Killer Constable - Why So Cheap Looking?

[kungfusamurai]

I bought the Master Arts Video VHS just to check out this film. The thing I noticed about this is how low budget this flick is. Was this an independent production that Shaw Brothers bought the license to distribute? I did recognize at least one Shaw set piece - that long set of stairs from Executioners From Shaolin. I also found the choreography sub par for a Shaw production. I mean, what was the point of having Kwan Young Moon running into the water to fight Chen Kwan Tai? The guy was a kicker. Didn't he know its harder to kick in the water than on land? I was also disappointed at how the film under-utilized big name guys like Chiang Tao and Dick Wei.

I'm almost finished the film. I'm hoping it has a good ending. I haven't read about it, so my bet is either Chen Kwan Tai dies or has some kind of epiphany to change his Dirty Harry ways.

KFS

[Markgway]

Korean co-production.

[killer meteor]

Did Shaw's ever use Dick Wei effectivly. I've seen him in five Shaw films and he's very underused in them

[Kwok Choi]

Well I hate to admit it because many fans here rate this movie highly but I have never liked or enjoyed Killer Constables even in all its glory on the big screen.I think the hype ruined it for me and boy o' boy was this movie super hyped on release or what?.I have to say I like the original poster,the opening scene and the end fight apart from this,if you like dark atmospheric " Bride With White Hair " type of cinematography and Ku Feng then this movie is for you.

[Iron Boat]

I like the bleak atmoshpere and depressing mood....the final fight and the duel with Ku Feng was well done

[morgoth]

"Does it have a good ending?"

:D



I thought this was one of Dick Wei's better roles in a Shaw Brother's movie. He has a good speech when they are talking about the chief constable. And Kwan Yeong Moon's scene wasn't great but it was still cool.

[Linn1]

it's much better than the old US release. Some of it was filmed it Korea, but it was mostly Shaw Brothers people behind the scenes.

[limubai2000]

I think the low budget actually helped the film because it made the film smaller in scope. Hence it was more "intimate" and added some bleakness, the film wasn't an epic that would have ruined it. It works the way it is and didn't need anything to help it get better.

I think it is that much better because it is so depressing and dark compared to most other Shaws.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Great film. Chen Kuan tai and Pai Pao's scenes worked perfectly as well as did Ku Feng and Chen Kuan Tai's at Ku's home and during their final battle in the rain. Grisly, dark, desperate, deceitful, and hopeless. Just like everyday life.

[Chia Ling AKA Judy Lee]

Best Shaw Bros film Ive seen, maybe best film. I didnt think it was particularly cheap looking, it is very realistic looking IMO. Perhaps the fact it was mainly shot outdoors might make you think this, but some of the sets they created were magnificent, such as that derelict house on the water front. I cant find many flaws in this film.

Just because Kwan Young Moon happens to be a very good kicker as an actor, it doesnt mean that he should always play a character that kicks. This is a real film, not one that was written to exploit the strengths of whatever cast the directors could find at the time.

[kungfusamurai]

I finished watching the film and found it overall disappointing. There was the occasional good fight, like the one between Chen Kwan Tai and Yuen Wah, but those good ones tended to be too short! I also noticed how hammy the acting is in the film. The first scene between Ku Feng and his blind daughter was overly melodramatic and laughable. Killer Constable was quite disappointing considering the hype its been getting. I hope the Celestial version will make it seem better.

KFS

[rindge]

I had to stop eating my lunch to reply. KFS, it is too bad you don't like the film. From my perspective, One of the best shaws and one of the best acting jobs by Kuan Tai. Before reading your post I had never though about the sets. Many of us are used to (and appreciate) the magnificent Shaw sets. Hell the sets are part of the reason I even bother with these flicks. The outdoor scenes sans sets didn't bother me at all - the locations were somewhat bleak looking - maybe how it would have actually looked at that time period in chinese history. The sets that I do recall - the old monestary where he dealt with Piao and the ending scene at the capital - were fantastic in terms of setting the mood.

The plot was not overly unique, but the execution and twist at the end were great. I'm not sure if your lack of appreciation of the fighting stems from the fact that this is a sword films vs hand to hand combat. Sometimes that turns me off with the Chu Yuan films. But the fights they had were great - did you not like the ending fight scene where the bodyguard fought to the end to protect his boss. I remember seeing this movie in the theatre back in Boston with my brother-in law. That was many moons ago, but I still remember his comments about that last fight scene and the bodyguard - "if you have a bodyguard that is the type of loyalty you want." That guy would not give up.

The movie was dark and gritty, but hey that is what the plot was all about. As someone else posted - that's life for you. I love this film!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For me this movie had the perfect blend of acting chops, good fighting, and scenery that more than did the job. Killer constable is one my highest rated shaw films and I am anxiously waiting for the DVD.

Rindge

[morgoth]

The movie is somewhat cheap for a Shaw Brothers movie. BUT Kuan Tai did have those sweet clothes on at the start:b , and it is mainly outdoors so it just adds to the realness of the film. The fights are all good but what happens before them is the best. Like when Kuan Tai shows how rithless he is telling them to take Kwan Yeong Moon's head after Moon did what he said. Also Ku Feng's scene is my favorite in the movie slightly ahead of Jason Pai Paio's and the end. I thought he was overdoing it a bit at when he first entered the scene but it was still a good introduction. The greatest part was when he came home and has to hide the fact that he has been sliced across the chest and arm a few times. The rest of the scene is magic and while the girl only had basically a cameo, she performed the scene as good as it could have been done. Though I agree with another that I can find no flaws in the film, there actually is a single problem that cannot be overlooked. How did Kuan Tai survive the scorpion dart? My answer is he was just really really tough.:D

I have known this movie for a long time in the full screened decent pic quality version and watching itremastered will certainly make it a whole new movie. I believe my version is 98 minutes long so I would hope they release it uncut.

[Reincarnation Of Thundering Mantis]

Pai Piao and Chen Kuan Tai are fighting on a huge sun dial in a darkened temple.

The scene towards the end with the swordsman on one knee in the fog. The rain starts, causing the fog to lift revealing the aftermath of the battle.

Really poetic imagery.

[tino]

I give it two thumbs and two big toes up. I had this on vhs poor quality and threw it away when celestial started putting out dvd's. From what I remember it was a good movie and the ending will trip you out, I just wasnt expecting that at all.

[BKarza]

The look was due soley because of the tape. It's the only Shaw I've seen that doesn't quite look like a Shaw. Somehow the company that put that tape out maneged to do that.
I echo Reincar. and Ridge's comments. Beautiful film with a different feel(due to the film maker).

[kungfusamurai]

I hope the film does look better when Celestial puts it out. I don't know if that will improve the cheesy melodramatic scenes. I thought it was kind of funny how Chen Kwan Tai's character kept getting stabbed and slashed and yet by the next scene he was moving normally like nothing had happened. Most kung fu movie characters would have died with just one of those wounds. It would make a great drinking game...

KFS

[sevenhooks]

The first scene between Ku Feng and his blind daughter was overly melodramatic and laughable.

Not sure how much of a John Woo fan you are, but I've pointed out before that the scene between Ku Feng, Chen Kuan Tai and the blind girl was blatantly ripped off by John Woo a few years later for The Killer.
John motherf##king Woo - the undisputed king of melodramatics.

[limubai2000]

OK the KFS lynch line starts behind me... :p

Just kidding KFS, it's ok you're still welcome around here... maybe. ;)

[Linn1]

the US version is slightly cut.

[Chia Ling AKA Judy Lee]

How did Kuan Tai survive the scorpion dart?

I kind of hoped this discontinuity error was due to a cut. Obviously he is tough as hell as well, but still.

[Iron Boat]

Not sure how much of a John Woo fan you are, but I've pointed out before that the scene between Ku Feng, Chen Kuan Tai and the blind girl was blatantly ripped off by John Woo a few years later for The Killer.
John motherf##king Woo - the undisputed king of melodramatics.

Well I haven't seen the John woo film but That scene was originally rendered in Cheng Cheh's Invincible Fist, which is an earlier version of Killer Constable

[Iron Boat]

"How did Kuan Tai survive the scorpion dart? "

He may had survived the Scorpion Dart but he didn't do so well with the spear in the cranium >D

[spannick]

he does survive and gets the girl in Korea though...

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8379/constable01bildgrendernca7.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3175/constable02bildgrendernfi1.jpg

http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/7489/constable03bildgrendernlt0.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5776/constable04bildgrendernyg1.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/52/constable05bildgrendernfa3.jpg

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/4639/constable06bildgrendernly4.jpg

http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/2516/constable07bildgrendernpk5.jpg

http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/2857/constable09bildgrendernxx7.jpg

[morgoth]

Korean version he lives?

[BKarza]

Guess he looked up in time.

[Chia Ling AKA Judy Lee]

lol, that completely undermines the whole film! I thought Koreans like melodrama?

[Linn1]

thanks, been wanting to see that for years!

[Markgway]

Now that's the sort of extra IVL should be putting on their discs.

[iron flag]

>Chen Kuan tai and Pai Pao's scenes worked perfectly as well as did Ku Feng and Chen Kuan Tai's at Ku's home and during their final battle in the rain.<

Amen brother!!! :)

[TheManInWhite]

Are you kidding? You mean the ending I have has been cut?? Inconceivable!! :eek

[Markgway]

Not necessarily cut... sometimes Korean versions have different scenes not found in other versions. This is especially true if the film is a KR co-production and they have access to all the footage shot. In some cases they even shoot additional scenes especially.

[morgoth]

You are right Markgway that scene this should defintely be a bonus. It would be the best special feature I could imagine.

[kungfusamurai]

Not sure how much of a John Woo fan you are, but I've pointed out before that the scene between Ku Feng, Chen Kuan Tai and the blind girl was blatantly ripped off by John Woo a few years later for The Killer.

Interesting. I didn't realize that until now. I really like The Killer. John Woo's melodrama is alright. But I was referring to the moments between Ku Feng and his daughter, not the threesome scene. I found it too cheesy.

KFS

[sevenhooks]

Thanks for those screen shots spannick!
Most definitely need to see this as a DVD extra.
But knowing ILV, we're more likely to see this ending INSTEAD of the ending we all know - ala Chinatown Kid!!
Just kidding, but you KNOW with our luck re: these releases, NOTHING they would do would surprise me.
Not in the least.

[Markgway]

That footage may rest with the Korean distributors.

It's possible that Celestial don't even have it if it was never a part of the Chinese or international releases.

It would take an independent specialist to track down that footage - if it even still exists on film or find an original tape and rip it like has been done for Police Story with the Japanese LD extra scenes.

I wouldn't get your hopes up at any rate...

[spannick]

there's more other Footage during the Movie with some most likely Korean Guy looking for something, including additional Fight Scenes.

[Markgway]

Yeah, that's quite common for KR co-productions. Local talent appearing in extra footage exclusively shot for the local market. Unless you have an original KR release the chances of seeing any of this stuff is extremely low. The Vengeance DVD of The Great Massacre includes the KR ending for that film, which is a great bonus. The Eastern Heroes DVD of Hitman in the Hand of Buddha has an entire KR workprint.

[morgoth]

My mind has been blown.

[Linn1]

unlike most HK companies, the Shaws kept pretty tight leashes on their stuff done in Korea and Taiwan, so there's a much better chance they might have the footage from the few Korean productions.

[morgoth]

MY day just keeps gettign better and better.:D

[Markgway]

One thing to mention, unlike most HK companies, the Shaws kept pretty tight leashes on their stuff done in Korea and Taiwan, so there's a much better chance they might have the footage from the few Korean productions.

That's good news, but will we see any of it regardless?

[kungfusamurai]

Well, if Celestial doesn't include it on their DVD release, perhaps Linn could convince Image to put it on their release (if they've acquired the rights to the film)?

KFS

[peringaten]

I've been meaning to read this thread since it was first going, but have avoided reading any posts in here for fear of this film being spoilt for me... just want to save it from falling off the board before I can order this film... soon as some cash clears I'm grabbing this, popping a bit in the chest and heading back in here to see if I was right in assuming there was some fuss about the flick in this thread...

[deliriocaldo]

KILLER CONSTABLE is definitely one of my favourite wuxia.

Didn't find any of the acting cheesy (Chen Kuan-tai was never better), and the outdoor sets were a great diversion from the usual late-70s/early-80s studio sets, imho...

[Markgway]

Finally saw this one... and it was SUPERB!!!

I didn't think it was cheap looking at all. Kuei Chih Hung did wonders with the imagery, and I actually feel this is one of the best looking Shaw Bros films I've seen.

[morgoth]

I don't know where you come up with it looking good. It is supposed to be dirty and have realism. And the place where the endfight takes place in is cheap looking. But still, this is my favorite Shaws movie. What is the running time?

[Markgway]

I thought it was very stylish and extremely well photographed.

[morgoth]

Hell yeah it was, but when you say that it is not cheap looking at all, I have to disagree with you because the set the final fight is done on looks super cheap.

[Markgway]

It was low budget, maybe, but I think the director made the best of it. Calling it cheap-looking, I FEEL, is unfair. But we all see something different... It's just entered my SHAW BROS top ten.

[Chia Ling AKA Judy Lee]

Perhaps my indie upbringing has warped my mind, but I didn't think any of this film looked cheap or budget, the last scene included. Sure the set was a little bare, but it seemed authentic and framed the action well.

[Markgway]

Chia Ling raises a valid point.

When I think of cheap, I think of those indie films where the most expensive thing on camera is the sticky-on eyebrows.

[morgoth]

So you don't think the set where the last fight took place was cheap looking?

[Poelie]

Ordered early June from CD-wow, got it this week (finally!) and have to agree mostly with Markway. This is a strong movie, very well photographed. There are really a lot of very beautiful shots. Worth rewatching.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

When I think of cheap, I think of those indie films where the most expensive thing on camera is the sticky-on eyebrows.

Markgway, are you referring to the kind of sticky-on eyebrows that you see in flicks like Of Cooks And Kung Fu? :D

[Markgway]

So you don't think the set where the last fight took place was cheap looking?

It didn't strike me as such. I may have been too "into" the movie to notice.

Markgway, are you referring to the kind of sticky-on eyebrows that you see in flicks like Of Cooks And Kung Fu?

Oh, don't get Morgoth started again................ :eek

[peringaten]

I thought the location of the finale was great. Really etched into my mind. I thought it looked spacious and grand - the sparsity and grandly minimal design really highlighted the action for me.

Just curious - did you see the remastered version Morgoth? Maybe the old Lightnin' copy doesn't fully do it justice?

Sparse - yes.
Cheap - not really.

[morgoth]

Yeah I have full screen uncut version. The set for the final fight feels extremely cheap compared to the other places where fights take place. Pai Paio's fight was beautiful, as was Ku Feng's, but the most stunning shot of the whole movie has to be when San Kwai is sitting that huge staircase. I just didn't like the final set. I thought it should have had some sort of decorations to it or something to make it seem more real.

[fabhui]

I thought it should have had some sort of decorations to it

Like a Christmas Tree?? I'm only teasing!!


I don't think it looked cheap, it was nice to see a spacious set free of elaborate clutter. The perfect place for the final showdown I thought.

[morgoth]

It was too bare for me. They could have done something so it would't have looked so cheap.

[rindge]

I did not think the last set looked cheap at all. Well appointed - no, but that may have been a plus. For me the lack of decorations may have kept me focused on the fight. To be honest how could you focus on anything but the fight? The bodyguard was working double time to protect his boss. The boydguard had a cool suit on don't you htink - that did not look cheap. On my short list of all time greatest shaw films and one kuan tai's best ever.

[venomchamber]

I feel the hall was intentionally kept sparse in an attempt to keep it realistic, as well as keeping the focus on the drama at hand and not be distracted by any ornamentations and/or decor.

I believe it was 'cheap' in terms of being an inexpensive set only as it was basically an unfurnished set, and not deliberately impoverished due to any financial limitations.

It is a superb wu-xia tragedy, perhaps one of the best and highly recommended. ;)

Cheers and Good Afternoon! 8)

[morgoth]

Wait a sec, how is it a wuxia?

And I am not compaining about the final fight at all. I agee that Kuan Tai and Yuen Wah performed brilliantly, but in comparison to the sets for the other fights in the movie, the final set felt cheap.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

but in comparison to the sets for the other fights in the movie, the final set felt cheap.

You are a retard.

[morgoth]

So I am a retard because I can actually back up my opinions unlike you? I don't see why you feel the need to call me a retard just because you seem to disagree with me. Maybe you will learn to respond to people when you hit the age of 8

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Let me explain it to you... A-S-S-H-O-L-E Clear enough. :rollin

With that said, I am now done with this foolishness.


Morgoth, sorry your so intent on carrying on with this (apparent) vendetta, but you have to realize you can't control threads. People on this forum are going to say what they think, regardless of how you feel about it. This really never should have gone anywhere near this far. Let it go brother. No-ones making enemies with you. They have much more important things going on in their lives. With that now (hopefullly) made clear, I apologize for the extremely rude remarks I've made to you, despite whether or not they were justified.

[morgoth]

I was asking you not to talk to me because all you were doing is harassing me. I probably went to far with Mark so i will just say that I am sorry to everyone for acting like an idiot.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Apology entirely accepted brother. Don't think twice about it. We were only kidding with ya in the first place. I know I've had my turns at over-reacting to others opinions. Forum etiquette is somethiing we all have to relearn from time to time. I apologize for being so simple minded as to resorting too name calling as well.