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

[DragonClaws]

4 hours ago, Secret Executioner said:

I'll make sure to post about it when I watch it, don't worry man.  

That's good to hear, fond memories of renting this one and watching it multiple times.

[lungfei]

if you enjoy the worst dubbing imaginable then abbot white 1 and drunken fist boxing are definatly worth checking out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Secret Executioner]

8 hours ago, lungfei said:

if you enjoy the worst dubbing imaginable then abbot white 1 and drunken fist boxing are definatly worth checking out.

 

 

 

What's da metter for you ?!  

[DragonClaws]

Thought this was too brief to post in the review section so Ive posted it here instead.

Tiger At The Top (1975)

Directed by- But Fu

Fight Choreographer- Chang Peng

Starring- Roc Tien, Nancy Hwang, Wei Long, Pai Ling, Chang Peng.

Roc Tien must personally escort some gold but as always there's an assortment of bandits and killers out to stop him. The story's nothing original and sadly the rest of the film doesn't really distract you from this. The cast are more than capable but the film fails to really get going. Tien looked far cooler in the superior The Big Fight(1972) where he faced off against some vicious gangsters. There's no shortage of bone crunching Kung Fu action with a standout fight set in an old ruined mansion. Despite most of the fights looking a bit generic there's still some nice blocks and strikes on display too. The fights were handled by Chang Peng(Showdown At The Cotton Mill) who also plays the brother to Nancy Hwang in the movie. The brother and sister team help Tien in his assignment as they appear to be dealing with a common enemy in Wei Long. Long made his one and only screen appearance in this movie but he more than looks the part. It a mystery why he never got more work?. His strange technique in the film can be seen in Secret Executioners gif. Sadly the choreography doesn't do much for any of the casts members. There's no one performance that really stand out except for the Wei Long. I'd describe the over all movie as average with a cast that could have delivered more.

[Secret Executioner]

Seems you feel about it the same way than I did DC. Except for the weird hypnotic Fu used by the villain (than makes the opponent dizzy and somehow gives the guy super strength), it's very generic and forgettable. Too bad, but still worth a watch for that WTF kind of technique.

[DragonClaws]

14 minutes ago, Secret Executioner said:

Seems you feel about it the same way than I did DC. Except for the weird hypnotic Fu used by the villain (than makes the opponent dizzy and somehow gives the guy super strength), it's very generic and forgettable. Too bad, but still worth a watch for that WTF kind of technique.

You are right its an odd technique SE, they could have been more creative with it. The fact it allows him to gorilla press people and throw them around makes it even odder.

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

22 hours ago, lungfei said:

if you enjoy the worst dubbing imaginable then abbot white 1 and drunken fist boxing are definatly worth checking out.

 

 

 

Holy cow! I just noticed all those typoes in the subtitles (now I don't feel so bad there isn't a spell check here.)

Thanks for the laugh.

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

Spooky Encounters (1980) - What I liked, the younger Brother Tsui and the Kyonsi chasing the police-man (Mr. Vampire priest ha ha!) I respect that Sammo was doing different things here, but the unpleasantness with Cheung's wife and the unnecessary gore weren't my thing (I can roll with gore pretty easily, but I just felt it was off here.)

When it comes to horror / ghost stuff in Hong Kong films, I prefer the emphasis on silly comedy such as Hex After Hex and Fight Among the Supers (Lu Feng was utterly hilarious in this one.)

[DrNgor]

This week I revisited:

Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)  - Not a whole lot more I can say about this that countless others haven't said already. Question: Would  a kung fu academy in the Qing Dynasty simultaneously teach Hung Gar (as exemplified by Chiu Chi-Ling, the tailor from Kung Fu Hustle) and Northern Praying Mantis (as exemplified by the school's star student, played by Tino Wong)? Oh, for a better martial performance by Chiu Chi-Ling, watch Kung Fu Master Named Drunk Cat.

 

Two Great Cavaliers (1978) - This Taiwanese costumer has John Liu, a jealous Angela Mao (who is hot in period garb), and Beardy teaming up to defeat a rebel (or former rebel-turned-warlord, making our heroes the rebels) played by Chen Sing. There are some twists and doublecrosses, plus a sea of poles that our heroes have to cross while avoiding traps. There's also a lot of high-quality Taiwanese choreography, with Angela Mao and John Liu shining, especially in the lengthy final fight. Their bootwork is quite excellent, although John Liu is often a bit too "Look how flexible my leg is!" in his fights. Recommended, but stay away from the 50-pack version (released as Deadly Duo), which cuts about six minutes out of the final fight.

[DragonClaws]

12 minutes ago, DrNgor said:

This week I revisited:

Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)  - Not a whole lot more I can say about this that countless others haven't said already. Question: Would  a kung fu academy in the Qing Dynasty simultaneously teach Hung Gar (as exemplified by Chiu Chi-Ling, the tailor from Kung Fu Hustle) and Northern Praying Mantis (as exemplified by the school's star student, played by Tino Wong)? Oh, for a better martial performance by Chiu Chi-Ling, watch Kung Fu Master Named Drunk Cat.

 

Two Great Cavaliers (1978) - This Taiwanese costumer has John Liu, a jealous Angela Mao (who is hot in period garb), and Beardy teaming up to defeat a rebel (or former rebel-turned-warlord, making our heroes the rebels) played by Chen Sing. There are some twists and doublecrosses, plus a sea of poles that our heroes have to cross while avoiding traps. There's also a lot of high-quality Taiwanese choreography, with Angela Mao and John Liu shining, especially in the lengthy final fight. Their bootwork is quite excellent, although John Liu is often a bit too "Look how flexible my leg is!" in his fights. Recommended, but stay away from the 50-pack version (released as Deadly Duo), which cuts about six minutes out of the final fight.

The only print of Deadly Duo Ive watched is the edited 50-Pack version Doc. Thanks for highlighting the fact they trimmed down the finale. The final encounter left me a little disappointed and I know why now.

Edited January 29, 2016 by DragonClaws

[DrNgor]

13 minutes ago, DragonClaws said:

The only print of Deadly Duo Ive watched is the edited 50-Pack version Doc. Thanks for highlighting the fact they trimmed down the finale. The final encounter left me a little disappointed and I know why now.

You'll have to get the DVD released by Crash Cinema to see the entire final fight.

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Cavaliers-Crash-Masters-Collection/dp/B0002X7G7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454081054&sr=8-1&keywords=Two+Great+Cavaliers

[DragonClaws]

3 minutes ago, DrNgor said:

You'll have to get the DVD released by Crash Cinema to see the entire final fight.

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Cavaliers-Crash-Masters-Collection/dp/B0002X7G7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454081054&sr=8-1&keywords=Two+Great+Cavaliers

Thanks for the link.

Prefer the title Two Great Cavaliers, the title Deadly Duo always makes me think of the Shaw Brothers film of the same name. Another title to go onto my Amazon wish list.

[masterofoneinchpunch]

21 hours ago, Lady Jin Szu-Yi said:

Spooky Encounters (1980) - What I liked, the younger Brother Tsui and the Kyonsi chasing the police-man (Mr. Vampire priest ha ha!) I respect that Sammo was doing different things here, but the unpleasantness with Cheung's wife and the unnecessary gore weren't my thing (I can roll with gore pretty easily, but I just felt it was off here.)

When it comes to horror / ghost stuff in Hong Kong films, I prefer the emphasis on silly comedy such as Hex After Hex and Fight Among the Supers (Lu Feng was utterly hilarious in this one.)

One of the earliest classics in the horror/martial art/comedy hybrids.  Sammo was in great shape during this period.  Did you write on Mr. Vampire?  For many that is the high point of hopping vampires and would stereotype Lam Ching-ying for the rest of his life.  It was nice to see Rigor Mortis dedicate that film to him and Ricky Hui.

My review here on why I like this movie.  And a few negative points.

Edited January 29, 2016 by masterofoneinchpunch

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

5 hours ago, masterofoneinchpunch said:

Did you write on Mr. Vampire? 

No. I still have memories of laughing so hard and uttering WTF during my first screening 16 years ago - ah Lam Ching-ying so awesome. Such a stone face . I respect that folks enjoy Spooky Encounters and know it was one of the first of its kind.  Outside of Enter The Fat Dragon and The Odd Couple,  I am finding Sammo's humor a bit hard to grok. I'll leave it as a cultural misunderstanding and enjoy the man in other ways.  I think the element that annoyed me the most besides the unpleasantness with the wife and the  unnecessary gore, was the utterly crappy acting of the evil Taoist wizard (Tsui's older brother.)  Yeah, I'm a bit of a wizard snob (spoiled by Wilson Tong's awesome turn as the Nanwu in the opening sequence of The Spiritual Boxer. Along with Hwang Jang-Lee and Lau Kar Wing...) 

Hey that's what makes opinions wonderful. I will politely disagree @Tex Killer for me once Angela Mao Ying gets on the vengeance trail, Broken Oath is worth it's reputation. And I didn't even mention Leung Siu-Lung whose performance almost matches Chan Wai Man as far as intensity (especially when they're fighting.)  I love when they hmph! at each other. 

Edited January 30, 2016 by Lady Jin Szu-Yi

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

Um... A Profile in Anger (1984) Holy crap,  I'd forgotten this film is such a LMAO entertaining grindhouse mess... I'll be reviewing it more extensively in the February Mutual review thread. 

[Lizardlady]

@Lady Jin Szu-Yi Oh noooooo!  I absolutely LOVED Peter Chan's Wizard in Spooky Encounters.  I LOVE comedies & I thought he was so perfect.  Maybe I will change my opinion after I watch the other films you recommended

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

8 hours ago, Lizardlady said:

I absolutely LOVED Peter Chan's Wizard in Spooky Encounters.

That's wonderful you loved Peter Chan in SE @Lizardlady  

If you want to check out Peter Chang in a OTT ghost fu comedy, Fight Among the Supers.  I love Lu Feng in this one, (well I love Lu Feng in almost everything); Lu was having such a good time as the God of Bowls tormenting Peter Chan. It's very funny in spots (the pig and haunting sequences were crazy fun.)  I wouldn't be surprised if Lu and Chiang Sheng purposely made this one for their children. It is very playful.  

EDIT ^ (OOPS - It's Peter Chang in this not Chan...my bad.)

Hex After Hex is very silly too, the story is a lot wackier than FATS. The climax is bonkers and Lo Meng throws himself head first into the crazy scenarios.  The other films are either serious or slightly amusing, but these two are great. 

Kind of bummed I cannot find a cheap copy of Mr. Vampire. You'd think with the ongoing popularity of that title it would be readily available even now. If you have any recommendations please fire away. 

 

Edited January 31, 2016 by Lady Jin Szu-Yi

[paimeifist]

I would actually be up for trading my Fox release of Mr. Vampire. It's somewhat "rare" but I don't like the movie that much.. PM me if you want to try and work something out.

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

I'll keep that in mind, thanks paimeifist. 

Woke up with the King of Fists and Dollars (1979) this morning. Smug wu xia Chan Wai Man is a great way to start the day (and let's hear it for the lovely Ling Chang who kicks his smug down a few pegs.)  I know I keep saying this, but I hope Terracotta release more CWM films from this period. 

[Morgoth Bauglir]

Peter Chan Lung and Peter Chang.  You ladies are talking about 2 different people. I'm not a fan of Spooky Encounters.  I also didn't care much for King of Fists and Dollars.  The choreography is too casual for my tastes.  There is one good scene where CWM takes on iron head Cliff Ching Ching and another guy.  And Cheng Lui gives a good performance.  

Edited January 31, 2016 by Morgoth Bauglir

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

53 minutes ago, Morgoth Bauglir said:

Peter Chan Lung and Peter Chang.  You ladies are talking about 2 different people.

Thank you... that would be my confusion over names not @Lizardlady (Please ignore my Fight Among the Supers talk regarding the wrong Peter then LizardLady.) 

Yeah, King of Fists and Dollars has very casual choreography, that doesn't dampen my like for the film though. Your point does me wonder why the choreography was so causal,  especially since Chiang upped his martial game considerably during this time frame. 

Edited January 31, 2016 by Lady Jin Szu-Yi

[Lizardlady]

@Lady Jin Szu-Yi & @Morgoth Bauglir Awww you guys just have bad taste! Lol, just kidding. You have both provided me with movie titles I may have never found, myself, that have provided hours of enjoyment.  I thank you both (and many more on this great forum)!  I think it was an interview with Pops that I watched that made it very clear that real martial arts & movie martial arts were very different.  I have always had a hard time watching martial competitions & that is what he was getting at.  It might be effective, but boring for the viewer, so ya gotta spice it up.  I doubt I would know a REAL martial artist actor from a big quack, as long as it holds my attention, I like it    When Peter Chan Lung starts his "auctioneer babble" it just makes me roll, every time.  Hasn't gotten old, yet, maybe after another 100 viewings, lol.  Gimme a Marx Brother's or 3 Stooges Marathon & I am in heaven.  I think Buster Keaton & the Keystone Cops are my all time favorites, I LOVE slapstick!  Some of that Yuen stuff I have watches is a bit TOO far out for me, though.

 

[Lady Jin Szu-Yi]

9 hours ago, Lizardlady said:

you guys just have bad taste! Lol, just kidding. You have both provided me with movie titles I may have never found, myself, that have provided hours of enjoyment.  I thank you both (and many more on this great forum)!  I think it was an interview with Pops that I watched that made it very clear that real martial arts & movie martial arts were very different.  I have always had a hard time watching martial competitions & that is what he was getting at.  It might be effective, but boring for the viewer, so ya gotta spice it up.  I doubt I would know a REAL martial artist actor from a big quack, as long as it holds my attention, I like it    When Peter Chan Lung starts his "auctioneer babble" it just makes me roll, every time.  Hasn't gotten old, yet, maybe after another 100 viewings, lol.  Gimme a Marx Brother's or 3 Stooges Marathon & I am in heaven.  I think Buster Keaton & the Keystone Cops are my all time favorites, I LOVE slapstick!

So you figured out my secret love of schlock! Good heavens (ducks under computer desk)...

This forum is amazingly amazing and I appreciate the info, reviews you and so many others here provide. For someone who was seriously rusty with her Shaws and knew very little of the many wonderful old school indies and performers, I've learned a lot in the past 9 months. 

I agree with you and Pops' about martial competitions and I love made up styles as much as I do real ones. I know very few real styles or performers, but if the person can sell me on their character and skills, I'm in. 

 I also love satire/humor and slapstick (I was weaned on British comedy and Peter Sellers so I veer toward smart, silly and painful.)  I realize some of Sammo's humor might be lost on me due to cultural differences (although hopping gyonsi never fail to make me chuckle), so I need a very obvious visual for his humor.  I think if the film left out the quasi-serious and nasty elements (you can do gore and be hilarious - hi Evil Dead 2!), I'd probably be cheerleading it and Peter all over the place (despite my wizard snob.) 

[DrNgor]

Descendant of Wing Chun (1978) 

When Tae Kwon Do Strikes (1973)

The Tournament (1974)

Queen's Ransom (1975)

Dragon on Fire (1978) aka Enter Three Dragons

Tower of Death (1980) 

Return to the 36th Chamber (1980)

Edited June 15, 2023 by DrNgor

[DragonClaws]

Re-posted a couple of old school reviews.

Fearless Duo(1978) 

http://hkmdb.com/db/images/movies/10069/FearlessDuo+1978-1-b.jpg

 

The Bravest Fist(1974)

http://hkmdb.com/db/images/movies/10061/BravestFist+1974-3-b.jpg

Edited January 11, 2021 by DragonClaws