dave j
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
(1980) The Buddhist Fist
DUBBED
MARTIAL ARTS PERIOD PIECE
Two very good friends of Si-Ming (Siu Ming Tsui) and Shang (Shun-Yee Yuen) with one of them studying to become a monk while the other wanting to find a living in the city. Upon making a living as a barber cutting hair Shang soon finds out that his god father is missing. We know that it has something to do with the conspiracy to steal the Buddha Jaded stone on the temple and that Shang's best friend Si-ming has something to do with it. This thin and rather predictable set up obviously serves as a backdrop to the well choreographed martial art scenes and directed by Yuen Woo-Ping who was involved in more than a hundred martial movies including "The Matrix". Yuen woo-Ping has also contributed in making Jackie Chan into a superstar from his direction of "Drunken Master" and "Snake In The Eagle's Shadow" the first movies that made it big in Jackie Chan's career. At the beginning of this early effort, the fights weren't that good at the beginning but became so much better as the film progresses.
3 out of 4 stars
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
[img]http://www.shaolinchamber.com/movie_covers/TheBuddhistFist.jpg[/img]
[font=Arial][size=3]Au Chang and Siu Ming are long time childhood friends. Siu Ming is a monk in training while Au Chang has been taken in by the monastery as one of their own despite not dedicating his life to their religion. As they get older it becomes time for Au Chang to pursue a career path. He leaves the monastery behind on good terms and hopes to become a barber in the city. However, shortly after arriving he is fired from his position for fighting. Au Chang then decides it is time to live with his godfather. When he arrives at his godfathers house he discovers his godfather is missing and the jade Buddha has been stolen. Au Chang and Siu Ming work together to find out who is the culprit to these crimes.[/size][/font]
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[font=Arial][size=3]Once you have mastered your style, why bother to practice others?[/size][/font]
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[font=Arial][size=3]Woo-Ping Yen, director of The Tai-Chi Master, Iron Monkey, Fist of the Red Dragon, Dreadnaught, Magnificent Butcher, Drunken Master, and Snake in the Eagles Shadow, directs Buddhist Fist. Buddhist Fist contains an entertaining story assisted by the hidden identities of the villain. The fight choreography is outstanding; one of Woo-Pings better films. The acting is solid and there are humorous portions of the film as well. Buddhist Fist has a solid blend of comedy, charismatic characters, and martial arts. [/size][/font]
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[font=Arial][size=3]Isnt it against the law to beat up a monk?[/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=3]Huh, a monk makes it a better reason.[/size][/font]
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[font=Arial][size=3]The fight for the Jade Buddha, fight at the barber shop, the guy fighting with the bird cage, the fortune teller fighting with the incense, the Igor type villain, Master Chen and the big chopper, and the amazing final fight sequence were my favorite portions of the film. The use of the children to set-up the story was well portrayed and similar to the beginning of Tai-Chi Master. I also thought it was hilarious when the guy gets strung up like a scarecrow.[/size][/font]
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[font=Arial][size=3]What is this dumb-dumb? You aught to fear for your life![/size][/font]
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[font=Arial][size=3]Buddhist Fist is a solid martial arts film. I found it entertaining, but I feel it is a bit over hyped. Buddhist Fist is rated as one of the greatest martial arts of all time. I personally feel it could not hold a candle to Chinese Connection, Return of the Dragon, Fist of Legend, Fong Sai Yuk, Drunken Master 2, Tai Chi Master, Knockabout, or Iron Monkey. It is along the same lines at Prodigal Son, entertaining, fun, well put together, and good on many levels, but not great. I felt the film needed a superstar as either Au Chang or Siu Ming. Both delivered solid performances, but neither possessed magnificent auras.[/size][/font]
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[font=Arial][size=3]This big chopper is not for chickens; its for humans.[/size][/font]
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[font=Arial]Grade: A-[/font]
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/19/23
Full Review
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