Known primarily for their work in The Five Deadly Venoms, a group of five martial arts actors starred in a slew of entertaining kung fu flicks. Martial arts movies have a tendency to recreate actor pairings that studio already know can lead to success. Jackie Chan's Three Dragons movies with Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung are a perfect example of this. Also worth mentioning are the various partnerships between Ti Lung and David Chiang in classic Shaw Brothers movies, as well as the films that boast Jean-Claude Van Damme and Scott Adkins as co-stars.
The vast majority of these actor team-ups are duos and trios, but that's not the case for the Venom Mob. Taking their name from their Five Deadly Venoms movie from 1977, the Venom Mob consisted of five actors, all of whom being talented martial artists. A long list of great kung fu movies managed to pack...
The vast majority of these actor team-ups are duos and trios, but that's not the case for the Venom Mob. Taking their name from their Five Deadly Venoms movie from 1977, the Venom Mob consisted of five actors, all of whom being talented martial artists. A long list of great kung fu movies managed to pack...
- 1/11/2025
- by Charles Nicholas Raymond
- ScreenRant
Over the years, a number of movies in the martial arts genre have offered some truly unbelievable action sequences. While some of the best martial arts movies do opt for realism, over-the-top moves that would be impossible to perform in real life have become a long-time staple of the genre. They can come across as silly in certain instances, but when handled correctly, they can add extra levels of excitement to the action.
Such moves are particularly common in the traditional kung fu movies that were pumped out by studios like Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers in the 1970s and 1980s. They're often associated with the careers of martial arts stars like Jackie Chan, Gordon Liu, and Alexander Fu Sheng. Sometimes, they can lead to a moment of brevity, and in other cases, they can be used to execute an epic finish to an intense fight scene.
The Ten Tigers...
Such moves are particularly common in the traditional kung fu movies that were pumped out by studios like Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers in the 1970s and 1980s. They're often associated with the careers of martial arts stars like Jackie Chan, Gordon Liu, and Alexander Fu Sheng. Sometimes, they can lead to a moment of brevity, and in other cases, they can be used to execute an epic finish to an intense fight scene.
The Ten Tigers...
- 11/26/2024
- by Charles Nicholas Raymond
- ScreenRant
Though his acting career was cut short following his untimely death, Alexander Fu Sheng is still remembered for the memorable kung fu films he appeared in. As a teenager, Fu Sheng applied to the Shaw Brothers Drama School and signed a 3-5 year contract with the production studio, soon becoming one of the many reoccurring actors to appear in Shaw Brothers films. Frequent collaborators throughout Fu Sheng's career include director Chang Cheh, the Shaw Brothers, and martial arts choreographer Lau Kar-leung.
Each person helped Fu Sheng foster his skills as an actor and a martial artist. The best of Fu Sheng's kung fu films demonstrate the quality of his skill and the potential he had to build a career comparable to someone like Jackie Chan. Fu Sheng was never able to reach the career heights of movie martial artists like Bruce Lee. Still, film critics and directors have made comparisons...
Each person helped Fu Sheng foster his skills as an actor and a martial artist. The best of Fu Sheng's kung fu films demonstrate the quality of his skill and the potential he had to build a career comparable to someone like Jackie Chan. Fu Sheng was never able to reach the career heights of movie martial artists like Bruce Lee. Still, film critics and directors have made comparisons...
- 10/30/2024
- by Aryanna Alvarado
- ScreenRant
Cheng Pei-pei, the pioneering Chinese actress dubbed the “Queen of Swords” and considered among the first female action stars who made her name in the Shaw Brothers classic Come Drink With Me and later had a memorable turn as the villain Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, has died. She was 78.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that the rumors are true. Our mother, Cheng Pei-pei, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on July 17,” Cheng’s family said in a statement posted to Facebook. “In 2019, our mom was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative, atypical parkinsonism syndrome – unofficially, corticobasal degeneration (CBD). It is a rare disease with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, however, current treatments cannot slow the progression. She chose not to make this news public so that she could deal with her condition in private and spend her...
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that the rumors are true. Our mother, Cheng Pei-pei, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on July 17,” Cheng’s family said in a statement posted to Facebook. “In 2019, our mom was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative, atypical parkinsonism syndrome – unofficially, corticobasal degeneration (CBD). It is a rare disease with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, however, current treatments cannot slow the progression. She chose not to make this news public so that she could deal with her condition in private and spend her...
- 7/19/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are Kung Fu movies. Then there are Hong Kong Kung Fu movies. Starting in the ’70s, Hong Kong filmmakers dominated the martial arts genre with a unique brand of Hong Kong ballistic action, white-knuckle stunts, and exquisite fight choreography. Towering Hong Kong studios like Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest were the prolific grindhouses that brought us Bruce Lee and so many other action movie stars at an astonishingly bounteous rate.
If you’re already familiar with Bruce Lee’s work in Hong Kong cinema and aren’t sure where to go next on your martial arts movie journey, or which stars’ filmographies you should be checking out, here are five pivotal Hong Kong martial arts films worthy of your attention. Each of these movie either launched or are part of venerated Hong Kong franchises, so you’ll have plenty to watch once you dive in!
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin a.
If you’re already familiar with Bruce Lee’s work in Hong Kong cinema and aren’t sure where to go next on your martial arts movie journey, or which stars’ filmographies you should be checking out, here are five pivotal Hong Kong martial arts films worthy of your attention. Each of these movie either launched or are part of venerated Hong Kong franchises, so you’ll have plenty to watch once you dive in!
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin a.
- 8/9/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Last year, Ben Stykuc wrote in his review of “Three Days of a Blind Girl”: “In retrospect, Anthony Wong is the only actor I know that could outNicolasCage Nicolas Cage”, and his comment could not have been more spot on. Having build his career with secondary roles and first roles in Cat III films, Wong eventually managed to become one of the most respected character actors in the industry with a string of awards and outstanding performances to his credit. Just his presence is frequently enough by itself to elevate the films he participates in, with him portraying rather different characters throughout his career, with equal artistry and much gusto. To celebrate this wonderful actor, we present 16 of his best performances, in alphabetical order, focusing on a diversity of roles that have him play from a a priest to rapist, from a cop to a sadistic killer, and anything between.
- 8/10/2022
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
When is a cult movie cult? It’s a question asked many a time with no real defining answer as everyone will have their own opinion. Does that also mean that a movie studio can be considered cult too? For all the box office success it had in its heyday, Shaw Brothers now is less known to the mainstream and is instead firmly in the hearts of those movie fanatics that quite probably read these pages. With their studio bound sets, buckets of fake blood and sheer theatricality, the movies had a distinctive look but by the time “The Kid with the Golden Arm” was released times were already moving on an. So how does it fare now over 40 years later?
“The Kid with the Golden Arm” is screening on Fantasia International Film Festival
Yang Hu Yun (Sun Chien) is asked to escort a valuable cargo. Aware that the Chi...
“The Kid with the Golden Arm” is screening on Fantasia International Film Festival
Yang Hu Yun (Sun Chien) is asked to escort a valuable cargo. Aware that the Chi...
- 7/26/2022
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Surely many will remember “Hard Boiled” as John Woo’s last film made in his native country (Hong Kong), as well as some sort of letter of introduction to Hollywood. But today, that perspective has already changed, since in 2008 John Woo returned to his homeland to shoot “Red Cliff” and there he has stayed all these past years. Little can be said about “Hard Boiled” that hasn’t already been said, and this is something more than obvious: “Hard Boiled” puts most recent action movies to shame. Very few reach this level of spectacularity (The Raid 2 from 2014 for example), and this is not something coming from this particular movie, but from almost all of John Woo’s action films. See “A Better Tomorrow” (1986), The Killer (1989) or “Bullet in the Head” (1990) for example. John Woo has a unique vision and a unique mastery, and that’s something that is patent...
- 7/21/2022
- by Pedro Morata
- AsianMoviePulse
The “Venom Mob” was a group of actors that first appeared on Chang Chen’s internationally appraised “The Five Venom” and continued on shooting more than a dozen films. “House of Traps” is considered the last of them and one of the most sought after, of all the Shaw Brothers productions.
Hua Chong, a famous fighter known with the nickname “Butterfly,” manages to steal a valuable jade statue. He delivers it to the Prince of Xiangyang, who immediately appreciates his abilities in martial arts and hires him in his guard. Furthermore, he places the statue in the House of Traps, a self-explanatory building where his most valuable assets are being stored. The Prince is soon revealed as the head of a group of individuals that want to revolt against the emperor. As a new Inspector, Yan Chunmin is being assigned to the area, the conspirators feel that his presence may...
Hua Chong, a famous fighter known with the nickname “Butterfly,” manages to steal a valuable jade statue. He delivers it to the Prince of Xiangyang, who immediately appreciates his abilities in martial arts and hires him in his guard. Furthermore, he places the statue in the House of Traps, a self-explanatory building where his most valuable assets are being stored. The Prince is soon revealed as the head of a group of individuals that want to revolt against the emperor. As a new Inspector, Yan Chunmin is being assigned to the area, the conspirators feel that his presence may...
- 12/19/2016
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Craig Lines Dec 14, 2016
The legendary Venom Mob never became kung fu cinema stars as individuals. But as a group? Let us tell their story...
A film critic, an accountant, an orphan and three opera students take on the martial arts world. It sounds like a plot from a crazy kung fu film in itself but, incredibly, forms the basis for the real life story of the legendary Venom Mob...
In 1970s Hong Kong, the film industry was driven by star power. Most of the big names were at some point contracted to Shaw Brothers and actors like Alexander Fu Sheng, Jimmy Wang Yu, Gordon Liu or Ti Lung could always guarantee a crowd. As daring as certain elements of classic Hong Kong cinema still feel, the studios were rarely willing to take risks when it came to the stars, believing that audiences just wouldn't show up if they didn't recognise the name on the marquee.
The legendary Venom Mob never became kung fu cinema stars as individuals. But as a group? Let us tell their story...
A film critic, an accountant, an orphan and three opera students take on the martial arts world. It sounds like a plot from a crazy kung fu film in itself but, incredibly, forms the basis for the real life story of the legendary Venom Mob...
In 1970s Hong Kong, the film industry was driven by star power. Most of the big names were at some point contracted to Shaw Brothers and actors like Alexander Fu Sheng, Jimmy Wang Yu, Gordon Liu or Ti Lung could always guarantee a crowd. As daring as certain elements of classic Hong Kong cinema still feel, the studios were rarely willing to take risks when it came to the stars, believing that audiences just wouldn't show up if they didn't recognise the name on the marquee.
- 12/10/2016
- Den of Geek
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The Five Deadly Venoms is a martial arts classic, that comes with one of the best opening sequences we've seen...
You don't need to do much more than whisper "I had five pupils..." to send shivers up the spines of most martial arts fans. It's a line that kicks off one of the most dazzling opening sequences in the history of cinema, as the dying Master of the Poison Clan explains to his sixth and final pupil that there were five more before him, each trained in a unique fighting style.
The Five Deadly Venoms wear masks that hide their identity and represent their particular style. There's the Centipede, the Snake, the Scorpion, the Lizard and the Toad, and the ways in which they fight draw from each animal's characteristics. As the Master explains, Centipede and Snake know one another's identity, as do Lizard and Toad. None of the others know Scorpion.
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The Five Deadly Venoms is a martial arts classic, that comes with one of the best opening sequences we've seen...
You don't need to do much more than whisper "I had five pupils..." to send shivers up the spines of most martial arts fans. It's a line that kicks off one of the most dazzling opening sequences in the history of cinema, as the dying Master of the Poison Clan explains to his sixth and final pupil that there were five more before him, each trained in a unique fighting style.
The Five Deadly Venoms wear masks that hide their identity and represent their particular style. There's the Centipede, the Snake, the Scorpion, the Lizard and the Toad, and the ways in which they fight draw from each animal's characteristics. As the Master explains, Centipede and Snake know one another's identity, as do Lizard and Toad. None of the others know Scorpion.
- 2/5/2016
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
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The Five Deadly Venoms is a martial arts classic, that comes with one of the best opening sequences we've seen...
You don't need to do much more than whisper "I had five pupils..." to send shivers up the spines of most martial arts fans. It's a line that kicks off one of the most dazzling opening sequences in the history of cinema, as the dying Master of the Poison Clan explains to his sixth and final pupil that there were five more before him, each trained in a unique fighting style.
The Five Deadly Venoms wear masks that hide their identity and represent their particular style. There's the Centipede, the Snake, the Scorpion, the Lizard and the Toad, and the ways in which they fight draw from each animal's characteristics. As the Master explains, Centipede and Snake know one another's identity, as do Lizard and Toad. None of the others know Scorpion.
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The Five Deadly Venoms is a martial arts classic, that comes with one of the best opening sequences we've seen...
You don't need to do much more than whisper "I had five pupils..." to send shivers up the spines of most martial arts fans. It's a line that kicks off one of the most dazzling opening sequences in the history of cinema, as the dying Master of the Poison Clan explains to his sixth and final pupil that there were five more before him, each trained in a unique fighting style.
The Five Deadly Venoms wear masks that hide their identity and represent their particular style. There's the Centipede, the Snake, the Scorpion, the Lizard and the Toad, and the ways in which they fight draw from each animal's characteristics. As the Master explains, Centipede and Snake know one another's identity, as do Lizard and Toad. None of the others know Scorpion.
- 2/5/2016
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Ti Lung is known for his awesome catalogue of movies, over the years he was a leading star at The Shaw Brothers Studio and appeared in well over a 100 movies. I have put together a list of movies, which i have enjoyed over the years. *This is not a Top 40 list.
1.Have Sword, Will Travel (1969)
Cast:David Chiang, Li Ching, Ku Feng, Cheng Miu,
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
2.The Duel (1971)
Cast:David Chiang, Yeung Chi Hing, Yue Wai, Ku Feng
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
3.Blood Brothers (1973)
Cast:Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang, Cheng Li, Cheng Miu, Tin Ching
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Leung, Tong Gaai
4.The Sentimental Swordsman (1977)
Cast:Cheng Li, Yueh Hua, Derek Yee, Ku Feng, Fan Mei Sheng
Director:Chu Yuan
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Wong Pau Gei
5.The Retuen of The Sentimental Swordsman (1981)
Cast:Fu Sheng, Derek Yee,...
1.Have Sword, Will Travel (1969)
Cast:David Chiang, Li Ching, Ku Feng, Cheng Miu,
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
2.The Duel (1971)
Cast:David Chiang, Yeung Chi Hing, Yue Wai, Ku Feng
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Yuen Cheung Yan
3.Blood Brothers (1973)
Cast:Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang, Cheng Li, Cheng Miu, Tin Ching
Director:Chang Cheh
Fight Choreographer:Lau Kar Leung, Tong Gaai
4.The Sentimental Swordsman (1977)
Cast:Cheng Li, Yueh Hua, Derek Yee, Ku Feng, Fan Mei Sheng
Director:Chu Yuan
Fight Choreographer:Tong Gaai, Wong Pau Gei
5.The Retuen of The Sentimental Swordsman (1981)
Cast:Fu Sheng, Derek Yee,...
- 1/15/2016
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
When it comes to making features like this one, i love the idea of coming up with my own personal “100 Great Kung Fu Movies” of all time. It is tough choosing just 100 because you know there are many more great Kung Fu movies that are not on the list.
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand moments during fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you...
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand moments during fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you...
- 6/27/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
When it comes to making features like this one, i love the idea of coming up with my own personal “100 Great Kung Fu Movies” of all time. It is tough choosing just 100 because you know there are many more great Kung Fu movies that are not on the list.
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you for taking...
I have decided that to make the list, a movie must have a few hand to hand fight scenes in the movies chosen. If for example its mainly sword play with one fight scene hand to hand it won’t make the list. Its old school “style” Kung Fu movies, not modern day settings.
I understand everyone will have their own personal favorites and some may not agree with my list and that’s fine because it’s nice to have different opinions on this genre which keeps it fresh and alive when having good debates.
Anyway, thank you for taking...
- 6/25/2015
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Like millions of you around the world, i love Kung Fu movies. It is the only real genre that keeps me going back for more and that is why i will always love Kung Fu movies.
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
Snuff-Bottle Connection (1977)
Studio: Fortuna Film Co
Director: Lau Lap Lap, Richard Tung Chin Hu
Cast: Hwang jang lee, Yip Fei Yang, John Liu, Philip Ko, Hsu Hsia, Yuen Biao
Action Director(s): Yuen Woo Ping
Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog (1978)
Studio: Gar Bo Motion Picture Company
Director: Karl maka
Cast: Sammo hung, lau Kar Wing,...
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
Snuff-Bottle Connection (1977)
Studio: Fortuna Film Co
Director: Lau Lap Lap, Richard Tung Chin Hu
Cast: Hwang jang lee, Yip Fei Yang, John Liu, Philip Ko, Hsu Hsia, Yuen Biao
Action Director(s): Yuen Woo Ping
Dirty Tiger, Crazy Frog (1978)
Studio: Gar Bo Motion Picture Company
Director: Karl maka
Cast: Sammo hung, lau Kar Wing,...
- 12/13/2014
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Like millions of you around the world, i love Kung Fu movies. It is the only real genre that keeps me going back for more and that is why i will always love Kung Fu movies.
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
1.Hell’s Wind Staff (1979)
Director: Tony Wong Yuk Long, Tony Liu Jun Guk
Cast: Hwang Jang Lee, Meng Hoi, Meng Yuen Man, Jason Pai Piao
Fight Choreographers(s): Corey Yuen, Chin Yuet Sang, Hsu Hsia, Yuen Shun Yee
Studio: Yuk Long Movies
2.Incredible Kung Fu Master (1979)
Director: Cheung Tung Cho
Cast: Sammo Hung, Tung Wei,...
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
1.Hell’s Wind Staff (1979)
Director: Tony Wong Yuk Long, Tony Liu Jun Guk
Cast: Hwang Jang Lee, Meng Hoi, Meng Yuen Man, Jason Pai Piao
Fight Choreographers(s): Corey Yuen, Chin Yuet Sang, Hsu Hsia, Yuen Shun Yee
Studio: Yuk Long Movies
2.Incredible Kung Fu Master (1979)
Director: Cheung Tung Cho
Cast: Sammo Hung, Tung Wei,...
- 10/30/2014
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Like millions of you around the world, i love Kung Fu movies. It is the only real genre that keeps me going back for more and that is why i will always love Kung Fu movies.
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
1.Kickboxer 黃飛鴻之鬼腳七 (1993)
Director: Wu Ma
Cast: Yuen Biao, Yuen Wah, Yen Shi Kwan, Wu Ma, Shirley Lui, Tai Bo
Fight Choreographer(s): Yuen Biao, Yuen Mao
Studio: Regal Films Co. Ltd.
2.The Rebellious Reign 雍正与年羹尧 (1980)
Director: Fong Cheung
Cast: Norman Chu, Jimmy Lee Fong, Kwan Yung Moon, Chan Wai Lau, Alan Chui
Fight Choreographer...
I know many of you have probably seen many of the movies i will post about, but this is also for anyone new to the genre of Kung Fu and even Swordplay and looking for other movies to enjoy. I hope you enjoy the movies i have listed and please feel free to comment about any of the movies.
1.Kickboxer 黃飛鴻之鬼腳七 (1993)
Director: Wu Ma
Cast: Yuen Biao, Yuen Wah, Yen Shi Kwan, Wu Ma, Shirley Lui, Tai Bo
Fight Choreographer(s): Yuen Biao, Yuen Mao
Studio: Regal Films Co. Ltd.
2.The Rebellious Reign 雍正与年羹尧 (1980)
Director: Fong Cheung
Cast: Norman Chu, Jimmy Lee Fong, Kwan Yung Moon, Chan Wai Lau, Alan Chui
Fight Choreographer...
- 10/27/2014
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Every week or so, i shall be putting together a feature called If Only These Would Have Happened. It is basically just what you would have liked to have happened in martial art movies such as facing two people against each other, a director and actor working together. Before Jackie Chan faced Jet Li in Forbidden Kingdom, i wanted that fight to happen for years, luckily it did.
If you have any suggestions, i shall pick 1-2 and include them in the next feature.
Bruce Lee Vs Bolo Yeung
This is the only thing that was missing from the amazing Enter The Dragon. The nearest you will ever get to it, is the still they taken when practicing for scenes. I enjoyed the fight between Bolo and Saxon, but i feel the way Bolo dies and gets beat was to easy and going against Bruce Lee would have made a much better fight.
If you have any suggestions, i shall pick 1-2 and include them in the next feature.
Bruce Lee Vs Bolo Yeung
This is the only thing that was missing from the amazing Enter The Dragon. The nearest you will ever get to it, is the still they taken when practicing for scenes. I enjoyed the fight between Bolo and Saxon, but i feel the way Bolo dies and gets beat was to easy and going against Bruce Lee would have made a much better fight.
- 12/24/2013
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
Villains have always been and will always be some of the most fascinating and memorable characters in the world of genre film. Here we will take a look at the greatest villains of cinema from the 1990’s.
The criteria for this article is the same as in my previous articles Cinema’s Greatest Villains: The 1970’s and Cinema’s Greatest Villains: The 1980’s: the villains must be from live-action films-no animated features-and must pose some type of direct of indirect lethal threat. The villains can either be individuals or small groups that act as one unit.
The villains must be human or human in appearance. Also, individuals that are the central protagonists/antiheroes of their respective films were excluded.
Brad Dourif as The Gemini Killer in The Exorcist III (William Peter Blatty, 1990): Veteran actor Dourif is intense and unforgettable as an executed murderer inhabiting someone else’s body in...
The criteria for this article is the same as in my previous articles Cinema’s Greatest Villains: The 1970’s and Cinema’s Greatest Villains: The 1980’s: the villains must be from live-action films-no animated features-and must pose some type of direct of indirect lethal threat. The villains can either be individuals or small groups that act as one unit.
The villains must be human or human in appearance. Also, individuals that are the central protagonists/antiheroes of their respective films were excluded.
Brad Dourif as The Gemini Killer in The Exorcist III (William Peter Blatty, 1990): Veteran actor Dourif is intense and unforgettable as an executed murderer inhabiting someone else’s body in...
- 8/11/2013
- by Terek Puckett
- SoundOnSight
Five Deadly Venoms
Written by Chang Cheh
Directed by Chang Cheh
Hong Kong, 1978
Despite what great films have been reviewed in the column, few have, thus far, been privileged with a gift that may be only measured with time: contemporary cultural relevancy. By contemporary cultural relevancy it is meant that a given film continues to permeate the cultural landscape of the times, regardless of decade, whether it be to the timelessness of the story, its unforgettable nature, and its influence on various media in the following years. Chang Che’s most famous film, often deemed a ‘cult classic’, is Five Deadly Venoms, a picture that has been referenced countless times in other movies, television and music. Anybody remotely familiar with rap’s Wu Tang Clan knows the group has a particular fixation with said film. In fact, it would be a safe bet to say that among any Wu Tang Clan fans,...
Written by Chang Cheh
Directed by Chang Cheh
Hong Kong, 1978
Despite what great films have been reviewed in the column, few have, thus far, been privileged with a gift that may be only measured with time: contemporary cultural relevancy. By contemporary cultural relevancy it is meant that a given film continues to permeate the cultural landscape of the times, regardless of decade, whether it be to the timelessness of the story, its unforgettable nature, and its influence on various media in the following years. Chang Che’s most famous film, often deemed a ‘cult classic’, is Five Deadly Venoms, a picture that has been referenced countless times in other movies, television and music. Anybody remotely familiar with rap’s Wu Tang Clan knows the group has a particular fixation with said film. In fact, it would be a safe bet to say that among any Wu Tang Clan fans,...
- 2/24/2013
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Chang Chen is one of the best directors in Kung Fu cinema, known as the main man behind many Shaw Brothers classics, Chang Chen always brings blood and guts as well as having a great story line and great characters in his movies.
Some of my favorite movies of he’s are, Vengeance, Boxer From Shantung, Five Venom’s, Shaolin Martial Arts plus many more. He always brought great depth within most of his characters unless he just went all out and wanted a very bloody movie filled with fights. John Woo was also a big fan of Chang’s and also learnt a lot from him working on certain movies. He gave us raw power in terms of the leading males in his movies and with Lau Kar Leung choreographing many of the fight scenes, you know your in for a real treat.
Born:February 10, 1923,Shanghai, China
Died:June 22, 2002 (aged 79), Hong...
Some of my favorite movies of he’s are, Vengeance, Boxer From Shantung, Five Venom’s, Shaolin Martial Arts plus many more. He always brought great depth within most of his characters unless he just went all out and wanted a very bloody movie filled with fights. John Woo was also a big fan of Chang’s and also learnt a lot from him working on certain movies. He gave us raw power in terms of the leading males in his movies and with Lau Kar Leung choreographing many of the fight scenes, you know your in for a real treat.
Born:February 10, 1923,Shanghai, China
Died:June 22, 2002 (aged 79), Hong...
- 11/4/2012
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
This is a run down of my Top 40 kung fu movies of the 1970′s. There were so many great films in this era, that i just hope i do this list some justice. The movies chosen are just my personal choice, i understand others might have different views.
Any of the movies that make the Top 40 list must have something special to make it in the first place. So i hope you enjoy my Top 40 Kung Fu movies.
20.Invincible Armour (1977)
Starring: Hwang Jang Lee, John Liu, Philip Ko, Lee Hoi San, Yuen Biao
The Emperor’s Minister of State Cheng, an authoritarian ruler, arranges for Hu Lung, one of his old students to distract General Chow while he assassinates the leader of the Ming rebels. Chow hunts for Hu Lung, but must avoid the authorities since he is a suspect in the murder. He eventually finds Chow, but is thwarted by Hu Lung’s master,...
Any of the movies that make the Top 40 list must have something special to make it in the first place. So i hope you enjoy my Top 40 Kung Fu movies.
20.Invincible Armour (1977)
Starring: Hwang Jang Lee, John Liu, Philip Ko, Lee Hoi San, Yuen Biao
The Emperor’s Minister of State Cheng, an authoritarian ruler, arranges for Hu Lung, one of his old students to distract General Chow while he assassinates the leader of the Ming rebels. Chow hunts for Hu Lung, but must avoid the authorities since he is a suspect in the murder. He eventually finds Chow, but is thwarted by Hu Lung’s master,...
- 8/7/2012
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
This is a run down of my Top 40 kung fu movies of the 1970′s. There were so many great films in this era, that i just hope i do this list some justice. The movies chosen are just my personal choice, i understand others might have different views.
Any of the movies that make the Top 40 list must have something special to make it in the first place. So i hope you enjoy my Top 40 Kung Fu movies.
30:Iron Fisted Monk
Starring: Sammo Hung, Fung Hak On, Chan Sing, James Tien
The Husker has a heart of gold although he is full of tricks. When he is a trainee at Shaolin Temple, he cuts so many corners and devises so many labor-saving ploys that he earns the open wrath and secret admiration of his holy elders. Monk Shan, the famous kung fu master, never lets his buddhist association stand in the way of wining,...
Any of the movies that make the Top 40 list must have something special to make it in the first place. So i hope you enjoy my Top 40 Kung Fu movies.
30:Iron Fisted Monk
Starring: Sammo Hung, Fung Hak On, Chan Sing, James Tien
The Husker has a heart of gold although he is full of tricks. When he is a trainee at Shaolin Temple, he cuts so many corners and devises so many labor-saving ploys that he earns the open wrath and secret admiration of his holy elders. Monk Shan, the famous kung fu master, never lets his buddhist association stand in the way of wining,...
- 7/31/2012
- by kingofkungfu
- AsianMoviePulse
The Film:
Fans will probably remember this film from its better known title, Crippled Avengers, as a group of locals are getting irritiated with a pissed off tyrant who raised his son after he lost his hands, into an unstoppable martial artist with metallic hands. Unable to stop him, these locals become crippled and soon bond and learn from an old master to use their disabilities to develop them into unique martial art masters in their own right. Evil tyrannt? Brotherly bonding? Awesome martial art fighting scenes? It must be a Chang Cheh film!
While the title The Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms makes it seem as if this film is a sequel to Cheh’s kung fu masterpiece in The 5 Deadly Venoms (here), it really only reveals its connection to the stars Philip Kwok, Lo Meng, Sun Chien and Chiang Sheng from that film. Widely known as the Venom Mob,...
Fans will probably remember this film from its better known title, Crippled Avengers, as a group of locals are getting irritiated with a pissed off tyrant who raised his son after he lost his hands, into an unstoppable martial artist with metallic hands. Unable to stop him, these locals become crippled and soon bond and learn from an old master to use their disabilities to develop them into unique martial art masters in their own right. Evil tyrannt? Brotherly bonding? Awesome martial art fighting scenes? It must be a Chang Cheh film!
While the title The Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms makes it seem as if this film is a sequel to Cheh’s kung fu masterpiece in The 5 Deadly Venoms (here), it really only reveals its connection to the stars Philip Kwok, Lo Meng, Sun Chien and Chiang Sheng from that film. Widely known as the Venom Mob,...
- 11/15/2010
- by Jon Peters
- Killer Films
The Touch
After a few selective but shrewd co-starring roles, Asia's No. 1 heroine, Michelle Yeoh, has finally found a vehicle in English. "The Touch" is a $20 million action-adventure played out like Ms. Indiana Jones in the Buddhist Temple of Doom. Besides starring, Yeoh co-produced and hired the filmmaking team. Sadly, creative control did not translate into a creative movie. While the picture doesn't completely fail, it does fall short. But in a summer lacking quality popcorn movies, "Touch" stands a good chance to tomb-raid the Asian boxoffice. (Miramax holds North American and European distribution rights.)
Set in China, the ever graceful and appealing Yeoh is Yin, a Cirque de Soleil-style acrobat working with her younger brother, Tong (newcomer Brandon Chang). Englishman Ben Chaplin ("The Truth About Cats & Dogs") plays Eric, an orphan whom Yin's father/trainer has quasi-adopted. How a white kid wound up homeless on the streets of Asia is unclear. Nevertheless, Eric and Yin grew up together, giving each other long glances during puberty. Now, he's a master thief working for a ruthless art collector. Richard Roxburgh ("Moulin Rouge") portrays the murderous villain who will do anything to get his hands on a precious Buddhist relic. In a nutshell, he kidnaps Yeoh's brother as they all race to uncover the sacred prize, which may or may not possess great mystical powers.
Helmed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Peter Pau ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), the truly exotic locations in Tibet, Qingtao and the Dunhuang desert in China are absolutely breathtaking.
As for Yeoh, one of life's pure pleasures is watching her kick butt. But there probably isn't enough foot-to-ass action to satisfy Yeoh's die-hard fans. In fact, one of the disappointments of "Touch" is the overuse of computer effects -- and rather obvious ones at that. Word is, the American release will be more polished. Right now, the climax in a remote underground cave of fake fires and crumbling CGI pillars holds little suspense or thrills for viewers used to seeing Yeoh dangle off real trains and buildings in her Hong Kong flicks.
Stuck with a formulaic plot with predictably stiff dialogue, it's a shame the cast members don't get to stretch their characters in more interesting directions. Chaplin's Eric, for one, could be full of fascinating shades of gray as a product of East and West, and good and bad.
There also is little chemistry in the Yeoh-Chaplin romance. She is all strength and dependability -- like an Asian Sigourney Weaver, more maternal protector than romantic bombshell. As a result, it's hard to accept the meeker Chaplin catching her eye. In contrast, you can believe Yeoh going to the end of the world to save her younger sibling.
Flawed as it is, "Touch" offers some dazzling Chinese scenery -- as spectacular as those in "Crouching Tiger" -- and snazzy kung-fu action.
THE TOUCH
Miramax
Han Entertainment and Tianjin Film Studio
Credits:
Director/director of photography: Peter Pau
Screenwriters: Laurent Courtiaud, Julien Carbon, J.D. Zeik
From a story by: Thomas Chung, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Pau
Producers: Michelle Yeoh, Thomas Chung, Gao Feng Jun
Executive producers: Michelle Yeoh, Helen Pao Yun Huang, Kazuo Okada
Action choreography: Philip Kwok Chun-fung
Production designer: Thomas Chong
Music: Basil Poledouris
Costume designer: Shirley Chan
Editor: Marshall Harvey
Cast:
Yin Fei: Michelle Yeoh
Eric: Ben Chaplin
Karl: Richard Roxburgh
Tong: Brandon Chang
Bob: Dane Cook
Lily: Margaret Wang
Ping: Ken Tsang
Monk: Long Sihung
Running time -- 103 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Set in China, the ever graceful and appealing Yeoh is Yin, a Cirque de Soleil-style acrobat working with her younger brother, Tong (newcomer Brandon Chang). Englishman Ben Chaplin ("The Truth About Cats & Dogs") plays Eric, an orphan whom Yin's father/trainer has quasi-adopted. How a white kid wound up homeless on the streets of Asia is unclear. Nevertheless, Eric and Yin grew up together, giving each other long glances during puberty. Now, he's a master thief working for a ruthless art collector. Richard Roxburgh ("Moulin Rouge") portrays the murderous villain who will do anything to get his hands on a precious Buddhist relic. In a nutshell, he kidnaps Yeoh's brother as they all race to uncover the sacred prize, which may or may not possess great mystical powers.
Helmed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Peter Pau ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), the truly exotic locations in Tibet, Qingtao and the Dunhuang desert in China are absolutely breathtaking.
As for Yeoh, one of life's pure pleasures is watching her kick butt. But there probably isn't enough foot-to-ass action to satisfy Yeoh's die-hard fans. In fact, one of the disappointments of "Touch" is the overuse of computer effects -- and rather obvious ones at that. Word is, the American release will be more polished. Right now, the climax in a remote underground cave of fake fires and crumbling CGI pillars holds little suspense or thrills for viewers used to seeing Yeoh dangle off real trains and buildings in her Hong Kong flicks.
Stuck with a formulaic plot with predictably stiff dialogue, it's a shame the cast members don't get to stretch their characters in more interesting directions. Chaplin's Eric, for one, could be full of fascinating shades of gray as a product of East and West, and good and bad.
There also is little chemistry in the Yeoh-Chaplin romance. She is all strength and dependability -- like an Asian Sigourney Weaver, more maternal protector than romantic bombshell. As a result, it's hard to accept the meeker Chaplin catching her eye. In contrast, you can believe Yeoh going to the end of the world to save her younger sibling.
Flawed as it is, "Touch" offers some dazzling Chinese scenery -- as spectacular as those in "Crouching Tiger" -- and snazzy kung-fu action.
THE TOUCH
Miramax
Han Entertainment and Tianjin Film Studio
Credits:
Director/director of photography: Peter Pau
Screenwriters: Laurent Courtiaud, Julien Carbon, J.D. Zeik
From a story by: Thomas Chung, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Pau
Producers: Michelle Yeoh, Thomas Chung, Gao Feng Jun
Executive producers: Michelle Yeoh, Helen Pao Yun Huang, Kazuo Okada
Action choreography: Philip Kwok Chun-fung
Production designer: Thomas Chong
Music: Basil Poledouris
Costume designer: Shirley Chan
Editor: Marshall Harvey
Cast:
Yin Fei: Michelle Yeoh
Eric: Ben Chaplin
Karl: Richard Roxburgh
Tong: Brandon Chang
Bob: Dane Cook
Lily: Margaret Wang
Ping: Ken Tsang
Monk: Long Sihung
Running time -- 103 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 8/6/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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