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ol skee's Ratings & Reviews (20 Max.):
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 |  |  | |  Shaolin Vs. Ninja (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Much better than "Shaolin vs. Tai Chi", which i thought was garbage. The plot in a way blends themes from "Invincible Shaolin" and "5 Element Ninjas". In other words, you have two Shaolin factions tricked into fighting each other (except it's Chinese Shaolin vs Japanese Shaolin) and then ninjas vying for domination. The plot is nothing spectacular, as it's been covered in various movies before, but it's easy to follow. Action choreography is good, as expected from the Robert Tai camp. I can't say this is a flick that I would watch over and over. It just doesn't have that appeal. But for those that are into the Shaolin/ninja/China/Japan exploitation angle, this one is for you.
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| | | |  Shaolin Vs. Tai Chi (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
This movie was a letdown. Classify this into the "if it's an indie/rare it has to be good" overhyped category. Although minor, the music score sucked. Now let's get into the plot/direction. I couldn't make sense of what was going on until halfway into the movie. Basically, you have a friendly fight between the Shaolin monks and the Taoist clan. They reach a stalemate in their fight, so they decide to train students who will carry on their fight (this kind of story has been done before in other movies). The Shaolin monks pick up the "chief" of the beggars as their disciple while the Taoist clan pick up what appears to be a lord's son. Most of the movie shows the Shaolin disciple preparing for the upcoming match with the Taoist disciple. In between, you see the bad guy plotting to steal Shaolin's gold seal or something. Long story short, you get to see some betrayal action and the Shaolin disciple and Taoist disciple play a key role in between. Is there lots of action? Yes, there is. Is the story/plot/direction engaging? No, it's utter crap. This is what plagues a lot of "indie" films in my opinion, because the low budget/lack of direction really shows. The action couldn't save this at all for me. I will say the redeeming factor is that they do try to portray Buddah's teachings throughout the movie and especially in the end. If you like rares and indies for the sake of being on that bandwagon, have a look at this. |
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| | | |  Baian The Assassin Vol. 2 (see film details)
TV Shows/Movies / Action/Adventure
In Vol. 1 you pretty much hit the story arc (at least what I have noticed so far--still need to watch Vols. 3 & 4). I have to get this out of the way first before somebody writes up a review based on ignorance: IF YOU ARE EXPECTING NON-STOP ACTION, LOOK ELSEWHERE (go view "Shadow Warriors", "Lone Wolf And Cub", etc.)! If you do not mind a slow building drama where the action/assassination (minimal and straight to the point) culminates near the end of the episode, then give this series a try. This is not your hack-and-slash type jidageki. The basic premise is that Baian, an acupuncturist, is given assassination jobs by his motojime and is aided by his friend, Hiko. The two gather recon on how to take out their targets and they time their assassinations at the most critical hour. From this Volume, episode 4 is clearly the best one, and I like it the most out of the first two volumes. There is a lot more action in this than previous episodes as well. If you liked Volume 1 then you will like Volume 2. Again, don't expect this to be a free-for-all slash fest. |
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| | | |  Baian The Assassin Vol. 1 (see film details)
TV Shows/Movies / Action/Adventure
I had low expectations before watching this (based on the lack of favorable reviews) and was pleasantly surprised. By no means is this an action-packed entry. If you are expecting something on the lines of "Lone Wolf And Cub", "Mute Samurai", or even "Shadow Warriors", don't even bother watching this series. It's a slow builder where Baian and his friend gather recon on how to assassinate their targets. What I find interesting is how Baian (who uses his acupuncture needles) and his toothpick/blowdart making friend, Hikojiro, are able to effectively use these methods to kill versus traditional samurai/ninja means (i.e using swords). I especially wondered how they would pull it off in the second episode when they are up against four ronins. I don't think this is the best jidageki I've ever seen, but its not as bad as some people make it out to be.
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| | | |  Heroes Two (see film details)
Action/Adventure / Martial Arts
I was expecting not to like this one but it pleasantly suprised me. It's a decent Shaolin cycle movie. Basic Shaolin vs. Manchu plot. Good action by Fu Sheng and Chen Kuan Tai. Get if you are a fan of both.
| | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | agree with your review | JV47842 |
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| | | |  The Heroic Ones (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
An epic movie with a heavy emphasis on story, but with a balance of action. If you are expecting lighting and excessive action, then look elsewhere. The action choreography definitely looks slow/dated, but that's not a problem because the story is engaging. Ti Lung has an awesome scene near the end when defending Ku Feng.
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| | | |  What Price Honesty? (see film details)
Crime / Action/Adventure
How am I the first one rating this? This is actually a decent title. A dark tale of corruption and power. Pai Piao plays an honest officer trying to uphold justice, and Sun Chien even has a good supporting role in this film. You are pulling for him to overcome all odds throughout the movie. Lo Lieh has a good role as a villain as well. I definitely recommend it.
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| | | |  The Weird Man (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Appropriately titled movie. Decent amount of action but the storyline/plot is a mess. Lots of illogical sequences too. Very disappointing for Baby Venoms fans. Only have in your collection for completion's sake and nothing more.
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| | | |  Shaolin Temple [1976] (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Excellent Shaolin-based movie boasting an all-star cast. Much better than "5 Shaolin Masters" (which has a cheap indie feel to it) by a landslide. Has great training scenes, and when the action comes to a head near the end it's all-out pandemonium. Highly reccomend
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| | | |  Secret Service Of The Imperial Court (see film details)
Action/Adventure / Martial Arts
I agree with the previous reviewer's comments. Good role for Beardy. If this movie didn't have undercranking (speeding-up of fights), I would have given this at least a 4 1/2 rating. The eunuch that beardy faces is totally flaming. A lot of silly wirework in this movie too. If you want realistic fights, look elsewhere. If you like crazy wirework and undercranking, then this is for you. I will say that the plot/story is decent enough sans the other cons of the movie.
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| | | |  Gang Master (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Not a bad setup/betrayal movie with lots of action. My only complaint is the "say a Chinese proverb, do a kung fo move" (you will know what I mean once you watch it). Although, you figure out who the guilty parties are a lil' after the midpoint, it's got an intriguing plot to keep you occupied 'til the end. This is one of the SB titles that kinda' fell under the radar
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| | | |  The Flying Guillotine 2 (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
I didn't think much of this movie to be honest. Not even Ti Lung could save this flick. I will say that Ku Feng played his bad guy roll to a "T". There's enough action, but the overall movie is lacking depth.
| | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | I agree with u on the 3 star rating. I also thought it was lacking depth. | JV47842 |
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| | | |  Five Shaolin Masters (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
I'm gonna' go against the tide and say this movie is overhyped. I thought this was a mediocre film at best. "Shaolin Temple" was way better in my opinion. Yes there's lots of action throughout the movie, but it seemed like something was missing to draw me into the movie more. The plot is standard Shaolin rebels vs. Manchus. If you are a Fu Sheng/Chi Kuan Chun/David Chiang/Ti Lung fan, you will like this; but if you're expecting it to be on par with "Shaolin Temple", don't be (amazing what a two-year difference in choreography can make). I will say that David Chiang puts on a decent performance with the whip chain.
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| | | |  The Shaolin Avengers [1976] (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
I didnt think this movie was that great. The whole anus this was well, shitty. I didnt like the flashback narrative. The action was decent but there are better Shaolin vs. Wu Tang/Pai Mei movies out there
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| | | |  The Blood Brothers (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
A good plot-driven story where ambition, love, and deception tear a group of individuals apart. Ti Lung is an ambitious fighter who is on a quest for power. Chen Kuan Tai and David Chiang are bandits who are influenced by Ti Lung's passion for power and all three become blood brothers. Long story short, Ti Lung becomes a maniacal general who will stop at nothing to get more power and to get Chen Kuan Tai's wife. This causes a rift between all parties and the only way to settle it is to fight to the death. This has plenty of action peppered throughout the movie. Ti Lung plays a villain quite well. I only wish something more sinister happened to Cheng Li. Good plot, okay action.
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| | | |  Clan Feuds (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Plotwise this is just a disaster. Cramming a novel into 90 minutes is a hard thing to do, and Chu Yuan should have broken this up maybe into two installments. There are a lot of "wtf" moments from the beginning of the movie to the ending revelation. However, there is a redeeming factor and there is plenty of action to keep you occupied. Ti Lung along with an all star cast try to carry this movie through, but it just falls short.
| | LOG IN TO COMMENT ON THIS REVIEW! | | AGREE? | READER COMMENTS | AUTHOR | | Y | Probably 3and a half stars for me. Ti Lung and the cast kept this one going. The director however was not Chu yuan but was Chang Peng Yi, he does a credible job here but not like Chu Yuan. | Sgt. T |
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| | | |  The Bamboo House Of Dolls (see film details)
Drama / Martial Arts
This movie is about as exploitative and campy as they get. If that's your thing then you will like this movie, but if you are looking for a well thought-out original plot, look elsewhere. Saving graces are gratuitous amounts of nudity. Isn't that why most of us watch these kind of movies in the first place?
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| | | |  Legend Of The Fox (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
I was actually suprised by this movie. I had expectations that it was bad (after watching "Ode To Gallantry", you may expect why). It may not be the best but it deserves a watch. Standard avenging plot with some good swordplay thrown in and a lil' bit of poisons as well. It may be longer than most Venom movies, but if you are a Venoms fan you will enjoy this in your collection
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| | | |  Lightning Kung Fu (see film details)
Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Although it's not high on action like a LKL or Venoms movie, there is an engaging plot that keeps you interested throughout the whole movie. I have to agree that the fighting is at the pace and level of a samurai movie. Don't expect acrobatics or shapes. Fans of Chen Kuan Tai will love this movie.
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