Dian tang lang

This has got to be one of my favorite old school Hong Kong Kung Fu flicks. There are a lot of clichés in both the writing and the characters' mannerisms, but for someone who enjoys this genre of film those things are par for the course. On the other hand, there are a few things that make this film stand out. The protagonist style (mantis) is one that is already one of the weirdest (and most vicious) systems of Kung Fu in the martial arts world, and has been given an even weirder twist in this film. Secondly, the boy in this film is one of the stars and nearly steals the show; he has some impressive training sequences, does some impressive acrobatics (some of them wire assisted) and has at least one solid fight scene. The last thing that really makes this film stand out is the ending. The whole film up until the end is pretty happy-go-lucky and predictable, but the bizarre and brutal nature of the film's conclusion has caused it to stand out in my mind. For fans of the genre who don't mind a dark twist here and there this is a gem, but if you're easily shocked, please turn away.

After watching thundering mantis, I now realize Jacki chan copied the main character of this particular film. I grew up watching Jacki chan.

Jacki chan basically copied this character then used that as a model for his film career. From the crazy eye roll when he gets enraged,to the way he moves.as well as the comedic side of his character.with that being said. This is definitely the top A list of kungfu movies. Blood of the dragon was one of a few movies that really hit home in this genre of films as one of my favorite all time kungfu movies. Now I'm pleased to add this to my list of amazing kungfu movies that have ever displayed on film.

As the movie starts, you rapidly become aware of the fact that it's supposed to be a comedy. Not from any perceived attempts a humour, but from the ridiculous faces that are pulled by our protagonist as he gets into 'wacky' situations. Plot? Well, not really. Our bearded hero goes through the traditional ritual of making friends, beating up some bad guys, watching his friends die horribly and revenging them in a long and tedious manner. The kung-fu, while not as stilted as it would be in, say, a Chang Cheh movie, is nonetheless unconvincing and unspectacular. Even by the lowest of standards this movie has nothing going for it, and it should be avoided at all costs.

I hate it when people who do not understand the genre, post stupid or ludicrous comments. You cannot watch this film with a jaded "American Cinema" perception. Sure it has bad dubbing and a simplistic plot. SO what? It simply has the best fight scenes and action of any martial arts film EVER. The ending is not "sick or gross", it's a strange twist and makes the film unforgettable. The lead is tortured so mercilessly, and so unrelentingly, that by film's end, you're half expecting the brutal onslaught to be unleashed. Note carefully the manic yet precise performance as the hero fights the bad guys during the incredible final sequences. That's one bad man! So, in short, If u don't "get it", then don't watch it!

"Thundering Mantis" gives you what you expect from a Chinese kung fu movie--poor dubbing, lots of fighting (much of which is obviously fake), and a fairly predictable plot. The main musical theme is like something you'd find in "ChiPs", not really belonging to the movie, but rather amusing. And the introduction, oh boy, if you like cheesy fighting, you'll be rewinding like anything.

This movie does do a few things right, better than most kung fu movies. I actually wanted the villains to get their butts kicked. The movie does a good job of showing how Hsia and his henchmen are increasingly cruel and sadistic. Moreover, I actually cared when the good guys suffered(!), especially the boy. "Thundering" even has some pretty funny scenes which are actually supposed to be humorous.

Overall, it's worth viewing at least once. Some people may be repulsed by the ending, and there is a bit of swearing, but I still give it 6/10.