Bio: Movie and sports enthusiast.Growing up as youngsters in the 80's my sister and I loved going to the movies especially to watch the weekend martinee. It was during these visits that we were exposed to kung Fu movies which even today still generates excitement and entertainment in our households. We are heartened by the fact that these movies are now available on DVD'S giving us the opportunity to share with friends and loved ones.
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The 7 Grandmasters (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Definitely one of the most entertaining movies of the genre. It is blessed with lots of beautifully choregraphed fighting styles from fighters at the peak of their powers.Jack Long and Lee I Min are in sublime form and make this one of the all time classics. For fans of kung fu in its purest form, this is a most worthwhile investment. Shapes galore!!!!
Chinese Super Ninja (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This movie, along with "Five Deadly Venoms", are my two favourite old school Shaw Brothers kung fu flix. I remember how everyone in the theatre was filled with emotions when I first saw this movie in the mid 80s. This movie deserves 10 stars out of five if you understand what I mean. I am extremely happy that the original version has been restored and his now available for collectors like myself. I gaurantee anyone that watches this movie will never forget it. A true classic from start to finish, one of the all-time best.
The Invincible Armour (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Another masterpiece featuring the legendary Hwang Jang Lee and his on-screen nemesis, John Liu. A flowing movie from start to finish, highlighted by a great story, several twists, nice fighting and an outstanding cast. A real collector's item.
Jet Li plays one of the most beloved Chinese folklore heroes in this film, the infamous Wong Fei Hung. This was truly a remarkable story which catapulted Jet Li into international stardom after struggling for a couple years following his breakout blockbuster, "Shaolin Temple". This film depicted a clash of cultures between contrasting societies (east and west) with the western culture or ideology having an immediate impact on China in the late 19th century, psychologically, morally, spiritually and economically; and one man's courage, compassion, patriotism and ultimate heroism to save his country.
A very powerful movie, blessed with great acting, martial arts, choreography, directing, costumes, emotions, conflict, tradition and breathtaking picture quality. Another great must have Jet Li that produced quite a few sequels and re-established him as one of Asia's greatest stars. Fans will also enjoy one of the, if not the, most captivating opening sequences in theme song and training ever recorded in a kung fu film. It is like witnessing poetry in motion (Chinese aerobics). Brilliant!!!!
Born Invincible [PanMedia] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
"Born Invincible" is one of those good vs. evil, train hard and get revenge old school classics. It features a great cast with the likes of the villainous Lo Lieh and Carter Wong as two evil masters. Carter Wong's portrayal of the white-haired Tai Chi master killer is truly outstanding, and his moves will make you rewind the DVD repeatedly. Other noticeable performances came from Jack and Mark Long from "7 Grandmasters" and "Mystery of Chess Boxing" fame and Corey Yuen and Yuen Shun-Yee of "Dance of the Drunk Mantis" playing different student roles.
The movie contained all the ingredients of a classic: A great story, villains, great training & fighting sequences, perseverance, beautiful choreography and directing and an unexpected strategy to defeat the seemingly invincible Carter Wong. Watch out for Wong's high pitched voice and incredible drawings with his feet while fighting. This is quite a memorable movie and one in which I am proud to have in my possession.
The Secret Rivals 2 (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure "Secret Rivals 2" was a very impressive sequel, this movie made you stand up and take notice. A decent storyline that was taken to another level by the outstanding cast, which included the irrepressible Hwang Jang Lee who hardly breaks a sweat in his fights. Another collector's item that brings one of the very best fight finales ever seen on the big screen. Magnificent!!!!
The Secret Rivals (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure When a young and naive Wang Tao cancelled his contract with Golden Harvest, after being promised the lead role in Secret Rivals his second film, he didn't know it would have been an overnight success. Although he later learned at a press conference that he was in fact the co-star to the equally unknown John Liu and the famous silver fox Hwang Jang Lee, two legendary bootmasters. Nevertheless, this classic kung fu movie paved the way for many other movies to follow and probably renewed interest in the martial arts world after Bruce Lee's death. It was so popular a sequel was made. As a fan of all three actors this was a must have for my collection.
The Buddha Assassinator (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This movie, which stars a low-profile kid, had quite a remarkable fight finale, with the youngster acquitting himself very well against the famous Hwang Jang Lee a.k.a Silver Fox.
Two Champions Of Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Another Shaw Brothers movie featuring two of my favorite Venoms: Lo Mang and Chiang Sheng. Some serious fighting and good choreography make up for the predictable plot. If you're a Venoms collector, get this; otherwise make up your own mind based on the reviews.
Avenging Warriors Of Shaolin (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Although this movie featured the celebrated Venoms cast, it did not live up to expectations due to a very confusing and unimpressive storyline. Not their best film; however, your views might differ from mine.
Fist Of The White Lotus (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure A real top-notch kung fu movie loaded with superstars Lo Lieh, Gordon Liu and Wang Lung Wei, who tore up the screen. This movie has it all: shapes, humor, costumes and a beautiful finale. A collector's item indeed.
Shaolin Master Killer (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Though this movie is highly rated by many, I would not place it in the same category of films such as "Five Venoms", "Chinese Super Ninjas" or Jet Li's "Shaolin Temple". Nevertheless, it was a trendsetter in the 70's and it's filled with some memorable training and fighting scenes in the "Shaolin Temple". A decent movie.
Shaolin Intruders (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure A nicely paced movie with an interesting father/daughter plot near the end, some nice fight scenes in the temple and the wonderful cast just increase the tempo to crazy heights. Derek Yee, Philip Kao Fei and Jason Pai Pai produce outstanding performances here.
Shaolin Martial Arts (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I was a bit tentative when I saw the year of production, as I like fast fighting in my movies. I must confess I was glad to have bought this movie as it featured all the right ingredients, nice storyline,nice fighting scenes, beautiful choreography nothing superficial and my favourite spectacular scenery. I don't know why but I love the music that was played at the river scene, it just sounded unique and original. A very good movie.
Killer Army [Ground Zero] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure I didn't like this movie. It was the most confusing Venoms flick I've seen, and I wonder who wrote this script. If you like hide and seek games then this movie is for you.
The Snuff Bottle Connection [5-Disc Set] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure Any movie featuring the great Hwang Jang Lee and John Lui is a real treat, and this movie lived up to my expectations. Some excellent fight scenes, predictable but interesting plot, how can one betray his own country? I guess that's why greed and power is rooted in human nature.
The Iron Monkey [1977] (product link) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure This movie was a mixed bag with the hero playing a villain as well in order to get close to the bad guys. Good acting throughout. I just love Chen Kuan Tai for his graceful movements and intensity. This film will get varying reviews for its storyline, however, remember a lot these films are portraying real events in early Chinese history.
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