Feng Hou (1979)

Good Shaw Bros.

Still a lot better developed than most Shaw Bros films, which often feel very fluffy. The storyline here is a bit less structured, the humor lands better, and the martial arts are top-notch.

In any case, as far as I am concerned, Chia-Liang Liu is one of the better, if not the best, Shaw Bros director. He truly rises above the limitations often associated with Shaw Bros films. I must say, though, that the tone of these films is somewhat different from what a Woo-ping Yuen produces, although that might simply be because the latter is less likely to be found in a studio.

I just find both gentlemen very strong. Yuen is perhaps just slightly better on the choreographic side, while Chia-Liang shows more beautiful things without having to cut. Wonderful suppleness, agility, skill, and power make the monkey style one of my favorites.

Entertaining film that remains captivating throughout its length. I hadn't expected that. Furthermore, there are many beautiful martial arts scenes, but the rest is also executed above par. Nice sets, decent camerawork, and funny humor.

I'm not going to choose between Yuen and Chia-Liang here; as far as I'm concerned, both are heroes in the martial arts world. I really enjoyed this video, and luckily I'll be busy with Chia-Liang for a while

3.5*

Translated from Dutch · View original

Revised on Blu-ray from the Shawscope Vol. 2 box set by Arrow.

Actually, mainly worth watching for the opening, the last training session, and the final.

Translated from Dutch · View original