Dragon Hero

We all gotta be careful in what 70's Jackie movies we watch, but this one certainly isn't bad. The plot has something to do with Jackie's master being killed. There actually is a mildly shocking twist (shocking for Jackie, but don't expect Usual Suspects here). Anyway, the kung-fu is very good, definitely up to snuff. Jackie is good, and there's scenes where the old men fight. Even the dubbing isn't horrible. Very good overall, but Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is better (even though it has an awkward title) if you're looking for something from this era. I gave it a 7.

This is actually a well made film. because of that, I doubt very highly that it was directed by Lo Wei. My vote is that Chan, once allowed to choreograph the fight scenes, just went ahead and directed the film, much as what happened with Bruce Lee and The Chinese Connection, another film claimed by Lo Wei that he didn't actually direct. In fact that's pretty typical for Lo Wei - probably half the films he made were directed by the actors while he was off gambling, drinking, or sleeping it off.

At any rate: Although the film is heavy handed and a little slow, the story is not without interest (this is one of the few 'fu films where we see a potential villain repent and become a good guy), and the performances are all above standard for this genre in the mid-'70s. I believe this film, I believe its characters. Certaily not a masterwork, but a worthwhile dramatic 'fu film.

Oh, and the fight scenes are all pretty good.

I have to say I haven't been excited in recent years for the release of many films, but 88 Films have really got my excitement bubbling again (at time of writing, Jan 2019)! Restoring a host of Shaw Brothers classics to begin with, they have now released a number of Jackie Chan's classic Lo Wei films with 2k/4k clean-ups, original language options, and in glorious widescreen... And I couldn't be happier!

While not loaded with extras, the disc is presented beautifully - from the artwork on the slipcase, to the film itself. Stunning in colour, and as crisp as could be for a Hong Kong film from the 70's. Keep in mind, film reels in Hong Kong weren't really looked after well until the mid 90's, proving to be too late for some. Thankfully, 88 Films include the original film trailer on the disc. I urge you to watch this first (on all their releases) before getting into the film as the difference will impress you even more.

As for the film itself - I've still got the UK video tape release from the early 80's, and as like every other kung fu film from then it was presented in the square 4:3 ratio. This made us lose a lot visually of what we should have been seeing, often convincing reviewers and critics to slam Hong Kong film for poor cinematography - something 88 Films has helped prove, was not the case!

Dragon Fist, as with many other Lo Wei releases, is actually beautifully shot. The widescreen presentation provides some wonderfully colourful, well shot scenes, and allows us to take in the full glory of Jackie's brilliantly choreographed fight scenes. While not perfect, fans can see where the skill of a young master Chan was going as a fight director and actor. His battles shift from one-on-one fights to group fights, highlighting the skills of each martial artist on-screen and entertaining with some very impressive moves. Eagle-eyed viewers will catch when Jackie artfully doubles others for more intricate moves and stunt work, though it never detracts from what's going on. Pearl Lin is equally as impressive as her co-stars, and almost steals the show each time she lets loose on-screen. Kung Fu movie legend Yen Shi Kwan (Fearless Hyena; Once Upon A Time In China) is as impressive as always, although rests for a lot of the film letting his henchmen James Tien and Eagle Han Ying fight for him.

Originally shot in Mandarin and before Jackie's success with Snake In The Eagles Shadow & Drunken Master, this under-rated classic was redubbed in Cantonese and released a few years later with Chan now a massive star! 88 Films provides (both in mono and 5.1) all options for how you want to hear it, with Mandarin, Cantonese and the early 80's English dub.

Overall: Heavy on the drama with rarely a laugh to be had, Dragon Fist is a fantastic piece of kung fu cinema with some fantastic fight scenes and performances from all that is just waiting to be rediscovered.

Standard kung-fu revenge fare, but the man who would soon become the clown prince of Hong Kong martial arts films gives a very credible performance as the hero who is pushed beyond all endurance while just trying to keep his head down. Chan has a solid supporting cast in this film, too: Yen Shi-kwan (who later portrayed the white-haired villain in Chan's first directorial effort "The Fearless Hyena") as the guilt-ridden fighter who vanquished the hero's sifu, plus reliable Lo Wei standbys Nora Miao and James Tien. Best of all, the choreography bears Chan's unmistakable stamp, resulting in a particularly satisfying climactic duel during which the hero uses a crutch to fend off his opponent's sharpened metal tonfas.

Entertaining fights, as well as decent sets and costumes, earn "Dragon Fist" six and a half stars.

Lo Wei, director of Bruce Lee classics The Big Boss and Fist Of Fury saw potential in Jackie Chan and cast him in several kung fu flicks, including this great film, Dragon Fist. With Bruce Lee gone way too soon and martial arts movies being more popular than ever film makers from east and west scrambled to replace him. Jackie Chan is in rare form as an invincible Bruce Lee type of bad ass. He is on a mission of revenge once his teacher was killed and disgraced by a leader of a rival school. Things get complicated when Chan, his master's widow and daughter arrive at the rival school. I'm not going to give away too much of the plot, but things don't end up all that peachy and all of the violence contains consequences. During this period the market was flooded with similar kung fu films, so Chan found success later with Drunken Master and other lighthearted kung fu comedies. He did a great job here though I think. Jackie was awesome as indestructible, kung fu iron man that becomes fury incarnate at the film's conclusion. Lo Wei also made a well paced, solid chop sockey film with a good story serviced with the right amount of kung fu action. Great kung fu!