Yang guo yu xiao long nu

As with most Shaw Brothers productions, Kung fu elements are the most prominent feature of the story. But this film mixes fantasy, a bit of history and the usual combative heroes and villains in a charming story. The hero is Yong Guo, whose father died at the hands of... (?), who must make something of himself in life. After difficulties with one master, he meets the Little Dragon Maiden, a young beauty who has fantastic Kung fu/magical abilities.

Leslie Cheung, who later went on to great heights in Chinese cinema, reaching his pinnacle in Chen Kai-ge's Farewell My Concubine, plays our forlorn hero in this very early role. Those who are familiar with the Shaw Brothers will see several of the usual Shaw stars in the film. While the script at times seems to veer into realism, and then back to fantasy, it manages to combine action, romance and a few unsavory elements into a watchable whole. Not the best of the Shaw Brothers, but one that manages to be a bit different.

And I'm not talking about the fight scenes. You should be fine with those though I reckon there are people who might not like them. But that is a different matter overall. No there are things in here, that not just because of the #metoo movement should make you cringe.

While at first a scene that is really dark seems to exist without any real reason, there is some consequence for the character "assaulted". Which is explained quite weirdly. But while you might question the balance of funny and serious the movie tries to throw at the viewer, it is better if you don't. For your own viewing pleasure that is. Take it with a grain of salt, enjoy the fights, the silliness and the serious consequences of people fighting each other. A general love for martial arts in general isn't bad either

Exaggerated, full of special "flaws", simple production, it tried to be fun, but I didn't like it, the style doesn't appeal to me, associated with the uninteresting script, young actors playing elderly people, mega flying characters, simple sets, it's even cute, however it causes a certain laziness, despite the strong female protagonists... Weak...

One of the best classical kung fu movie and a beautiful magical fairy tale

I love the Shaw Brothers.

Everyone makes a mistake.

This movie is their mistake.

It's almost an "it's so bad it's good" movie but not quite. I wince every time I think about the guy in the bird suit. Oh yes, a giant bird suit with a disgusting pot belly and a brain sort of thing sticking out on top. It is pretty hilarious when the main character stupidly runs right off the edge of a huge cliff. Literally: ahhhhhhhhhhh... But 30-minutes later he falls off the SAME CLIFF! He must have taken brain damage on the first fall, but luckily Big Bird catches him the second time.

The fight choreography is awful. They jump off the right side of the screen and out of a set, and it cuts to a fight in a wide open field with no building nearby for miles. The spinning disk weapon is done terribly with an annoying sound effect.

Cripes, I could go on and on.

Skip this one.