Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Chinese Boxer (1970)

  Jimmy Wang Yu's first directed movie after directing nine more films which include Master of Flying Guilotine, One Armed Boxer,Return of the Chinese Boxer,Beach of the War Gods,Man from Hong Kong.Chinese Boxer was released in 1970 and is one of the first China vs Japan feudal movies.The action choreography is done by the great Tong Gaai who directed Shaolin Prince,Shaolin Intruders,Opium and the Kung Fu Master.The film also stars Lo Lieh as one of his first villain roles and probably one of his best in his career,Chen Sing,Fang Mien   (King Boxer,Golden Lion),Wong Ping,Cheng Lui,Chiu Hung(Broken Oath,Iron Fisted Monk),Wong Chung. Also cameos from upcoming famous directors and other martial artists like Yuen Woo Ping,Brandy Yuen,Chen Kuan Tai,Jason Pai Paio,Yuen Shun Yee(Iron Monkey,Drunken Tai Chi).

Monday, March 19, 2012

Usurpers of Emperors Power (1983)

   Usurpers is a Wuxia directed by Hua Shan,whose credits include Angel Force,Disciples of Shaolin Temple, Soul of the Sword,Flying Guilotine 2,Super Inframan.If you have seen those movies then you know you're in for a treat.Anthony Lau Wing of Human Lanterns and Secret Service of Imperial Court plays the Hero.

Vengeful Beauty (1978)

   A spinoff of the Fying Guillotine movies.Ho Meng Hua once again directs this Wuxia with female heroine Chen Ping(Shaolin Handlock,Kiss of Death) as the lead.The film also stars Lo Lieh(Chinese Boxer,36th Chamber of Shaolin,Mad Monkey Kung Fu) as a menacing warlord, Yueh Wah(Killer Clans,Clans of Intrigue,Jade Tiger),Norman Chu Siu Keung(Bastard Swordsman,Duel to the Death),Wai Wang(Shaolin Mantis),Johny Wang Lung Wei(Invincible Shaolin,Young Vagabond),Lam Fai Wong(Gang Master,Lovers Blades),Keung Hon(Gang Master,Portrait in Crystal).The Action is directed by Shaolin Prince,Opium and the Kung Fu Master,Shaolin Intruders director Tong Gaai.

   The Emperor is getting rid of all of the rebels and goverment officials,scholars who are not loyal.He assigns his Flying Guillotine soldiers to annilihate them and their families.Jin Gangfeng (Lo Lieh),is the top official and the emperor's right hand.Han Tiande,another official is order to kill a scholar who knows the emperor's plan.After carrying out his mission.He takes soldiers hostage and questions them.They inform him that then emperor is behind all of the killings.The emperor finds out and sends Jin Gangfeng to cover up the secret by killing Han Tiande and all of his family.Rong Quiyan(Chen Ping),plays Han Tiande's wife and is the only survivor.She finds out the killer is Jin Gangfeng and takes revenge.She is not able to kill Jin Gangfeng because she is pregnant and runs away.Jin Gangfeng tracks her down and involves his daughter and two sons for the bounty.Rong Quiyan then hides out working at an inn and is encountered by her Wudang classmate Wang Jung(Yueh Wah) and meets Ma (Norman Chu) who is also a fugitive and a former Flying Guillotine soldier.Together they all team up to take down Jing Gangfeng and the emperor.

  Definitely a classic Shaw Brothers movie with lots of weapons like swords,spears,guillotines,shape fighting.


Friday, March 9, 2012

Secret of Shaolin Poles


The Master (Jet Li)

     The Master is Jet Li's fifth film.It is directed by Tsui Hark.It is before Jet Li would star in the Once Upon a time in China series.The action choreography is directed by Brandy Yuen of Miracle Fighters and Shaolin Drunkards.Yuen Wah also does action directing and stars in the movie as well.This has got to be the cheapest film ever made and it is set in modern times in the late 80s.American martial artist Jerry Trimble plays the baddie and he shows off his amazing kicking skills against Jet Li.He is known for being in Heat with Robert Deniro and Al Pacino,small cameo in the King of Kickboxers with Loren Avedon,Invincible with fellow costar Stefanos Miltsakakis who is wasted in this movie but is good to see him in another movie.