You have broad comedy, rivalry between schools but it's clear as we move along that the emphasis on proper manners is going to be an important part of Lau's narrative. He succeeds greatly despite flaws, combining that with terrific hand to hand- and weapons action. Most important to note is that the choreography speaks to the set themes, which is not all out usual for the genre. Along with a fun intro explaining the rules of lion dancing, Martial Club displays a fine merging of the superior production values at Shaw Brother's, martial arts action from an ever so versatile mind and a thematic mindset that seemed to shine very little in martial arts cinema. Martial Club is the kind of effort that gets copied, only then it lacks the heart, mind and soul. Ku Feng, an outstanding Johnny Wang, Wilson Tong and Robert Mak also appear. Although barely used, the few forays into acrobatics courtesy of Hsiao Hou is memorable. Kara Hui deserves to be mentioned just because her character is another one of the few disappointing aspects of the film. It's the sheer ignorance and impulsive nature to her that doesn't ring true to Hui's persona (especially compared to the performance in My Young Auntie). Then again, one form of counterpart to Wong Fei Hung was needed but Lau's choice of Hui for that becomes a detraction sadly.

You have broad comedy, rivalry between schools but it's clear as we move along that the emphasis on proper manners is going to be an important part of Lau's narrative. He succeeds greatly despite flaws, combining that with terrific hand to hand- and weapons action. Most important to note is that the choreography speaks to the set themes, which is not all out usual for the genre. Along with a fun intro explaining the rules of lion dancing, Martial Club displays a fine merging of the superior production values at Shaw Brother's, martial arts action from an ever so versatile mind and a thematic mindset that seemed to shine very little in martial arts cinema. Martial Club is the kind of effort that gets copied, only then it lacks the heart, mind and soul. Ku Feng, an outstanding Johnny Wang, Wilson Tong and Robert Mak also appear. Although barely used, the few forays into acrobatics courtesy of Hsiao Hou is memorable. Kara Hui deserves to be mentioned just because her character is another one of the few disappointing aspects of the film. It's the sheer ignorance and impulsive nature to her that doesn't ring true to Hui's persona (especially compared to the performance in My Young Auntie). Then again, one form of counterpart to Wong Fei Hung was needed but Lau's choice of Hui for that becomes a detraction sadly.