REVIEW:
BLOODED TREASURY FIGHT is absolutely a classic of martial arts adventure with more twists and turns than you can shake a monk's spade at. Playing like THE GUNS OF NAVARONE with a touch of THE DIRTY DOZEN, the film is a nonstop knock down, drag out brawl leading to an epic standoff among massive grinding millstones.

Immediately, the direction stands out as fresh and dynamic with clever angles punctuating an energetic plot that never lets up. Superkicker Dorian Tan winningly headlines the film in one of his best performances as Chow Kwan-hai, an official whose greed leads him to betray his friends and partners. Dozens of well choreographed fights and vivid outdoor location shoots provide Tan and his fellow stars an optimal showcase for their talents.

The filmmakers take the overused plot device of a mad dash for hidden treasure and adapt it to the kung fu genre with ease. The success of this formula in this case comes from a series of plot twists and double-crosses that leaves the viewer guessing. Like the best Chang Cheh films, memorable kung fu battles employing numerous weapons and styles are frequently inserted into the narrative.

Even the soundtrack lifted from Battlestar Galactica lends a certain zest to the film and compliments the fast and furious pace. If anything is wrong with the film, its that the outdoor imagery and large scale battles lose impact in the full screen format. Additionally, about three brief chapter hiccups provide a slight bit of annoyance. Otherwise, BLOODED TREASURY FIGHT is a fun and exciting picture that is highly recommended to all fans of classic kung fu.