Ma Yong Zhen (1972)

I found it all a bit less exciting.

I didn't actually know the film by name, so I was quite surprised that it already had a certain reputation. All the more surprising because this Cheh Chang actually deviates quite a bit from his more typical work... or perhaps precisely for that reason, of course.

Although it is primarily the setting that is somewhat different. A bit more modern and especially much more urban, whereas Cheh's films are often set in a more rural area. It might be a small detail, but given how similar those Shaw Bros films are, it immediately feels like a substantial difference.

In terms of plot, it isn't a typical revenge flick either, but rather a zero-to-(anti)hero story with a rather annoying main character. That makes it just a bit harder to watch than the average swashbuckling movie. It also doesn't help that all the martial arts quality is once again saved for the final scene. A noticeable difference compared to the earlier action scenes, which were of a lower standard.

It was actually quite nice to see a somewhat different side of SB and Cheh Chang for a change, but I didn't find it truly successful. Apart from the final fight, I also fail to see where this film gets its relative fame from. Especially since the film is actually 30 minutes too long, causing a number of typical weaker points to be magnified even further.

2.0*

Translated from Dutch · View original

Hmm, the climax of this film looks a lot like the finale of De Palma's Scarface, though, but with kung fu instead of the clash of weapons. I also found the rise and fall story to have similarities, so I wonder if Oliver Stone might just possibly have seen The Boxer of Shantung...

In any case, I think this type of crime story works very well in kung fu films, and as far as I'm concerned, this could be called a better Shaw Bros. One of those modest classics that started the Kung Fu craze in the US and Europe. The first hour was particularly strong, but as soon as Ma became a sort of mafia boss, I felt the film sag. At that point, the action scenes also take a step back. The characters weren't fleshed out any further either... I expected a bit more from the interaction between Ma and that singer. The final fight is particularly brutal for this type of film, and quite a lot of red paint was involved.

Translated from Dutch · View original

Revised on Blu-ray from the Shawscope Vol 1 box set.

A sort of Chinese version of The Godfather, where a poor boy from the countryside works his way up in the gangster world through his kung fu skills. First lead role for Chen Kuan Tai and his first collaboration with legendary director Chang Cheh. Supporting role by the charismatic David Chiang, who plays another gangster boss and whom Chen Kuan Tai sees as his role model in the film.

A classic sci-fi flick where Chen Kuan Tai made a name for himself with his Hung Fist. He was also trained in martial arts in real life, and this is reflected in the fights, which are comparable to those of Bruce Lee—same style. The finale in the teahouse against the 'Axe Gang' remains bizarre. Unfortunately, the film is too long and could have been at least 20 minutes shorter, but it is certainly worth watching!

Translated from Dutch · View original