| Ace choreographer Ching Siu-Tung's directorial debut. In short, very impressive featuring two charismatic performances from Damian Lau and Norman Chu. Adding to their acting is the obvious participation from them in the physical part of the action. Ching Siu-Tung is considered one of the masters of wirework and is still going strong if you look at the recent Hero (2002). I don't know how many years he had tested the use of wires but what we see in this is already quite accomplished, considering it's a 1983 production. Some of the wire shots look a little choppy but throughout the movie there are still several fluid and impressive stagings. The last 3 set pieces especially (there aren't that many in the film actually) combine the swordplay and insane wire gags to a very compelling whole. Even though all involved are playing it straight there are moments and entire scenes fueled with such insanity that once again the term only in Hong Kong should be used. Giant ninja anyone?
Very stylish and nicely shot in combination with Ching Siu-Tung's action choreography the movie literally flies by. For you who have seen A Chinese Ghost Story, go back to Duel to the Death and prepare to be amazed again. |
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