| A loving portrait of the very young Wong Fei-Hung (this time portrayed by Gordon Lau, in his first starring role) by Lau Kar Leung. The legend of the Chinese folkhero does sit close to the heart and mind of Lau as his father Lau Charn was a student of Lam Sai-Wing, one of the famous students of the real Wong Fei-Hung. For Challenge Of The Masters therefore, Lau doesn't set out do a martial arts extravaganza with the emphasis on revenge plotting and bloodshed (in fact, Lau kept the gore pretty subdued in his films compared to Chang Cheh). Instead, there lies poignant martial arts philosophy in this narrative that could've entered cheesy territory easily but with such a strong connection to Wong Fei-Hung and Hung Gar in Lau, it's no wonder the film comes off so well. This characterization of the young Wong is also compelling as he, as all do, is searching for something or somewhere to belong and it's that path he begins walking in his training with Lu Ah Tsai (wonderfully anchored by Chen Kuan-Tai).
Lau's choices may disappoint genre fans as the structure of Challenge Of The Masters doesn't always follow laid down rules, especially in regards to the climactic fight BEFORE the final reel. Sure there's rivalry between martial arts schools and training sequences but the tone set is different due to the mentioned themes.
When it does deliver action, combining hand to hand combat, weapons and a sport scenario not unlike the opening reel of Dragon Lord, it's simply terrific and exhilarating. Once again Lau also proves that when he steps in front of the camera as well, the most magic happens, and his fights with brothers Lau Kar Wing and Gordon Lau is classic martial arts cinema. Both from a choreographing viewpoint and thematically. Perhaps the dramatic storytelling qualities Chang Cheh had carried over in some shape of form to Lau Kar Leung? Nonetheless, Challenge Of The Masters ranks as one of Lau's finest in terms of impact on the viewing audience. Lily Li, Ricky Hui, Fung Hark On, Wong Yu and co-stars plus many recognizable faces out of Hong Kong cinema flash by. |
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