most likely like this one. Its the typical story of a student who learns kung fu then due to some tragic circumstances learns even more advanced kung fu to take revenge. What's interesting was John Chung playing as the hero. He usually played bad guys in Shaw Brothers, Executions from Shaolin and 36th Chamber of Shaolin. What's also good to see are dependable stars Hau Chiu Sing and Wilson Tong. The fight choreography is a bit slow but entertaining.
The Iron Fisted Monk (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I have to mention straight out there was an unnecessary rape scene in this film that certainly influenced the score I gave. The scene could have been left out completely and just mentioned in the past tense. This is supposed to be a kung fu movie and it had no right to be shown at all. Additionally, Sammo's films are also supposed to be mainly comedies so again the scene shouldn't have been included. With everything else the film would have been fine. The fight choreography is very good and what you'd expect of early Sammo films.
Cat Vs. Rat (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great ol' skool classic. Top-notch fight choreography by Lau Kar Leung and perfectly executed by always capable Lau Kar Wing, Fu Sheng, Gordon Liu, and Adam Cheng. It's mainly a comedy more than Lau Kar Leung's other films and works most of the time.
Knockabout [3-Movie Set] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Knockabout follows the formula of Sammo Hung's films from the same period...lots of comedy, then sudden dramatic tragedy, then back to comedy. The formula works to keep variety in the pacing of the film and also keeps you interested in the plot and characters. The main characters have great chemistry and even the incidental characters are pretty memorable due to the comedic and tragic sequences. This is a Yuen Biao film and Sammo doesn't have a lot of screen presence, but when he does, the hilarity goes up a notch. Most of the film is filmed outdoors and the natural light works well considering there doesn't appear to have been any sets used and only actual locations. And of course, the fantastic training scenes display Yuen Biao's great athleticism from his Peking Opera roots. I doubt he had anyone stunt doubling for him and no one in today's films would dare what he, Sammo and Chan did back then.
Avenging Warriors Of Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Venoms fans rejoice. This classic Chang Cheh film is well-liked because most of the Venoms are here: Kuo Chiu, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Sun Chien, and Chiang Sheng. There's also some nice comedic moments, especially between Lo Meng and Kuo Chiu. Fans of "Ten Tigers From Kwangtung" will notice Kuo Chiu's character is basically doing a similar--if not the same--style as the character in that film "whose specialty is anything can be a weapon", right down to the bowl and chopsticks weapon fight. Great choreography, especially the end boss battle. Not as over the top as the scissors kick at the end of "Ten Tigers", but still enough that you have to have a suspension of disbelief to enjoy it.
[NOTE: This review refers to the Hong Kong DVD by Celestial.] Fantastic! Great surprises! Finally, after all these years, we get to see the complete version of this classic [on the Celestial DVD]. Comparing to my old VHS recording from TV decades ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see scenes I never thought existed. To me, compared to other edited for TV flicks, CSN was the most edited. Maybe because CSN was probably the goriest and bloodiest kung fu movie that aired. Now we get to see all the volumes of blood spurting everywhere we were never allowed to see. It's no coincidence Chang Cheh made most of characters wear all white clothes and filmed mostly in daylight. Add to that, the newly restored sound and colors! It's amazing how many colors are used in such a film so full of death and destruction. Today's films like this would have all been predictably dark and monotone. Chang Cheh was a genius to go against the norm.
The Secret Rivals (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great old school kung fu with little or no special effects, relying on more real skills of the actors. The budget was noticeably small as all the scenes seem to be filmed on location, without sets, and used natural lighting. John Liu's kicks are the highlight here, but after awhile you'll realize he's limited to doing them all from standing positions. In comparison, Sun Chien of the Venoms does varieties of kicks standing, rolling on the floor, on poles, etc.
House Of Traps (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "House of Traps" was one of the last of Chang Cheh's films and had his trusty Venoms in it. The fights though aren't as breathtaking or memorable as in "Spearman of Death" or "Avenging Warriors of Shaolin", which is typical of his later works.
The Kid With The Golden Arm (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure For some bizarre reason, many of the actors were stiff throughout the film, rambling dialogue like emotionless string puppets even though in other films before and after they were full of life. However, putting aside that, this "Kid with the Golden Arm" is a Chang Cheh film with the Venoms. Though the fights do tend to look more choreographed than their other films, they are entertaining to watch. Like any of Chang Cheh's films, there are plenty of plot twists and surprises and of course many unusual ways the heroes and bad guys get killed off.
Shaolin Master Killer (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "Shaolin Master Killer" is probably the most beloved of all Shaolin-themed kung fu films. It had student who new only ethics and adapted it to succeed in mastering Shaolin martial arts. With all his friends and family wiped out by the Manchus, his quest for justice takes it a step further in the end. It's the the kind of film that makes you cheer for the hero after seeing what he's been through and will leave you satisfied in the end and maybe a tear or two.
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Exactly so! This is a great, touching, exciting film.
The Martial Club (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Great fight choreography--what you'd expect from Liu Chia Liang (aka Lau Lar Leung). Seems large in scope with many actors and extras. The duel between Gordon Liu and Johnny Wang (aka Wang Lung Wei) at the end is memorable and a fan favorite for traditional martial arts styles aficionados. Certainly worthy of anyone's personal Shaw Brothers library.
Lightning Kung Fu (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This movie isn't known for great fight choreography on the level of a Chang Cheh or Liu Chia Liang film. The fight scenes are more like slower samurai swordplay films. However, what drew me into the film is the great story and drama. The actors here including the main actor, Chen Kuan Tai, are in other action-heavy films but this film shows they can really act. The plot twists and eerie atmosphere are perfect for this film. In fact, if it had more action, it may have detracted viewers from the director's original intent. The ending shocking and memorable, and really hits home.
The Young Avenger [1980] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Fans of Wang Yu and Wilson Tong should enjoy this. Wang Yu is his usual comedic self and Wilson Tong, well, his fancy footwork is fantastic. If you've seen him in "The Victim" with Sammo Hung, then you know what I mean. Wang Yu fumbling with his improvized weapons is hilarious and certainly suits him. It's just too bad the budget wasn't anywhere close to a typical Shaw Brothers or Golden Harvest film. It could've benefitted from some extra cash because kung fu is pretty good and the two stars perform as you'd expect and won't disappoint.
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