It seems somewhere in the boon time of the mid and late 70s, a terrible formula developed where the creative team would come up with one or two clever hooks for a movie (in this case telling the story through flashbacks and an Achilles' heel up the star's ass), then build a by-the-numbers film aorund it. We've all seen them--huge fights where most of the extras just stand there, weak choreography, nonsensical plot developments (hey, here are a bunch of poles, let's fight on top of them!).

Unless [you're a completist], don't waste your money.
 

It should be said up front that there are about 2 1/2 actual fight scenes in this entire movie.

Aside from that it is an enjoyable film, Gordon Liu young and with hair has some fun training scenes with Chen Kuan-Tai playing the old master. Lua Kar-Leung plays a villian (?!) and there's some great sets.

Good story, camerawork and script, but if you want action definitely look elsewhere.
 

If you're looking for straight action, look elsewhere. If you want a decent film that has some good action featured, boom, this is it.
 

So: good fights, great acrobatics, not a must-see but well worth it.
 

The Marco Polo character never really enagages anything, just sort of stands around and watches random fights that are not well tied into the plot.

With the cast and the previously unexplored (and rich) storyline, this movie should be great. Instead it's dull, making it that much more disappointing.
 

There is a simple yet interesting plot and good believable characters. One of the major strengths is that this movie exists within an hoest realm with plausible conflicts.

Aside from that it features amazing choreography and is bookended by an amazing lion dance sequence (at the start) and maybe the best one-on-one fight in any kung-fu film (at the end).

If you want good action, this is it.
 

I always thought the plot was weak at best and, aside form the opening sequence, that the action sequences were nothing special.

I wouldn't get your hopes up about this one.
 

A combination of two of the original six movies, I don't care if it's repackaged for short American tastes, this movie hits.

Great script, acting, beautiful sets and fight sequences, quotable dialog...this is a definite classic.
 

Jackie Chan's comedic style is in top form and his kung-fu has never ever looked as good, thanks to direction/choreography from Shaw Bros. legend Liu Chia-Liang (who also has a sweet cameo).

This is an absolute must-own--great plot, acting, characters, action.
 

If you can see it, sure, but I wouldn't bother buying.
 

The "crippled" aspect put a whole new twist on the plot and action sequences that you don't usually see (one-armed themed movies aside). And they come up with some clever training exercises and fighting styles patterned around this.

The action sequences are great and the evil guys really are evil. I found it completely enjoyable.

The only shortcoming is that there are a couple of characters moved in and then out of the film without time onscreen.
 

This is evidently the inspiration for the '90s Ti Lung/Sammo Hung classic "Blade of Fury."

The remake does a far superior job making you believe the plot and the fraternal bonds of the sword master and the political reformer which forms the central device of the film. It also contains far superior action sequences.

If you wanna' own them all, this one is good in its own right and Chen Kuan Tai does a decent job. If you're just looking for the good ones, I'd say pass this by and pick up "Blade of Fury" instead.
 

Incredible fights, great sets, innovative ideas, and of course the best training sequences ever, which also contain the largest and most detailed renditions of the Shaolin Temple.

Basically, if you don't have this, you need to buy it now. An absolute cornerstone of any kung fu film, or even Chinese film, collection.
 

As well, Alexander Fu-Sheng plays a comedic role replete with the generic SB "something funny is happening" music. However, his portion of the film also does an interesting job revealing many of the tricks of a supposedly lethal fight.

Still, with a truly all-star cast and several incredible fight scenes, including the finale that utilizes all 18 "legendary weapons of China," this remains a great SB classic.
 

As kung-fu takes on a variety of Japanese styles, we see some incredible fights and weapon pairings.

As the title implies, this film pays homage to the differences and brilliancies of two different but great cultures--and their fighting arts.
 

While there are some gaping plot holes (probably due to sub-standard translation in the English dubs), the action is fantastic. Gordon Liu and Lo Lieh truly bring out the best in one another's martial ability with their three scenes together.

Features acupuncture in fighting and addresses different styles and approaches to fighting.
 

Aside from the best cast ever assembled and amazing action, this film boasts a unique setting--during the Mongolian invasion of China--that I have never seen repeated.

As well you have some of everyone's favorite: temple training. There is some serious brutality to the final scene, and there is a dramatic intensity missing from other Shaw Bros. films--both when Gordon Liu must reconcile his violent nature with Buddhist precepts, and throughout (especially at the closing credits) as Fu sheng's untimely death during shooting casts a pall over the film.