shandalson

This movie blew Me away. Literally. Out of my seat. I've recently been harbouring an interest in the movies of Tan Tao Liang (aka Dorian Tan, Delon Tam etc.) in my opinion one of the top kickers in kung fu movies ever, who stands alongside Donnie Yen, Ken Lo, Hwang Jang Lee etc. I noticed this title for 3 Scottish pounds, and then realised it was choreographed by Yuen Woo Ping, a man who needs no introduction. I immediately snapped it up, not knowing the quality.

The movie begins with Tan as a rebel, and it appears the period is the usual Ming/Ching timeline favoured of old skool Kung fu films. He is injured in a fight and attempts to stop the baddie generals in their mission to rid the poverty stricken people of their food and water. Tan encounters friends and other masters in his quest to clear his name. The plot is packed with incident, and has a morality play above the level of most old skoolers.

So. The action. Despite the fact that this DVD is a poor quality VHS reproduction in full screen, meaning important blows etc. are cut off screen, this movie contains simply some of the best, high impact intricate fight scenes ever filmed. Yuen Woo Ping really outdoes himself, and as for Tan the man, this is definitely his best action, and I've seen most of his movies. His kick combinations and flash of legs are here at there most legendary. There are countless fight scenes, but none go under the bar of pure excellence. The cast contains some regulars such as the great Chen Sing in a cameo role and some relative unknowns, but all perform the fight scenes with requisite brilliance. In short if you love Kung Fu on screen, BUY THIS NOW. NOT TOMORROW. NOW.

Watch out for the shock ending!

This movie serves as a precursor to Sammo Hungs Iron-fisted Monk, with the great kicker Casanova Wong in a similar role as a shaolin monk-kicker extraordinaire. Sammos mentor Huang Feng is the director, who was responsible for some early classics such as HAPKIDO and WHEN TAEKWONDO STRIKES, both starring the ultimate high kicking femme fatale Angela Mao and both featuring and choreographed by Sammo.

The plot concerns the lead villain Chen Sing (dubbed the Charles Bronson of Asia) scouring the country for various martial arts manuals to further his evil deeds. James Tien is the student of Wu Tang who trains to stop him. there are many plot twists along the way which I wont go in to.

The movie starts brilliantly and excitingly with Sammo in full on villain mode sporting a beard and some killer weaponry, searching out the good guys. Two excellently choreographed fights follow, with Kam Kong displaying superb bootwork and Chien Yuet San some intricate spearplay. The choreography here is up there with Sammos later, masterful work such as MAGNIFICENT BUTCHER and ODD COUPLE. However, as the plot takes over there are some long, boring passages. But just wait until the ending! Casanova Wong kicks into gear alongside none other than Kwon Young Moon, as the two take on numerous villains and finally Chen Sing. Seeing these two go into action alongside each other is a joy to behold, not just for the fans.

Casanova is known for his more high profile roles in movies like WARRIORS TWO, in which he performs one of the most incredible kicks ever seen on screen. But here his abilities are in my opinion given the best showcase. In one shot he performs 7 kicks, lightning fast, without his foot touching the floor, with excellent technique! It has to be seen to be believed. James Tien also performs the best action I've seen from him, having a good weapons duel with Chen.

The production values are decent, what you would expect of a Golden Harvest film from this time, and there is good use of locations. Sammo has one of his best villainous roles, as does Chen. If you are a fan of any of the performers this is a must-see, as the action is definitely up there with the best of the 70s kung fu movies.

The Hong Kong DVD has excellent cover art, but unfortunately the print ain't that good. At least its subtitled with a letterboxed presentation. Get it Yo!

I would suggest that the others voters here are underrating this movie. While its by no means a masterpiece, it does have some excellent elements. Perhaps the low score is due to the lame attempts at physical comedy, which many old skool Kung fu pics incorporated due to the success of Jackie Chans early films. Sure, they are terrible but get past em and you will have much to enjoy. There is, of course the genius martial artist that is John Liu, who gives his usual charismatic performance as a man searching for the Ex-monk, who has committed numerous heinous crimes. The selling point of the pic for me is the presence of Alan Hsu, a superb choreographer and martial artist, who plays the ex-monk. To see John Liu go into action under his direction is pure bliss, and the pair of fight sequences between the two are a joy to behold. While the film and choreography are not on a par with Hsu's excellent The Rebellious reign (if you haven't seen that one, your missing out), they are high impact and superbly edited. If your a John Liu or Alan Hsu fan, or Kung fu film fan in general, check it out