Bo za

(1983) Shadow Ninja/ Killer Wears White DUBBED ACTION/ MARTIAL ARTS

One of those films where the bad guy outsmarts all the good guys and succeeds into killing everyone whose close to the main star. In this case supposed to be a mystery bout the 'white bandit' who kills people at night but the thing is that viewers with half a brain should be know who the culprit is way before the movie is even over. The characters played by Roy Hung Chiao and Wei-Tung attempting to nab serial killer, who calls himself the 'white killer' which as it turns out its not much of a surprise. Co-written and directed by Tung Cho 'Joe' Cheung. And talk about false advertising there's not a single ninja throughout the entire movie, for the purpose of this alternative title is to draw viewers in.

Although fights occur here - with greater frequency as the film goes on - this is not really a kung fu movie. It's a real hybrid, a comi-tragedy about a mildly corrupt (but essentially decent) policeman in his middle years who first finds he must take an overly-eager young rookie as partner, and then is presented with a series of bizarre murders. His rather routine life thus begins unraveling....

Some of the set-pieces are a little old, but some were actually daring for their day, since they would have disappointed expectations of fans of either chop-socky films, crime films, or comedies. The villain loses, but the heroes don't really win in this film, and because we've come to care for them, we feel their loss in a way atypical of the Chinese crime film of the day.

One may take or leave such a mixture as a matter of taste; but the film's merit really depends on Roy Chiao's performance as the aging policeman - while commanding every scene he's in with posture and charisma, he is brilliantly understated, using his eyes for expression, his timing for effect. He comes across as a hapless everyman who just winds up in the wrong place at the wrong time, but endowed with enough native intelligence - and decency - to recognize when things go awry, and to respond with concern for others besides himself. A marvelously naturalistic performance for a film of any genre.

I've seen probably 1000 kung fu movies, and this is in my top 20. Such a great movie. The comedy, the acting, the directing... Remember the kid from Enter the Dragon that Bruce Lee teaches at the start of the movie. This kid is on fire in this movie. Steve Tung Wei didn't have many chances to show his skills on screen, but this is by far his best performance. His moves are flawless. The action in very good, but the end takes it to another level. One of the most amazing and brutal fights you will ever see. Also one of the best freeze frame endings. This movie comes in the martial arts 50-pack under the title Shadow Ninja. Make sure you don't get the Ghost Ninja version. It cuts out the final fight.

A veteran and tough sheriff's wife has a gambling problem. He works both sides of the law.

He gets teamed up with a young cop who he is told to take under his wing.

They end up working together well and the young cop's martial arts skills are very useful.

It's an interesting martial arts film that is probably better than most.

Will mostly keep your interest throughout.

Some of the action scenes are poorly shot however and do not display the actors well.

A veteran policeman and young rookie team up to fight a criminal gang who wear distinctive all white clobber.

This Hong Kong kung fu flick is pretty typical of dozens of similar movies churned out from South East Asia at the time. It has a forgettable story, horrendous dubbing and ropey comedy. In other words, it's all about the copious amounts of martial arts combat that plays out relentlessly from start to finish. In all honesty I find these non-stop fight films a little tiring after a while and this one was no different. But it did manage to redeem itself somewhat by the end where we are treated to a grand finale which is a confrontation between the hero and chief villain. It's a decidedly violent final encounter with lots of blood and brutality. It stays in the memory, which is more than can honestly be said for the rest of the movie. Once this fight reaches its bloody conclusion the movie just...stops. It's a good ending to a mediocre film.