| The first film from Chang Cheh's newly formed Chang Ho Film Company in Taiwan, directing reigns were handed to understudy Wu Ma and there's certainly love for Chang Cheh evident. More in terms of film style as Wu Ma chooses to echo the dramatic director Chang Cheh was earlier in his career. A direct sequel to the Shaw Brothers movie The Shaolin Avengers, Chi Kuan-Chun reprises his role as Ming rebel Hu Hei-Chien who is after revenge for his father's death. Clinching that goal early, this starts a seemingly endless cycle of violence as he's now a wanted man. Back at Shaolin Temple, his teacher San Te (the character Gordon Liu played as a young man in The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin) dispenses the advice of not being rash but Hu's actions are already affecting the world. Especially his family where the son is clearly looking up to the violent nature of his father...
Aside from the fact that the titular cotton mill is absent from the film, Wu Ma makes sure to hook even those not familiar with The Shaolin Avengers. Creating the basic plot structure and injecting bearable drama having to do with consequences of violence, no one would turn their head in general but it's a welcome stance for an independent kung-fu film. Growing a little talky during some sections though, Wu Ma erases that critique as he conjures up magic via the introduction of Dorian Tan as a very cunning and manipulative end fight opponent. Tan sells this very well and the expected showdown with him using his awesome kicking skill versus hand expert Chi Kuan-Chun is worth the wait through a fairly sparse fight-fest. The crisp, clean and clear nature to the intricacy is commendable and Showdown At The Cotton Mill is really two of the best genre-presences in one package. Three if you count the drama. |
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