Christian B
I was blown away by this movie.
It's around 50, repackages many of the same tropes you're used to in Kung-Fu filmography, and involves an almost Shakespearean beginning scene that proves the technical writing prowess that carries the movie.
Then, you begin to consider the social unguent. The society of the time, as countless before and after, restricted female capacity to both perform and function in their daily lives. Wing-Chun, the main heroes style, was created by women. In a similar capacity, Ms. Ho is often considered the strongest of the eight deadly drunken Gods because she can combine the harder, earthlier elements with the softer, more airy techniques.
Using this fundamental plot point, the teaching, learning, and usage of Wing-Chun and throughout the film carries a social link with it as well: "[I am not a woman, but] I am your mother". Every time you think you're used to the sounds of Kung-Fu movies, the disturbingly high and auspicious voice of Leung Yee-tai disturbs you. Every time you believe an actor will begin fighting another for some ignoble vaudevillian insult, there's a discussion on gender norms and manipulative schemes.
If you're a fan of good story, good writing, and good acting, I would recommend the movie (again, written ~50 years ago in Hong Kong). If you don't care about civic messaging, Wing-Chun, or Kung-Fu, I'd still recommend this movie. If you actively despise them all, I'd still recommend this movie.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/29/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Amazing movie with exceptional Kung Fu and a nice storyline. What else can you ask for?
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/19/23
Full Review
delysid d
Excellent film Very Special Quality
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
05/30/18
Full Review
Audience Member
Review:
This is a classic, old school Kung Fu movie with a lot of silly jokes but a dramatic ending. Its about a boy called Leung Chang (Biao Yuen) who things that he's a Kung Fu master because his friends pay people to take his beatings. When he finally comes across someone who is not willing to fall down, he realises that his skills aren't that great and his friends tell him about what they have been doing behind his back. He then seeks training from his opponent, who is reluctant on taking him on as his apprentice. After much persuasion, he finally teaches him Wing Chun, along with his brother who has a different style. When he returns home after some intense training, his master gets murdered by a man who wants to challenge all of the Kung Fu masters, so he steps up to revenge his teacher and friend. Basically it's the old concept of "You Killed My Master" which we have seen many times in this genre but I never get bored of it. Although this film is extremely authentic, with some great action scenes, Sammo Hung's script was quite silly and camp, which was a bit weird for films in this genre in the 80's. I did chuckle at a few scenes, especially the funny English dubbing and it reminded a lot of when I used to watch Kung Fu movies on VHS. Anyway, it's definitely one to have in your collection, if your into your old school karate movies and it's one that I will never get bored of. GREAT!
Round-Up:
This movie was directed by Sammo Hung, 63, who brought you movies like Project A, Wheels & Meals, Dragons Forever, Moon Warriors, Evil Cult, Mr. Nice Guy and One Upon A Time in China and America. He's starred in over 160 movies and he's starred in the lead of a successful series called Martial Law, which made him a household name around the world. He has a comedic style, very much like Jackie Chan, who he has starred alongside for many years and he is highly respected in his native country. This movie, which has become an all time classic, pushed him major stardom in the 80's and his chubby stature proved that you can still pull of some amazing moves, no matter what your weight is. He hasn't directed a movie since 1997 but he is still starring in movies like Once Upon A Time in Shanghai and the Last Tycoon. Personally I find his jokes a bit too silly at times, like I did in this film but it still worked. Anyway, the bonus material on the DVD was as interesting as the movie so it's one worth purchasing.
I recommend this movie to people who are into their action/comedy/martial arts movies starring Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung. 7/10
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/18/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This film is one of my favourite Martial Art Films of all time, it has a decent story and amazing action scenes. When film magazines go on about the greatest films ever made and always seem to put Godfather 2, Citizen Kane and Battleship Potemkim up there, yeah THAT'S your opinion, this is one of the greatest films ever.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/25/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Its a awesome film with a very real like fight you can learn allot from at the end. There is also governmental drama and clear comedy in this film. (also in one of the Bruce Lee documentaries there is footage of Bruce being on this set during film breaks, talking and walking through. Did he advise informally?) Great Wing Chun as well-
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/29/23
Full Review
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