Human lanterns

Chung Sun, who directed, amongst many other films, the superb "The Sexy Killer" (see review), is unable to make the elements gel in "Human Lanterns" aka "Human Skin Lanterns". Personally, I have always loved the idea of using human skin to make lanterns, so this film was an eagerly awaited one by me. Unfortunately, there's too little skinning and too much martial arts in this. In fact, the skinning scenes (there are two), while well done, feel like they belong in a different movie altogether. This is a strange effort to make a martial arts fantasy and cross it with a Hammer-style horror plot. It doesn't work. That said, "Human Lanterns" is still a sumptuously photographed and designed period piece. The Shaw's certainly spent big on its sets, cast and special effects. It's a shame they didn't focus more on the horror promised in the title. Disappointing horror. Satisfactory period-fu epic.

"Ren pi deng long," translated as "Human Lanterns," is a 1982 Shaw Brothers production that throws martial arts action into a blender with disturbing horror elements. The result is a bizarre concoction - a campy, uneven film that will leave you scratching your head while occasionally offering bursts of entertainment.

The plot revolves around a wealthy man, Lung Shu Ai, who desires a unique lantern for a festival. He hires the skilled craftsman Chao Fang, unaware of the simmering resentment Chao holds for Lung. This resentment stems from a past betrayal, and Chao decides to craft his revenge in a particularly gruesome way - by using human skin for the lanterns.

The fight choreography is decent for the era, featuring Shaw Brothers staples like lightning-fast kicks and acrobatic displays. However, the special effects haven't aged well, with the "human skin" looking more like cheap plastic. The real draw (or turn-off, depending on your taste) is the horror element. The film doesn't shy away from showing the skinning process, albeit with a level of camp that lessens the impact.

The acting is a mixed bag. The lead villain, Chao Fang, chews the scenery with gusto, bordering on parody at times. The hero, played with stoicism by Lieh Lo, provides a more grounded counterpoint. The narrative unfolds in a predictable manner, with the mystery of the lantern maker's identity revealed fairly early.

"Human Lanterns" is a film that thrives on its outrageous premise. It's undeniably exploitation cinema, pushing boundaries for the sake of shock value. If you're looking for a well-crafted horror film or a top-tier martial arts flick, you'll likely be disappointed. But for those seeking a cheesy, bizarre cinematic experience, "Human Lanterns" offers a campy thrill ride with some impressive fight sequences sprinkled in.

It's noteworthy from the very start that this meets all the high standards one expects of Hong Kong action flicks generally, and Shaw Brothers productions specifically. The sets are absolutely magnificent, overflowing with incredible detail, and whether the pieces are conventionally fetching or gnarly and horrific, I would love to be able to explore every inch of Ching-Shen Chen's art direction. Much the same unquestionably applies to the costume design, hair, makeup, and props and weapons - elements that, depending on the precise setting, vary between the typical imaginative, gorgeous aesthetics of any similar period fare, and grotesque, brutal, blood-soaked ugliness. The very premise lays the groundwork for the folks operating behind the scenes to just let their creativity run wild, and make no mistake, they unflinchingly embraced the horror-laden spirit with gusto. Even cinematographer An-Sung Tsao seems to rather let loose here, for while his work is active and dynamic in the first place, and very mindful when it comes to letting us see the action in any given scene, there are also plentiful instances here where the camerawork is pointedly exaggerated and playful in one way or another, all but flying off the proverbial handle. Even just in its basic visuals 'Human lanterns' is a splendid, exuberant ride of whimsy.

It makes that impression from the very start, and for as quickly as the feature moves forward, it never even gives us a chance to change our minds. This especially holds true as the picture blends two discrete genres that are rarely put together: the fluid, dazzling artistry and high-impact action of kung fu, and the nasty, visceral darkness of horror. All the many stunts, effects, and choreography that we get in both capacities are a supreme joy, conjured and executed with marvelous, captivating skill and intelligence - to excite, to thrill, and to repulse. With some sequences being given an extra edge of fancifulness (think of characters running on trees or flying through the air in 'Crouching tiger, hidden dragon') the effect is only magnified. And between the strong, pronounced acting of everyone in the cast, performances of personality and vigor, and the equally robust direction that ensures every moment is as vivid and vibrant as it can be, the unfailing result is a viewing experience that keeps us firmly locked in for the entirety of its ninety-odd minutes.

Especially earlier in the length, I do think there are times when the genre stylings are more deliberate in their dispensation, with dialogue filling these portions instead; at such times the pacing is ever so slightly curbed, to the movie's detriment. Yet such moments are few, and pale in comparison to the treasure trove of action and horror that we mostly get. Filmmaker Chung Sun and co-writer Kuang Ni penned a delicious screenplay with sharp, potent, and rather emphatic scene writing providing firm, flavorful definition to a narrative of proud and arrogant nobles, and the psychotic killer with a certain special trade. Granted, the connections between these threads are kind of thin, but the plot is all that it needs to be to set the stage for the spectacle of violence and madness; just as much to the point, 'Human lanterns' definitely knows what its intentions and strengths are, and it plays directly to them. The writing is but the canvas on which is painted the spectacle of violence and craftsmanship, and whether one is here for the kung fu, the horror, or all the wonderment we rightly assume of Shaw Brothers films, the entertainment and reward is outstanding.

As a matter of personal preference I can understand how this won't appeal to all comers. There are points that one could reasonably nitpick, and it bears repeating that the writing is surely chief among them. Yet whatever critiques one may lob at this 1982 title are easily outshone by the tremendous care and hard work that was poured into this from all involved The cast and crew turned in utterly fantastic contributions in every regard, and the all the genre elements, martial arts and nefarious doings alike, make for a rich, spellbinding tableau. In terms of neither aspect is the movie the peak of its respective genres, yet this is all-around tight and vicious, and fabulously fun and satisfying. For my money this is worth far more than whatever one might have to pay to watch it, and 'Human lanterns' is a far-out, rather brilliant slice of cinema that deserves much more recognition. If you have the chance to watch, I'm happy to give this my very high, hearty, and enthusiastic recommendation!

The English title is in many respects, unfortunate, as this is really a morality play dressed as a martial arts film with horror elements.

The film begins by introducing us to "Master Tan" and "Master Lung," two wealthy, but otherwise uncharacterized, rivals. Master Tan displays a lantern that he had made for the lunar festival. Master Lung responds that it is an object unworthy of esteem. Lung then decides that he will hire a former rival, Chao Fang (played by Lieh Lo of "Five Fingers of Death" fame), to craft an even better lantern. Fang agrees, but only on condition that Lung never return to his lair-like shop.

Of importance to the story-line is the fact that Lung had, in the past, fought Fang, and scarred Fang's face. Lung, we are to note, is a man who believes his money can right all past wrongs.

From this "bargain" involving three men and their fragile "honor" come the horrors; for what this story is really about is Fang and his own place in the social order. The bargain gives him his own chance to avenge perceived wrongs, even as he crafts the handiwork that will allow Lung to one-up his competitor. From (relatively) small slights come disaster.

Of the story-line, I will say little else, as this is a movie that runs less on plot development than allowing a dynamic that has been set in motion early-on play itself out through a set of highly choreographed martial-arts routines. I will, however, comment on a few technical aspects that impressed me:

First, with the exception of a few sequences shot outdoors (one quite memorable, shot in a grove of tall trees), this is a studio-set movie that takes place in just a handful of locations. The sets are simply arresting and, in some cases, quite beautiful. The costumes, set design and lighting are all very-well thought out and executed. (Comparisons to the early films of Mario Bava are warranted.) None of the sets are meant to represent "actual" places, but rather allegorical places: the peaceful, noble abodes of Tan and Lung; the boisterous market-place; the hellishly menacing, creepy shop of Fang--each is set in opposition to its counter-parts.

So, in what time period does "HL" take place, exactly? As with much of the Wuxia genre, the historical setting is not terribly important for the story-line. What matters are the character-types. That said, the Hanfu styles of dress indicate one possible (and remote) time-period. The appearance of the tiger hooks (used by the assassin character) bring us much closer to the present.

Second, the lighting, camera work and editing are impressive. For example, the first time we meet the monkey-ghost character, the lighting frames the face in a way that was quite memorable for this viewer. Director Sun Chung also uses slow-motion and fast-motion techniques, particularly in the acrobatic martial-arts segments. But he also dabbles with soft focus shorts at times (mostly for the abodes of the two principal characters). There are many, many places where "HL" is a sumptuous, beautiful film (and one that deserved a better English title.)

If I have a quibble, it is that the end of the film does not do justice to the careful pacing and style of what preceded it. There are quite a few veteran actors at work here (though it is Lo who steals every scene in which he is a part); I just wish the ending could have been written better. That said, a surprisingly good movie. I was not expecting it, quite honestly.

Do we have the nameless individual that tricks two others to fight each other? Does that sound like a famous western with Clint Eastwood? Which also was copied ... well let's not go down that road. Especially because while there may be parallels, there also quite a few differences here too.

I've seen my share of Shaw Brothers movies, but I can't remember seeing this one. This is quite out there, with a character being a mixture of monkey and demon, with the evil mindset of a ... human (a bad human that is of course). Add to that horror some good old fashioned stunts and flying lessons ... and voila you got yourself a movie that might not be everyones cup of tea (if you're easily offended, don't even bother, there are quite a few scenes that are far from political correct), but works for those who love these movies ... and if you're one of them, you won't mind certain flaws as much as others do