The Jade Faced Assassin: Viewer Comments

Judging this film by its packaging (pink and not very action packed looking), initially I thought I was in store for a serious let down and had actually held off purchasing it until I discovered Ku Feng held a prominent role in the film though I still entertained my doubts. However, I was in store for a big surprise upon viewing it. This film was very well paced, with excellent acting on all accounts, action with attitude, and the music perfectly accomodated the storyline. The film was more a Ku Feng vehicle at first (his intro with the whip was delivered with conviction and well choreographed for the most part), then Fan Man Sheng took the reigns for a spell. Though this was a Lily Ho, Essie Lin Chia movie and both portrayed their roles nicely. The infrequently seen Kao Yuen also delivered his role flawlessly. At times I feared the film was going to become to undercranked (with the fighting and the pace of the storyline), but this was not the case. Very much like a Chu Yuan directed film after twenty minutes or so you realize you've just been treated to good deal of story and action very nicely woven together. At first I was worried the score was going to be a little too meddle-some with the storyline, but this was an unfounded fear. The music is also very reminiscent of early 60s Sleepy Eyes Of Death / Akira Ifukube style orchestration. It will sound dated to some but for those of us who appreciate the charm of early Shaw Bros. and early samurai film music this is highly appreciated. The film is a must have for any serious collector of this genre.