Heróis do Oriente

If you've ever enjoyed the classic Kung-fu films of the 70's, I'm sure you remember The 5 Deadly Venoms, Master Killer, 10 Dragons from Canton, etc, etc... But this classic is almost always overlooked for the simple reason that it wasn't aired too many times in the states. And this title is impossible to find on VHS, DVD, LD or any other medium. But if you ever have the chance, see this movie!!! This movie is as good as it gets when it comes to showing off the difference between Chinese Kung-fu and various Japanese techniques. And this movie is very humorous at the same time.

You see, as the Japanese challenger comes one by one to duel, the wife of our star tells him of the exact style of fighting that the challenger will use (i.e. sword, spear, throwing stars, Ninjitsu etc...) . It is upto our hero (Gordon Liu of Master Killer) to counter each particular Japanese style with a similar Chinese technique. Chinese sword vs Japanese sword, Chinese spear vs Japanese spear. You get the idea. Now bearing in mind that this movie is Chinese made, of course the Chinese techniques prove to be superior. But really the best part of the movie is seeing how each weapon and techniques match up against each other.

And look at the ratings the people who have seen this movie gave. Check it out.

Gordon Liu... what else should be said?

This movie is great... from Liu slapping around his servant to his servant eying up Liu's wife's open top to the excellent fight scenes, this is without a doubt excellent entertainment. Quite fun, and quite funny!

Note: the ninja at the end is the same actor that appears as the master in Jet Li's Fist of Legend (the guy who cuts paper (or leaves? can't remember) with his swipes).

If you can find this one, it's a gem. Don't miss it, esp. if you're a Liu fan.

This movie is awesome!

don't let the old year scare you away! This movie truly has it all, nice scenery and exciting fights.

Shaw Brothers did have a nose for great martial arts flicks and this one is one of them (one of the better they have released I would say)

the film centers around man named Liu that marries a Japanese girl. They early in their marriage argue about which martial arts styles that are the best; Chinese or Japanese. He of course speaks for the Chinese arts and she for the Japanese. He insults here that hard that she leaves him and goes back to China. In an attempt to win her back he writes a letter and sends off to her, but are misunderstood and so he insults HER family so they seeks him up to have a duel.

Now here is where this film becomes really interesting; Every Japanese that he fights has different styles and weapons so this movie really shows off various styles in Martial Arts.

And it shows it off well. the actors really knows their stuff; they all move and fight AMASING!

don't hesitate to wait, rent/buy it know!

I shall also add: IVL (Intercontinental Video Limited) has re-released this film on DVD with re-mastered video and sound quality! and it truly looks good! so I recommend looking this version up.

9/10

Challenge of the Ninja is essentially a story of cultures. From the initial opening credits when Gordon Liu a young Chinese man marries a Japanese girl you can see that they and everything around them will clash as the newlyweds try to find common ground. Their varying attitudes about martial arts to the way they train pits the two lovers on a collision course that ultimately has the proud, stubborn and spoiled bride running back to her family. An ill advised note pits a rival suitor against the young man and his Japanese entourage of fighters who feel slighted by its contents that derides their skill and culture as fighters. When Gordon meets with them head on he not only wins back his wayward wife but gains the respect and admiration of those who would challenge him. This movie is a must see for those who like to see the various styles of martial arts represented by Chinese Kung Fu by one of its finest proponents.

With a title like Shaolin Challenges Ninja... how could this movie not be amazing? With excellently choreographed fight scenes, a decent storyline (horrible translation... but that just adds to its reputation as a classic), and a great assortment of fighting styles and weaponry, this movie is amazing.

And there's not that much more to say. Watch this movie if you're a fan of classic Shaw Brother's martial arts mayhem. The only disappointment would come in how easily the hero defeats each villain. But his reasons for non-violence fit the storyline and thus, can't be avoided.

A non-violent action movie? Yes it is... and it still rules. Enjoy.