This film is spectacular in every respect--it radiates quality, style, and character--it feels organic, alive. This is cinematic art at its finest--our top recommendation.
AKA: Avenging Warriors; Avenging Warrior; Shaolin Rescuers Hong Kong: 1978
Lo Meng, Philip Kwok, Lu Feng, Jason Pai Piao, Sun Chien Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
A pretty thin story and some very weird acting, but this film is packed with fight scenes and is a blast to watch! Probably at least 90 of this film's 107 minutes are fights, and good ones too. Martial arts fans shouldn't miss this gem.
Vicious yet beautiful, you'll be surprised how many angles this film plays effectively--violence, love, terror, revenge, faith... An unforgettable viewing experience.
Plot: A Chinese policeman gets reassigned to a Chinese Embassy in Europe as punishment for disobeying orders. Once stationed there, he angers some local terrorists and trouble ensues...
Stunning production values and cinematography, though we were unimpressed by the meandering story and CGI effects. There is also not as much martial arts action here as there is rumored to be.
Plot: Ken Wong stars as Kota, the leader of an evil sect of ninjas who are after Sayo (former Miss Hong Kong Lee San-San). But she's got some powerful friends.
Plot: Universally considered one of the best Hong Kong movies ever made, Cheng Pei Pei is Golden Swallow, who teams with a swordsman named Drunken Cat to battle a corrupt Buddhist monk with mystical martial arts powers.
The action in this film is nothing short of amazing. It was made on a shoestring budget by an incredible group of tireless kung fu fanatics, and the quantity and quality of fight sequences they were able to put together here is truly astounding.
AKA: Dangerous Encounter - 1st Kind; Dangerous Encounter First Kind; Dangerous Encounter 1 Kind Hong Kong: 1980
Lo Lieh, Lam Jan-Kei, Albert Au Shui-Keung, Ray Lui Leung-Wai Action/Adventure / Crime
Plot: A nefarious woman manipulates three young students into a crime spree, which causes them to unintentionally cross a triad gang who responds with unbridled violence.
AKA: New Dragon Gate Inn; New Dragon Inn Hong Kong: 1992
Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk, Brigitte Lin Ching-Hsia, Tony Leung Ka-Fai Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
AKA: 4 Real Friends; Four Real Friends; Die Stahlharten Vier [German Title, Onscreen Title] Hong Kong: 1974
Jimmy Wang Yu, Chan Sing (Chen Sing), Chang Yi (Chang Yu) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Plot: When a case of gold is stolen in transit, the surviving member of an escort party, Sung (Kam Kong), tries to recover it. He eventually enlists a conman, Sau Pau (Jimmy Wang Yu), who has come upon some evidence...
AKA: Drunken Master II; The Legend Of Drunken Master [US Title] Hong Kong: 1994
Jackie Chan, Anita Mui Yim-Fong, Ti Lung, Felix Wong (Yat Wa) Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Pretty much as good as it gets for Jackie Chan martial arts films! Lots of creative fight scenes (Jackie Chan does "drunken boxing" better than anyone!), filmed very well, with characters you care about; interesting sets and cinematography; and a good, simple plot. Top this off with an irresistible performance by the ever-naughty Anita Mui and a great soundtrack, and you've got a real winner.
AKA: Fists Of The White Lotus; Clan Of The White Lotus [Original Title] Hong Kong: 1980
Gordon Liu (Chia Hui), Lo Lieh, Kara Hui Ying-Hung Martial Arts / Action/Adventure
Plot: It's three times the Sammo, as he portrays three different characters in this wacky but well-balanced comedy-action genre-twister! Sammo is also surrounded by a terrific supporting cast here.
Plot: Yuen Biao plays the Hero Swallow, a sort of Robin Hood, in this wonderful tale about poverty and corruption which is boosted by some wonderful fight scenes.
AKA: Heroes 2; Blood Brothers; Bloody Fists; Kung Fu Invaders Hong Kong: 1974
Alexander Fu Sheng, Chen Kuan Tai, Fong Sam, Bruce Tong (Yim Chaan) Action/Adventure / Martial Arts
Plot: Of the dozens of great martial arts movies made by this prolific and respected director, this tale of legendary Shaolin avengers Fang Shih-Yu (Fong Sai Yuk) and Hung Hsi-Kuan is often considered one of the best.
AKA: Quel Maledetto Treno Blindato; Counterfeit Commandos; Deadly Mission; G.I. Bro; Hell's Heroes; The Dirty Bastard; The Dirty Bastards Italy: 1978
Bo Svenson, Peter Hooten, Fred Williamson, Michael Pergolani War / Action/Adventure
Plot: Exploitation legends Fred Williamson and Bo Svenson star as the leaders of a gang of condemned criminals who escape from an Allied prison camp, only to find themselves "volunteering" for a suicide mission deep inside Nazi occupied France.
Plot: Lily Ho, in her most daring role, plays an aristocratic maiden abducted and sold to the Four Seasons Brothel where she is caught in a web of sex, murder, and intrigue in both the bordello and the imperial court.
This film is the prescription for HK's recent cinematic woes, a throwback to the action-centric films of the "good old days": people smashing through glass windows, walls, and tables; stunts that make you wince and then rewind and then smile; and fu fights that are fast and fierce. A fun ride!
Plot: Three students have recently returned to China after studying Hapkido in Korea. After setting up their own school, they run into trouble with the local Japanese school. They attempt to keep the peace until events force them to fight back.
This film is spectacular in every respect--it radiates quality, style, and character--it feels organic, alive. This is cinematic art at its finest--our top recommendation.
A pretty thin story and some very weird acting, but this film is packed with fight scenes and is a blast to watch! Probably at least 90 of this film's 107 minutes are fights, and good ones too. Martial arts fans shouldn't miss this gem.
Stunning production values and cinematography, though we were unimpressed by the meandering story and CGI effects. There is also not as much martial arts action here as there is rumored to be.
This was a very low budget film, and the plot's a bit convoluted, but we felt ourselves really enjoying it and being drawn in.