Lan tou He

Felt like it was more concerned with comedy than action, and either the comedy didn't translate well or I'm just a bit out of it, because I didn't really understand a lot of the humour here (what I'm assuming was meant to be funny, that is).

If anyone knows what was up with those scenes where people were sort of sparring while conversing and also trying to make it look like they weren't fighting, I'd love to know. I just didn't get what was going on, truly.

Some of the more traditional martial arts scenes were satisfying, though. The last 20 minutes were particularly great (it even did the normal speed to slow motion back to normal speed technique decades before Zack Snyder popularised it).

Not bad overall, but I'm a little sad I didn't completely get or appreciate what it was going for at points.

No pun intended - families can be a good and a bad thing I reckon! Also sibling rivalry can obviously go beyond just teasing and be mad at each other. That all being said, we first get to learn the two main characters. Who don't seem to keen of each other ... but we know things can change - will that happen here too? This we will have to see.

What really was interesting: most weapons looked fake in previous movies, but it seems they have used better material for some of the weapons here. Shiny metal and all that - still fake probably, but not as obvious as they were before. Another small note: I had forgotten about how they treat their hair - especially the long ones where they (s)wipe it back, either with their hand or just a small head movement - both looking cool.

The movie also introduces a lot of humor - even making fun of previous Shaw Brothers entries - the one armed series and so many more - pulling back the curtain/fourth wall and all that. You have to dig the comedy/teasing of course. There is also gender based stuff here - they really were ahead of their time in some aspects. And if you like the fighting ... well there is a lot of that too. Plus the training - where fire was away or shot in a way where it probably was not close to any of the actors ... it is different here too ... the stakes are high - the kicks are too! No pun intended.

Funny kung fu comedy with Gordon Liu as a lover of fine antiques, good wine, and is hiding a secret. He wants to show Dirty Ho (Yue Wong) the error of his ways. I have to say, the antagonism between the two is great in the beginning and I enjoyed scenes with the two of them together. Good chemistry.

Gordon Liu has some really weird, but very cool to watch, fight scenes which include wine cups and antique vases!! His fight with Johnny Wang is definitely worth watching. Towards the end, it's all action and the double attacks of Liu and Wong work well together. So for some laughs and lots of kicks, watch this one! And Gordon with a moustache, what more could you want??

I am currently watching every martial arts movie made during the golden age from 1967-1984. Watching in chronological order has given me a better insight into how these movies developed.

I have not been able to establish a definite date for the original theatrical release of "Dirty Ho", other than sometime between 1976 and 1979. Recently HKMDB added 8/4/1979 as the date but I can't confirm that at a second source. Until I am certain of a date I can't say for sure if some of the creative choreography first appeared in this movie. Regardless, the use of props, the "fighting while appearing to be stumbling", fighting by making the opponent look off balance, and using Kara Hui as a weapon, all this creative choreography of fighting without fighting was never or at least rarely seen before.

The title has always raised eyebrows. To clarify in Chinese the literal translation is "rotten head Ho". Ho is the character played by Wong Yu. The "rotten head" occurs during his fight with Kara Hui. He receives a scratch to his forehead during that fight. Initially, though superficial, the wound is very painful so he seeks medical treatment. The medical treatment only makes it worse. This was planned by Gordon Liu all along to lead to the character's metamorphosis.

'Dirty Ho (1979)' is a martial arts movie about a young conman who finds himself indebted to a mysteriously influential antique enthusiast. His initially antagonistic attitude to his new master soon changes when he realises the latter is really, really good at kung fu. This action-comedy is equal parts humorous and exciting, featuring phenomenal fight choreography that perfectly blends fast-paced combat with zany slapstick to craft some truly unforgettable scenes. The creativity on display is almost as impressive as the physicality, with dance-like sequences that go on for minutes longer than you'd ever think possible (without ever truly dragging). Although the story is somewhat weak and the characters aren't exactly deep, the picture knows exactly what it wants to do and it does it with aplomb. You'll smile, then drop your jaw; laugh, then ponder how a mere human can even move like that. It's pretty great for what it is, even if it never quite gets past just being generally enjoyable as an overall experience. Fans of martial arts cinema are in for a real treat with this one.