What was the last classic martial-arts film you watched?

[DragonClaws]

Yes! They are what make Boxer's Adventure so great. I think it could have been a great movie with just those 3 guys. But adding Tan Tao Liang and Lung Tien Sheng to the group doesn't hurt! This movie is my favorite performance from Mang Fei and Blacky Ko. But a special mention has to go to Jack Long. I wish he had more roles like this. No wig, no beard. Just your average badass nancy boy.

"You're dead? You died easy!"

Those three did deserve to have their own film together. It's never really explained why Jack Longs character is always the subject of the other twos jokes.

I should have a Tan Tao-Liang review ready tomorrow morning..

Sounds interesting.

[DrNgor]

Blooded Treasury Fight (1979)

Director: Pai Hsueh-Li (of The Delightful Forest and Battle Wizard)

Action Director: Yuen Cheung-Yan

Cast: Dorian Tan Tao-Liang, David Chiang, Michael Chan Wai-Man, Choi Wang, Fan Mei-Sheng, Chiang Yi Tao, Kim Jeong-Nan, Chan Bik-Fung

Okay, so we have an excellent cast, a top-tier action diretor, and a director with a lot of solid Shaw Brothers experience. Does that translate into first class entertainment? Damn skippy it does!

Marshall Chow (Dorian Tan) is on a mission to find the treasure belonging to the late leader of an anti-Qing sect. He enlists the aid of a condemned criminal (Chiang), said criminal's former girlfriend (Chan Bik-Fung, Shaolin Heroes), a thief (Fan Mei-Sheng), and Chow's right-hand man (Choi Wang, the rope-axe dude from Five Shaolin Masters). But the mission won't be an easy one. The sect. is still around, now led by Michael Chan Wai-Man and Marshall Chow and his team will have to get past a veritable army to find the treasure. But alas, not everything is as it seems. Backs will be stabbed (sometimes quite literally), crosses will be doubled, and aliances will change before the film is over.

There's so much going on and so many characters to keep track of, not to mention that you never know who's on whose side, that the film is never boring. It's Always interesting, even before the actual martial arts action picks up in the second half. The final set piece on the millstones is incredibly brutal, with one death making a stoneface like me wince. Besides abundant hand-to-hand combat, there are lots of wire-jumps, sabers, spears, arrows, hidden weapons, blowguns, the whole she-bang-a-bang on display here.

Dorian Tan kicks like a madman, but he is almost passed up by Chang Yi-Tao, who matches him with manic intensity. Chan Wai-Man is solid as an eagle claw máster, although his kicks are nothing to scoff at. Choi Wang, who plays a silent character, owns the action with his strength and physique during the first hour. Only David Chiang really disappoints with a fighting performance that's merely adequate (too bad Yuen Cheung-Yan couldn't get as much out of him as Huang Ha in The Deadly Challenger), although he does make up for it with his innate charm. Some viewers will recognize actress Kim Jeong-Nan as the tomboy from Jackie Chan's classic Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin, and her role is fairly similar here.

Highly recommended!

[Cold Bishop]

While The Challenger and The Loot are both rightfully praised as post-Shaw efforts, this and Strife for Mastery never get enough discussion when people talk about David Chiang.

I also think I may enjoy Pao's post-Shaw work more than his studio assignments, which, while always handsome (he was a cinematographer, after all), always feel like they fell short of the mark. They have all the right ingredients, he just doesn't cook them enough. This and Eight Escorts may not be perfect, but I find them more stylish and entertaining than most of his Shaw work.

[DragonClaws]

Blooded Treasury Fight (1979)

Director: Pai Hsueh-Li (of The Delightful Forest and Battle Wizard)

Action Director: Yuen Cheung-Yan

Cast: Dorian Tan Tao-Liang, David Chiang, Michael Chan Wai-Man, Choi Wang, Fan Mei-Sheng, Chiang Yi Tao, Kim Jeong-Nan, Chan Bik-Fung

Okay, so we have an excellent cast, a top-tier action diretor, and a director with a lot of solid Shaw Brothers experience. Does that translate into first class entertainment? Damn skippy it does!

Marshall Chow (Dorian Tan) is on a mission to find the treasure belonging to the late leader of an anti-Qing sect. He enlists the aid of a condemned criminal (Chiang), said criminal's former girlfriend (Chan Bik-Fung, Shaolin Heroes), a thief (Fan Mei-Sheng), and Chow's right-hand man (Choi Wang, the rope-axe dude from Five Shaolin Masters). But the mission won't be an easy one. The sect. is still around, now led by Michael Chan Wai-Man and Marshall Chow and his team will have to get past a veritable army to find the treasure. But alas, not everything is as it seems. Backs will be stabbed (sometimes quite literally), crosses will be doubled, and aliances will change before the film is over.

There's so much going on and so many characters to keep track of, not to mention that you never know who's on whose side, that the film is never boring. It's Always interesting, even before the actual martial arts action picks up in the second half. The final set piece on the millstones is incredibly brutal, with one death making a stoneface like me wince. Besides abundant hand-to-hand combat, there are lots of wire-jumps, sabers, spears, arrows, hidden weapons, blowguns, the whole she-bang-a-bang on display here.

Dorian Tan kicks like a madman, but he is almost passed up by Chang Yi-Tao, who matches him with manic intensity. Chan Wai-Man is solid as an eagle claw máster, although his kicks are nothing to scoff at. Choi Wang, who plays a silent character, owns the action with his strength and physique during the first hour. Only David Chiang really disappoints with a fighting performance that's merely adequate (too bad Yuen Cheung-Yan couldn't get as much out of him as Huang Ha in The Deadly Challenger), although he does make up for it with his innate charm. Some viewers will recognize actress Kim Jeong-Nan as the tomboy from Jackie Chan's classic Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin, and her role is fairly similar here.

Highly recommended!

Good review, you have sold this one to me. Is there ant decent DVD's releases for it?.

[DrNgor]

Good review, you have sold this one to me. Is there ant decent DVD's releases for it?.

I'm not sure, but there's this.

[paimeifist]

Both of these movies sound great, good reviews guys. Choi Wang was pretty good in The Leg Fighters as well - actually it was his best performance I've seen, even though it was a small part. I liked him a lot in 5 Masters, and his fight with Ti Lung is easily the best of the movie; but the fights in that overall don't compare with those in The Leg Fighters..

It seems he collaborated with Dorian Tan often?

[DrNgor]

Both of these movies sound great, good reviews guys. Choi Wang was pretty good in The Leg Fighters as well - actually it was his best performance I've seen, even though it was a small part. I liked him a lot in 5 Masters, and his fight with Ti Lung is easily the best of the movie; but the fights in that overall don't compare with those in The Leg Fighters..

It seems he collaborated with Dorian Tan often?

Choi Wang was pretty much a mainstay of Taiwanese movies in general. His fight with Tan Tao Liang was probably the best fight in Shaolin Deadly Kicks.

EDIT: From what I understand, Chang Cheh's Five Shaolin Masters was an independent Taiwanese production that was picked up for distribution by the Shaw Brothers. That would probably explain why Taiwanese regulars like Choi Wang and Meng Fei made it into the cast (and why the film was less set-bound than most Shaw films). Well, that and the fact that Lau Kar-Wing had choreographed most of Meng Fei's earlier films.

[paimeifist]

I don't remember much about that fight. I liked Shaolin Deadly Kicks though, fun adventurous flick.. Some unintentional (guy trying to ram someone with a wheel barrow) and intentional (midget) comedy too, lol.

Very interesting info on 5 Shaolin Masters, where do you get information like this?!

[Secret Executioner]

Five Shaolin Masters is among the movies produced by Chang Cheh's production company Chang's Film Co and distributed by Shaw Brothers. Other movies from this company include several 1974-1977 Chang Cheh classics such as Shaolin Martial Arts, Heroes Two, Marco Polo or Seven Man Army, to name a few.

(source: http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/studio.asp?id=601)

[masterofoneinchpunch]

... EDIT: From what I understand, Chang Cheh's Five Shaolin Masters was an independent Taiwanese production that was picked up for distribution by the Shaw Brothers. That would probably explain why Taiwanese regulars like Choi Wang and Meng Fei made it into the cast (and why the film was less set-bound than most Shaw films). Well, that and the fact that Lau Kar-Wing had choreographed most of Meng Fei's earlier films.

Five Shaolin Masters is among the movies produced by Chang Cheh's production company Chang's Film Co and distributed by Shaw Brothers. Other movies from this company include several 1974-1977 Chang Cheh classics such as Shaolin Martial Arts, Heroes Two, Marco Polo or Seven Man Army, to name a few.

(source: http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/studio.asp?id=601)

Chang Cheh has a whole section on this in his autobiography "Chang's and Chang Ho." In the first paragraph it is quite telling about the "independence" of the first one (the one you mention.)

Chang's (Changgong) and Chang Ho (Changhe) are the two film companies I established independent of Shaws. The degree of independence, however, differs. Chang's Film Company was independent in name only, while Chang Ho Motion Picture co ltd (aka Long River Film Company) is completely independent of Shaws.

Shaws had accumulated a considerable amount of money in demurrage in Taiwan (which couldn't be transferred to Hong Kong due to monetary control). To digest the money deposited into the blocked account, I was given the green light to set up Chan's in Taiwan, using Shaw's capital to make films for Shaw's distribution. All the profits went to Shaws. How do these films differ from other Shaw Films? I oversaw the production and there was more room for creativity. I was responsible for balancing the books and delivering the films regardless. Even though I had gambled away my money and time on a losing business, I had no regrets to this day.

[ShawAngela]

When I watched it (in a French bad quality VHS), I thought that Blooded treasury fight was a great movie and I enjoyed every fight. As a fan of David Chiang, I found him very good in this one and, if I'm not mistaken, there was also Wong Chung in a short role who played in it.

It would be worth to get a Mandarin copy with English subtitles...

[Secret Executioner]

Thanks for all the extra info, masterofoneinchpunch. Highly appreciated.

[paimeifist]

Thanks for all the extra info, masterofoneinchpunch. Highly appreciated.

Ditto, awesome stuff peeps.

[Morgoth Bauglir]

Is there a widescreen version of Blooded Treasury Fight? I've been meaning to revisit this movie but I always pass on it because it's full screen.

[paimeifist]

Revisited the Magnificent Butcher this morning, great stuff. One thing I realize on my second viewing of this, is that it may be Lee Hoi Sans best performance. Sammo had him firing on all cylinders, and the "style vs style" finale is great. I remember favoring the Yuen Biao vs Lam Ching Ying fight to this one before, but now I'd say it's a draw, and very hard to call. Hell, Lee Hoi San vs Kwan Tak Hing was awesome too! Close to everything in this movie is pretty much gold though. I guess I overlooked Lee Hoi San's performance the first time I watched it because I was showing it to some friends who were gasping at Sammo's ability and athleticism for his physique! I wont go too in depth on this movie though, it does too much right!

Planning to have a bit of a Fu marathon today, but we'll see how it plays out.

[paimeifist]

Woman Avenger

Typical revenge plot is made slightly more interesting than usual with female protagonist and dark tone.. It plays out well though, and Lee Tso Nam throws in some things to make it a little more than "tragedy, train, revenge." With that said, it doesn't matter, because this is a fight movie, and it excels in that department! Peng Kong does a great job both directing and participating in the action here.

While I was very impressed by Ha Kwong Li after seeing "The Leg Fighters", this movie is really a showcase for her. If she made me take notice in Leg Fighters, she came out of the screen and kicked me in the face in this! While it takes a bit for the action to REALLY get going, she even does a decent acting job here..and when the action does heat up, it is fantastic stuff. The fight between Ha Kwong Li and Wan Chi Sang was great, and there is a fantastic weapons sequence, this was probably my favorite fight of the film. The finale between Peng Kong is also fantastic as expected - but I didn't find it on the level of The Leg Fighters finale. All the fights are pretty damn good here though. Ha Kwong Li is doubled for a couple feats of extreme acrobatics, but the movie could have done without those bits honestly, and she could perform any necessary acrobatics greatly on her own.

It's close to being on par with Leg Fighters, but I think The Leg Fighters edges it for two main factors: Tan Tao Liang, and it seemed to have more variation in the action, although it's name would lead you to think otherwise.

Anyway, another must watch, especially if you wanna see bad kung fu ladies! More Peng Kong!

[Secret Executioner]

Drunken Master (HK, 1978)

Hell freakin' yeah. A really good one here, but what else should I have been expecting ? Jackie Chan is great and pretty funny, Hwang Jang Lee is spectacular and makes a great bad guy (I went "holy shit !!!" when I saw he was involved), and Simon Yuen... Well, he just steals the show here and his scenes with Jackie are a joy to watch - the two get along perfectly.

The action is great too, the Drunken Fist is really impressive and the other styles used in the first third or so are nice too - I enjoyed one fight scene where Jackie used a mix of Crane and Snake, I know he uses them in a lot of films but I always enjoy seeing him using Animal Styles in his early films.

[DragonClaws]

I don't remember much about that fight. I liked Shaolin Deadly Kicks though, fun adventurous flick.. Some unintentional (guy trying to ram someone with a wheel barrow) and intentional (midget) comedy too, lol.

Very interesting info on 5 Shaolin Masters, where do you get information like this?!

Shaolin Deadly Kicks is one of my favorite Tan Tao Liang films. J

[DragonClaws]

I don't remember much about that fight. I liked Shaolin Deadly Kicks though, fun adventurous flick.. Some unintentional (guy trying to ram someone with a wheel barrow) and intentional (midget) comedy too, lol.

Very interesting info on 5 Shaolin Masters, where do you get information like this?!

Shaolin Deadly Kicks is one of my favorite Tan Tao Liang films. Just one of those film's I found really easy to sit and watch.

Drunken Master (HK, 1978)

Hell freakin' yeah. A really good one here, but what else should I have been expecting ? Jackie Chan is great and pretty funny, Hwang Jang Lee is spectacular and makes a great bad guy (I went "holy shit !!!" when I saw he was involved), and Simon Yuen... Well, he just steals the show here and his scenes with Jackie are a joy to watch - the two get along perfectly.

The action is great too, the Drunken Fist is really impressive and the other styles used in the first third or so are nice too - I enjoyed one fight scene where Jackie used a mix of Crane and Snake, I know he uses them in a lot of films but I always enjoy seeing him using Animal Styles in his early films.

Drunken Master is great, one of the first Kung Fu films I got on DVD. I love the old English dub for this film too. Hwang Jang Lee as Thunderleg is great "Hands open doors, legs break them down". You can quote this film for days. Jackie Chan performs some very impressive sit ups during one of the training montages.

[paimeifist]

Yes, Shaolin Deadly Kicks was a blast for sure.. I probably liked Tan more in "The Leg Fighters" and "Shaolin Heroes" (although he had a smaller part here, he was great).. But I've only seen one bad movie with Dorian Tan in it, and that's General Stone.

Drunken Master is a true classic. Hwang is great in everything he is in, but from what I have seen his short time on the screen in this was the best he'd ever look.. If he accidentally kicked Jackie in the mouth with the intensity he was fighting with in this film, you can't blame Jackie for not wanting to work with him any more!

Also for some class animal style, check out the finale I mentioned in Magnificent Butcher.. It is a really neat fight as Lee Hoi San names off each technique of his "5 Element Style" before using it, Sammo announces one of the 5 Animals to counter, and executes each pretty well. One bit I like a lot is "Water" vs. "Dragon", as the water style is very flowing, smooth and fun to watch, as opposed to the rare, but equally awesome to watch snap and intensity of "Dragon" style.

[DragonClaws]

Yes, Shaolin Deadly Kicks was a blast for sure.. I probably liked Tan more in "The Leg Fighters" and "Shaolin Heroes" (although he had a smaller part here, he was great).. But I've only seen one bad movie with Dorian Tan in it, and that's General Stone.

Drunken Master is a true classic. Hwang is great in everything he is in, but from what I have seen his short time on the screen in this was the best he'd ever look.. If he accidentally kicked Jackie in the mouth with the intensity he was fighting with in this film, you can't blame Jackie for not wanting to work with him any more!

Also for some class animal style, check out the finale I mentioned in Magnificent Butcher.. It is a really neat fight as Lee Hoi San names off each technique of his "5 Element Style" before using it, Sammo announces one of the 5 Animals to counter, and executes each pretty well. One bit I like a lot is "Water" vs. "Dragon", as the water style is very flowing, smooth and fun to watch, as opposed to the rare, but equally awesome to watch snap and intensity of "Dragon" style.

Never watched General Stone befor. Magnificent Butcher is a classic paimeifst, I picked it up when Hong Kong Legends released the film on DVD. Hwang knocked one of Chan's teeth out with that kick. That might have been in Snake In The Eagles Shadow though?.

[paimeifist]

Hm, I am not sure which movie it was. I assumed it was Drunken Master because I thought it was made after SITES? *shrug*

This kind of brings an interesting question.. Was there any known animosity between the two on set for either film? Maybe it was only "sort of" an accident? haha

[the moose]

It was snake in the eagle shadow where Hwang Jang Lee accidently kicked out Chan tooth. You can also visibly see the missing tooth during the fight. Also there are pictures available with Chan in full costume grinning with it missing. I haven't heard of any beef between Chan and Hwang Jang Lee. Besides, Chan was a nobody at that time and a missing tooth was the least of his troubles. They definately had good fighting chemistry in Drunken Master.

[DrNgor]

I read somewhere, probably The Jackie Chan Sourcebook, that Hwang got passed up for The Young Master because of the incident. But then again, that book suggested that his kicking out Chan's tooth signaled the downfall of his career, which I don't buy.

[DragonClaws]

Hm, I am not sure which movie it was. I assumed it was Drunken Master because I thought it was made after SITES? *shrug*

This kind of brings an interesting question.. Was there any known animosity between the two on set for either film? Maybe it was only "sort of" an accident? haha

I don't think Hwang Jang Lee knocked his tooth out on purpose, just an accident. Roy Horan accidentally slashed down his arm with a sword in Snake In The Eagles Shadow. Sounds like Chan had a rough time on that set. Spending years as stuntman and enduring the grueling Peking Opera school training made him one tough dude.