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7.1/10
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The eleventh son of the Qing emperor, who's a kung fu master, is visiting Canton incognito. While there, he meets a loudmouth thief who he takes under his wing, while assassins sent by his f... Read allThe eleventh son of the Qing emperor, who's a kung fu master, is visiting Canton incognito. While there, he meets a loudmouth thief who he takes under his wing, while assassins sent by his fourth brother threaten his life.The eleventh son of the Qing emperor, who's a kung fu master, is visiting Canton incognito. While there, he meets a loudmouth thief who he takes under his wing, while assassins sent by his fourth brother threaten his life.
- Director
- Writer
- Stars
Yue Wong
- 'Dirty' Ho Jen
- (as Wang Yu)
Chia-Hui Liu
- Wang Tsun Hsin - 11th prince
- (as Liu Chia-Hui)
Kara Ying Hung Wai
- Tsui Hung
- (as Hui Ying-Hung)
Wilson Tong
- Mr. Chu
- (as Tang Wei Cheng)
King-Chu Lee
- General Liang's fighter
- (as Ching Chu)
- …
Hui-Huang Lin
- Mongolian fighter
- (as Fai Wong Lam)
Helen Poon
- Tsui Bing
- (as Pan Ping Chang)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
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I am currently watching every martial arts movie made during the golden age from 1967-1984. Watching in chronological order has given me a better insight into how these movies developed.
I have not been able to establish a definite date for the original theatrical release of "Dirty Ho", other than sometime between 1976 and 1979. Recently HKMDB added 8/4/1979 as the date but I can't confirm that at a second source. Until I am certain of a date I can't say for sure if some of the creative choreography first appeared in this movie. Regardless, the use of props, the "fighting while appearing to be stumbling", fighting by making the opponent look off balance, and using Kara Hui as a weapon, all this creative choreography of fighting without fighting was never or at least rarely seen before.
The title has always raised eyebrows. To clarify in Chinese the literal translation is "rotten head Ho". Ho is the character played by Wong Yu. The "rotten head" occurs during his fight with Kara Hui. He receives a scratch to his forehead during that fight. Initially, though superficial, the wound is very painful so he seeks medical treatment. The medical treatment only makes it worse. This was planned by Gordon Liu all along to lead to the character's metamorphosis.
I have not been able to establish a definite date for the original theatrical release of "Dirty Ho", other than sometime between 1976 and 1979. Recently HKMDB added 8/4/1979 as the date but I can't confirm that at a second source. Until I am certain of a date I can't say for sure if some of the creative choreography first appeared in this movie. Regardless, the use of props, the "fighting while appearing to be stumbling", fighting by making the opponent look off balance, and using Kara Hui as a weapon, all this creative choreography of fighting without fighting was never or at least rarely seen before.
The title has always raised eyebrows. To clarify in Chinese the literal translation is "rotten head Ho". Ho is the character played by Wong Yu. The "rotten head" occurs during his fight with Kara Hui. He receives a scratch to his forehead during that fight. Initially, though superficial, the wound is very painful so he seeks medical treatment. The medical treatment only makes it worse. This was planned by Gordon Liu all along to lead to the character's metamorphosis.
'Dirty Ho (1979)' is a martial arts movie about a young conman who finds himself indebted to a mysteriously influential antique enthusiast. His initially antagonistic attitude to his new master soon changes when he realises the latter is really, really good at kung fu. This action-comedy is equal parts humorous and exciting, featuring phenomenal fight choreography that perfectly blends fast-paced combat with zany slapstick to craft some truly unforgettable scenes. The creativity on display is almost as impressive as the physicality, with dance-like sequences that go on for minutes longer than you'd ever think possible (without ever truly dragging). Although the story is somewhat weak and the characters aren't exactly deep, the picture knows exactly what it wants to do and it does it with aplomb. You'll smile, then drop your jaw; laugh, then ponder how a mere human can even move like that. It's pretty great for what it is, even if it never quite gets past just being generally enjoyable as an overall experience. Fans of martial arts cinema are in for a real treat with this one.
This review is based on the version I watched on Prime Video.
Firstly, the dubbing is absolutely atrocious. I always prefer to watch these movies in the original language with subtitles, but this option wasn't available and I had to settle for the excruciating American dubbing.
The over the top sound effects in some scenes was very cringey, and so this movie mainly suffers on the audio alone.
The other negative point was the abrupt ending, as it would have been nice to have an explanation for the assassination attempts on Wang. I was originally going to rate this a 7 for these 3 points, but thought I'd be generous as the film makers can't be blamed for the dubbing.
I had no expectations on this movie and hadn't heard of it before doing a search for Gordon Liu movies, and I wasn't disappointed. The story isn't ground breaking, but it is rather deep for a movie of it's genre, but the movie really excels in the fight sequences.
The fighting is beautifully choreographed, and the subtle style used throughout is impressive, impeccably timed and entertaining to watch. As the movie progressed, I realised a striking similarity to moves later used by Jackie Chan in his movies (not that he copied the moves but there's definitely similarity).
Firstly, the dubbing is absolutely atrocious. I always prefer to watch these movies in the original language with subtitles, but this option wasn't available and I had to settle for the excruciating American dubbing.
The over the top sound effects in some scenes was very cringey, and so this movie mainly suffers on the audio alone.
The other negative point was the abrupt ending, as it would have been nice to have an explanation for the assassination attempts on Wang. I was originally going to rate this a 7 for these 3 points, but thought I'd be generous as the film makers can't be blamed for the dubbing.
I had no expectations on this movie and hadn't heard of it before doing a search for Gordon Liu movies, and I wasn't disappointed. The story isn't ground breaking, but it is rather deep for a movie of it's genre, but the movie really excels in the fight sequences.
The fighting is beautifully choreographed, and the subtle style used throughout is impressive, impeccably timed and entertaining to watch. As the movie progressed, I realised a striking similarity to moves later used by Jackie Chan in his movies (not that he copied the moves but there's definitely similarity).
10the_grip
Classic Gordon Liu... not only does he wear a mustache, but his fight scenes are excellent.
If you are a Shaw Bros. or Gordon Liu fan, this one is not to be missed. This one is screened as a comedy with Kung Fu, not the other way around, and it is excellent.
If you are a Shaw Bros. or Gordon Liu fan, this one is not to be missed. This one is screened as a comedy with Kung Fu, not the other way around, and it is excellent.
10ChungMo
This is one of the films that sears itself into your mind forever unless kung fu films are a real turn off. Even when it was only watchable in poorly centered TV prints the brilliance of the action shined thru. Filmed towards the end of the golden age of the Shaw Brothers Studios, Dirty Ho rates as the top of the genre. The way the fights are choreographed is mesmerizing and I have spent hours rewinding the scenes to see exactly how the director orchestrated the camera and actors. It incredible how the movement progresses. I defy anyone to come up with something as subtle yet outrageous as the wine scene or the antique scene. The scenes in "House of Flying Daggers" are quite impressive but everything is computer assisted exaggeration. Here the only tricks are what could be done with editing and camera movement (O.K. maybe a few wires). You can see that most of the work is being done by the highly talented actors.
When this is re-released, buy it!
When this is re-released, buy it!
Did you know
- Quotes
Wang Tsun Hsin - 11th prince: Give up crime, and do honest deeds!
'Dirty' Ho Jen: What for?
- Crazy creditsThe opening credits feature Dirty Ho fighting off competing robbers for loot, and Prince Wang engaging in a sparring match. The two run into each other, and the Prince forces Ho to face his own opponents. The credits end with Ho declaring the Prince as his master.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Cinema Hong Kong: Kung Fu (2003)
- How long is Dirty Ho?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 43 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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By what name was Le Prince et l'Arnaqueur (1979) officially released in India in English?
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