Fire Bulls: Viewer Comments

The empire of Yen wants to expand its hold over the city of Chu and the citizens of Chi. The people flee to the outpost city of Chimo before the Yen army arrives. At Chimo, the refugees, under the leadership of General Tien, make a last brave stand against the Yen army. "Fire Bulls" is the kind of movie that would've been made by Republic or Columbia studios back in the forties or early fifties. This film has talent, energy and ambition to spare but, like most movies of that time, is hobbled by a budget unsuited for such a grand epic. You could describe this film as a big budget epic without the big budget. That reason alone is why I give it four stars. However, what they do have for a budget is seen right up their on the screen for us to enjoy. The lighting and set design of the Yen palace is gorgeous and has an almost unearthly beauty in some of its scenes and the Chimo city has a grittiness you don't see except in those old 1960s spaghetti western films. You can feel the sweat and grime of the refugees as they work to defend the city. The acting is pretty good too. The Yens, with the exception of one of the generals, are portrayed as regular human beings just like the refugees. They are not portrayed as though they have big neon signs on them saying NASTY EVIL GUY. No, they are given the chance to show that they are just as human and foolish as the next person-with all their faults and foibles on display for the world to see. Pretty well rounded depictions, I think. The best shots are saved for the shots of both armies when they take the field. The shot of the Chis as they charge against the Yens toward the end of the film gives us an impression of a never-ending sea of men and cattle that would fit right in with a big budget spectacle. There aren't any martial arts fights in this film, it is strictly a historical epic, and some of the fighting looks cheap (especially scenes of arrows being shot and spears being thrown), but that shouldn't deter you from enjoying this little gem. This is the kind of movie that Zhang Yimou or Ang Lee ought to remake. If you like historical epics, but don't mind if it looks like an old, old school Shaw Brothers film, then add this title to your collection.