REVIEW:
Taiwanese director, Lee Tso Nam breaks out of his country's mold for how to produce inferior Hong Kong films with this excellent kung fu adventure starring one of the Jade screen's finest kickers, Dorian Tan.

The story contains plenty of intrigue and sub-plots, but thanks to solid writing it manages to remain clear. Dorian Tan plays Capt. Lu Tung who who was appointed sheriff by the town's mayor, Mr. Yuen. He's famed as a top fighter and for being tough on crime. He's also trying to make up for being responsible for the accidental death of the town's former sheriff. But, this doesn't stop the grieving daughter (Suen Ga Lam) from attempting to kill Lu Tung on several occasions. She even attempts to hire a famous killer who has just arrived in town. Pai Yu Ching (Don Wong) is also well known for his fighting skills and he seems predestined to lock horns with Lu Tung, especially after Mr. Yuen's reckless son commits murder. Lu Tung confronts the mayor, but he appears to be covering for his son and to make matters worse, Yu Ching has agreed to be head of security at Yuen's home. Only later is it made clear that Yu Ching is actually a government official sent to investigate a counterfeiting operation run by Mr. Yuen. Now, Lu Tung and Yu Ching are on the same side, but they are both bested by Yuen's accomplices, a blonde-haired hunchback (Gam Ming) and his deceitful mistress who runs the local teahouse. Putting her thirst for vengeance aside, Suen Ga Lam leads a group of townsfolk to free the two captives so they can put Yuen and his gang out of business.

The Hot, The Cool and the Vicious is really a first rate kung fu film all around. It holds up well to its Hong Kong counterparts and includes terrific martial arts action. Dorian Tan is easily the number one reason to see this film. He's a star I compare to Yu Rong Guang in terms of being a great performer who has always remained under-appreciated. Tan's kicking skills make him look just as good as John Liu and dare I say even Hwang Jang Lee. There may not be as much power involved, but his form is spot on and he possesses a noble charm and appearance. This is one of his best film roles and pairs him up with another terrific actor, Don Wong. Personally, I've never been as impressed by Wong's kung fu performance which is capable, yet less graceful. But, he definitely possesses charisma and its on full display here.

Now Gam Ming, who also choreographed the action get the most memorable role as Mr. Lung, a limping hunchback with blonde hair. He shows up at the end of the film as the final villain for Tan and Wong to combat since George Wang, who plays the mayor is no kung fu fighter himself. He's featured in a more subdued, villainous role in Fatal Needles vs. Fatal Fists (1980), although these more outrageous characters are more his usual style. The English voice which dubs him is also given a bit of echo effect to enhance his strangeness. Gam may look the weirdest, but I'll give Suen Ga Lam the award for best supporting fighter. Like so many Asian actresses, she had a relatively short career, and was often thrown into your typical non-fighting female role as seen in The Iron Monkey (1977). But here she nearly steals the show in a number of action scenes, especially as she and the townspeople break Tan and Wong out of captivity. Suen is yet another example of an industry that was years ahead of Hollywood in showing woman as capable of holding their own in an action role.

With a Sergio Leone-like title, The Hot, The Cool and the Vicious offers high expectations that may fall short of an Italian Western in terms of cinematic style, but story, cast, and kung fu action are all above average. Without a doubt, this is one of Taiwan's best kung fu exports and shouldn't be missed.

Black Stone is a quiet sleepy town until a mysterious stranger arrives. Secretive of his business he soon arouses suspicion especially when his identity is revealed as the infamous 'Southern Fist' fighter Pai Yu Ching. Tan Tao Liang plays 'Northern Leg' Lu, the towns 'sheriff' who finds himself in deep water when the mayor's son commits murder. Lu is steadfast in his resolve to catch the killer but has many obstacles put in his way by his employer, the mayor, who hires Pai Yu Ching to protect his house from any would-be lawmen that might try to arrest his son.

The mayor has other reasons for keeping Lu at arms length as he is deeply involved in a counterfeiting ring and when matters get out of hand he calls on his partner, the strange Mr Lung (Tommy Lee), for help. Mr Lung is a kind of golden haired, white faced gorilla-like creature that speaks in an echoed voice and walks with a limp. He is, however, extremely competent at kung fu (like any self respecting villain would be).

Tan Tao Liang is probably the most eye-catching performer here with some fantastic kicking techniques. The way in which he can keep his leg off the ground and deliver multiple kicks in quick succession is quite amazing. However the success of this film is not due solely to the efforts of one person. Tommy Lee's choreography is top notch and despite the obviously low budget is still a match for many more expensive works. His performance is also excellent as he mixes high kicks with mantis style fists. The final duel, with its use of stop motion photography, where Wong Tao and Tan Tao Liang join forces against Tommy Lee, is classic stuff.

After the success of 'Secret Rivals' there was obviously a demand for northern style vs southern style kung fu films. Although it could be considered a cash in 'The Hot, the Cool and the Vicious' brings its own originality and style...