venoms5
02-09-2008, 10:11 AM
USURPERS OF EMPEROR'S POWER 1982 aka MYSTERY UNDER THE CANDLELIGHT (released 1983) Act. ***1/2 /Blood ****/Movie ***1/2
Liu Yung (Li Lang), Liu Hsieh Hua (Xiang Ling), Chao Kuo (Prince Jin/Zhao Guang Yi), Lung Tien Sheng (Chen Bo), Mok Siu Chung (Prince De Zhao), Wang Jung (Zhao Kuan Jun), Chan Sheng (Zhao Pu), Wang Li (Kao Yi), Erik Chan (Li Yu), Teng Wei Hao (Ti Mieh), Hung Hsin Nan (Tien Chu), Lin Hui Huang (Black Leopard)
Directed by Hua Shan
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
In 975 AD Chao Kuan Jun ascends the throne to begin the Sung Dynasty. Having surrendered to Zhao, the last ruler of Tang, Li Yu, is awarded amnesty. However, Zhao Guang Yi covets Li's concubine and in a sadistic act, rapes her in front of him and his loyal subordinate, Li Lang having a painter sketch the entire act. Li Yu kills himself and his trusted servant vows vengeance on Guang Yi. Prince De Zhao, Guang Yi's nephew, also covets the throne and through duplicitous means, both sides conspire against each other. Meanwhile, Li Lang rallies a number of former Tang Dynasty Generals to assassinate Guang Yi. Along with Xiang Ling, a beautiful disciple of Chen Bo, a powerful martial artist seeking a title to attain Celestial supremacy, the group attempts to eliminate the Usurper of the Emperor's Power.
Director Hua Shan delivers possibly the most violent film on his resume just barely nudging out the almost apocalyptic veracity of FLYING GUILLOTINE 2. Hua Shan isn't playing around here either following up one shock sequence with another. In lieu of Shaw Brother's tendency for depressing endings, this film delivers doom and gloom in spades. Although I wouldn't consider this one of their classier affairs, the actors are very successful at creating good, involving heroes and villains. I was constantly surprised at how things panned out in this movie. Even when it was over, I kept telling myself that it wasn't. The movie definitely touched an emotional nerve. Very similar to WHAT PRICE HONESTY (1979) in tone and execution and really gives other downbeat Shaw movies a run for their money. It's no wonder these films weren't doing well at the box office. With comedy and light hearted action and stunt romps ruling the crowds, who wanted to go see a movie that was going to make you feel sick inside after watching it?
The film suffers a bit from Hua Shan's usual frenetic pacing. He doesn't allow his action scenes (and sometimes dramatic moments) time to breath. This is most apparent in his FLYING GUILLOTINE 2 (1977). The editing is so chaotic at times, I wondered if the film had went over schedule and they had to cobble together what they had. Cheng Kang is cited as being a co-director but his stamp is largely missing. Hua Shan's style is all over that film and it shares much with USURPERS both having a similar grimy tone. Both also introduce some likable protagonists as well as deliciously evil antagonists.
Liu Yung and the beautiful Li Hsieh Hua are likable enough even though they aren't on screen as much as you'd think. Considering the films title, it's understandable. They have a chemistry together and a possible relationship is hinted at but that's as far as it gets amidst the myriad scenes of treachery and violent death.
Liu Yung is quite good here and displays lots of charisma as usual. He's an odd choice for a kung fu hero as his movements are a bit stilted but he handles the action scenes well enough. Sadly, his character gets lost in the shuffle especially after a dynamite opening scene sets up the entire picture. The main gist of the action revolves around the evil son of the Emperor but there is just enough exposition with Yung and his compatriots to keep you rooting for them even though the film is littered with malevolent and treacherous characters. However, one scene is a bit jarring; when Li Lang and Xiang Ling go to meet with the Tang outcasts, Xiang sets off many deadly traps, one of which kills one of their horses. Once the outcasts show up, everyone has a laugh and share remembrances but nothing for the dead horse hanging in the air behind them! Yung would play a downright savage character in the awesomely ferocious action swordplay movie, SECRET SERVICE OF THE IMPERIAL COURT (1984) in which he played the deliciously brutal and callous villain of the film. Yung was also a standout performer in RETURN OF THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN (1984) as the sly and sarcastic Fortune Teller.
Hua is always very attractive and easy on the eyes with her playful demeanor. Her striking eyes are at the same time innocent and alluring. A very beautiful and energetic actress, she lights up any (action) film she appears in. She can also put on a great fighting showcase. In LADY ASSASSIN (1981), she is an innocent damsel one minute, then a ferocious tigress the next. However, her rather nasty turn as a woman possessed by an evil spirit in the sometimes nauseating and sleazy little obscure gem HELL HAS NO BOUNDARY (1982) will have you looking at her in a whole new way. In USURPERS, she plays the naive student to Chen Bo who will sacrifice all to attain his Heavenly status. Hua blindly believes in her teacher and pays for her loyalty at the end in a shocking sequence. Even knowing that the film ends on a downer (actually two downers!) it still doesn't prepare you for the gut punch Hua Shan delivers here. Liu Hsieh Hua would also use her beauty to light up the films HOLY FLAME OF THE MARTIAL WORLD (1983), THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN (1983) and OPIUM & THE KUNG FU MASTER (1984) among a few of her other credits.
Lung Tien Sheng gets a lot of rare screen time here as opposed to his usual amount for his non Chang Cheh appearances. His portrayal of Chen Bo is a complicated one surpassing his mysterious hero in FLAG OF IRON (1980). In USURPERS, you're not really sure till the end just whose side he is on or what exactly his real plan is. He's set up to be this righteous character and he turns out to be a despicable traitor who has no qualms of killing his students and loyal followers to get what he wants. But I guess in his eyes, what he does for HIS greater good is right and just. He, too, sees the err of his ways during the final moments.
Chao Kuo gets the lead as the evil Usurper, guang Yi. One of two lead roles the other being THE WEIRD MAN (1982) for Chang Cheh. Chao wasn't much of an actor although he was an exceptional martial arts performer getting his first "stab" at HK action cinema at 17 appearing in Chang's MASKED AVENGERS (1981). From there he would play the most unfortunate fighter in all of FIVE ELEMENT NINJAS (1982) having his entrails spill out from between his legs after being repeatedly skewered by nasty ninjas from below the ground. Chao could definitely fight but he seldom emotes although he has a decent enough go of it in USURPERS and pulls off a sadistic villain admirably. The opening scene quickly reveals the lengths with which he'll go to get what he wants. A later scene is rather poignant as Guang Yi goes to kill his father by forcing him to drink poisonous wine. During the scene, his father scolds and berates him for attempting such a thing even after he is giving him the throne. Suddenly, for a brief moment, there is fear and shame in Guang Yi's eyes. He hesitates to kill his father and only goes through with it after his father takes the first swing at him. His cruelty is hammered home further by his attempts to kill his nephew while his nephew merely wants him disgraced for his deeds.
An excellent scene that rivals the wonderfully brutal opening segment, is the scene in which Emperor Kuan Jun receives the painting detailing the horrendous rape of Li Yu's concubine. The Emperor had promised Li amnesty for his surrender, although he was kept under surveillance. Guang's nephew, De Zhao alerts the Emperor to this outrage which prompts him to punish his son. He requests one of his subordinates to slap Guang repeatedly but he hesitates resulting in the Emperor having the poor man beheaded! He then orders Guang's trusted aid Zhao Pu to do the deed. Guang stops him and does it himself. This trickery now puts the bullseye on De Zhao as his Uncle sends men after him to have him killed. Li Lang try to protect him but are unsuccessful as an act of betrayal results in De Zhao becoming a mental midget and no further threat to Guang's ascension to the throne.
Another nicely done sequence involves Guang Yi sending his men to assassinate Prince De Zhao. The Emperor is aware of the resentment between the two and orders that if anything happens to De Zhao, the throne will not go to his son. Zhao Pu races to have the assassination stopped but is unsuccessful. However, the heroes have a contingency plan set in place.
There is a minimum of light moments and these are all relegated to the scenes with the two main protagonists and the exiled Tang Generals. These few lighter scenes make what follows all the more vicious especially one sequence when one of the Generals is promised a new title but is summarily cut down along with everyone else in the small hamlet by Guang Yi in one of the bloodier set pieces. The happy moments do not last long in this film.
The action scenes are all sped up as fight scenes were for the most part during this time. There is also abundant wirework on hand and this may have been the first instance of wire-fu as seen in new wave Wu Xia Pian which would become most popular in films such as DUEL TO THE DEATH (1983) and A CHINESE GHOST STORY (1986). There's no palm blasts or lasers, but if you're put off by lots of flying and swirling swordsmen, you may want to give this one a pass. However, the plentiful scenes of violence and brutality are enough to satiate the appetites of those who like their martial arts films brimming with blood and sadism. There's dismemberments, multiple impalements, torture, booby traps, spurting blood and a vicious 'pillage the village' scene. And if the OTT violence wasn't enough, the final ten minutes gut punches you with a downer double whammy that leaves your jaw on the floor. After seeing so many Shaw Brothers movies with decidedly sinister finales, I have come to the conclusion that happy endings were forbidden and against company policy. The film appears to be cut in at least two places and they're noticeable. Both scenes involve violence although one is especially jarring and is easy to spot. There was a Laserdisc release of this title so that can be checked to see if it, too, is cut or not.
A seriously downbeat and thoroughly depressing movie-par for the Shaw Brothers-and if you liked films such as WHAT PRICE HONESTY (1979), KILLER CONSTABLE (1980) and FLYING GUILLOTINE 2 (1977), then this is a definite must have. The sets are good but not as articulate as earlier films, but a number of scenes are shot on the bigger lots and Hua Shan manages to pull off some impressively artistic moments. One wonders had he been given more time what the result could have been. Possibly, he could have been talked about with the same reverence as his more well known colleagues.
Liu Yung (Li Lang), Liu Hsieh Hua (Xiang Ling), Chao Kuo (Prince Jin/Zhao Guang Yi), Lung Tien Sheng (Chen Bo), Mok Siu Chung (Prince De Zhao), Wang Jung (Zhao Kuan Jun), Chan Sheng (Zhao Pu), Wang Li (Kao Yi), Erik Chan (Li Yu), Teng Wei Hao (Ti Mieh), Hung Hsin Nan (Tien Chu), Lin Hui Huang (Black Leopard)
Directed by Hua Shan
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
In 975 AD Chao Kuan Jun ascends the throne to begin the Sung Dynasty. Having surrendered to Zhao, the last ruler of Tang, Li Yu, is awarded amnesty. However, Zhao Guang Yi covets Li's concubine and in a sadistic act, rapes her in front of him and his loyal subordinate, Li Lang having a painter sketch the entire act. Li Yu kills himself and his trusted servant vows vengeance on Guang Yi. Prince De Zhao, Guang Yi's nephew, also covets the throne and through duplicitous means, both sides conspire against each other. Meanwhile, Li Lang rallies a number of former Tang Dynasty Generals to assassinate Guang Yi. Along with Xiang Ling, a beautiful disciple of Chen Bo, a powerful martial artist seeking a title to attain Celestial supremacy, the group attempts to eliminate the Usurper of the Emperor's Power.
Director Hua Shan delivers possibly the most violent film on his resume just barely nudging out the almost apocalyptic veracity of FLYING GUILLOTINE 2. Hua Shan isn't playing around here either following up one shock sequence with another. In lieu of Shaw Brother's tendency for depressing endings, this film delivers doom and gloom in spades. Although I wouldn't consider this one of their classier affairs, the actors are very successful at creating good, involving heroes and villains. I was constantly surprised at how things panned out in this movie. Even when it was over, I kept telling myself that it wasn't. The movie definitely touched an emotional nerve. Very similar to WHAT PRICE HONESTY (1979) in tone and execution and really gives other downbeat Shaw movies a run for their money. It's no wonder these films weren't doing well at the box office. With comedy and light hearted action and stunt romps ruling the crowds, who wanted to go see a movie that was going to make you feel sick inside after watching it?
The film suffers a bit from Hua Shan's usual frenetic pacing. He doesn't allow his action scenes (and sometimes dramatic moments) time to breath. This is most apparent in his FLYING GUILLOTINE 2 (1977). The editing is so chaotic at times, I wondered if the film had went over schedule and they had to cobble together what they had. Cheng Kang is cited as being a co-director but his stamp is largely missing. Hua Shan's style is all over that film and it shares much with USURPERS both having a similar grimy tone. Both also introduce some likable protagonists as well as deliciously evil antagonists.
Liu Yung and the beautiful Li Hsieh Hua are likable enough even though they aren't on screen as much as you'd think. Considering the films title, it's understandable. They have a chemistry together and a possible relationship is hinted at but that's as far as it gets amidst the myriad scenes of treachery and violent death.
Liu Yung is quite good here and displays lots of charisma as usual. He's an odd choice for a kung fu hero as his movements are a bit stilted but he handles the action scenes well enough. Sadly, his character gets lost in the shuffle especially after a dynamite opening scene sets up the entire picture. The main gist of the action revolves around the evil son of the Emperor but there is just enough exposition with Yung and his compatriots to keep you rooting for them even though the film is littered with malevolent and treacherous characters. However, one scene is a bit jarring; when Li Lang and Xiang Ling go to meet with the Tang outcasts, Xiang sets off many deadly traps, one of which kills one of their horses. Once the outcasts show up, everyone has a laugh and share remembrances but nothing for the dead horse hanging in the air behind them! Yung would play a downright savage character in the awesomely ferocious action swordplay movie, SECRET SERVICE OF THE IMPERIAL COURT (1984) in which he played the deliciously brutal and callous villain of the film. Yung was also a standout performer in RETURN OF THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN (1984) as the sly and sarcastic Fortune Teller.
Hua is always very attractive and easy on the eyes with her playful demeanor. Her striking eyes are at the same time innocent and alluring. A very beautiful and energetic actress, she lights up any (action) film she appears in. She can also put on a great fighting showcase. In LADY ASSASSIN (1981), she is an innocent damsel one minute, then a ferocious tigress the next. However, her rather nasty turn as a woman possessed by an evil spirit in the sometimes nauseating and sleazy little obscure gem HELL HAS NO BOUNDARY (1982) will have you looking at her in a whole new way. In USURPERS, she plays the naive student to Chen Bo who will sacrifice all to attain his Heavenly status. Hua blindly believes in her teacher and pays for her loyalty at the end in a shocking sequence. Even knowing that the film ends on a downer (actually two downers!) it still doesn't prepare you for the gut punch Hua Shan delivers here. Liu Hsieh Hua would also use her beauty to light up the films HOLY FLAME OF THE MARTIAL WORLD (1983), THE BASTARD SWORDSMAN (1983) and OPIUM & THE KUNG FU MASTER (1984) among a few of her other credits.
Lung Tien Sheng gets a lot of rare screen time here as opposed to his usual amount for his non Chang Cheh appearances. His portrayal of Chen Bo is a complicated one surpassing his mysterious hero in FLAG OF IRON (1980). In USURPERS, you're not really sure till the end just whose side he is on or what exactly his real plan is. He's set up to be this righteous character and he turns out to be a despicable traitor who has no qualms of killing his students and loyal followers to get what he wants. But I guess in his eyes, what he does for HIS greater good is right and just. He, too, sees the err of his ways during the final moments.
Chao Kuo gets the lead as the evil Usurper, guang Yi. One of two lead roles the other being THE WEIRD MAN (1982) for Chang Cheh. Chao wasn't much of an actor although he was an exceptional martial arts performer getting his first "stab" at HK action cinema at 17 appearing in Chang's MASKED AVENGERS (1981). From there he would play the most unfortunate fighter in all of FIVE ELEMENT NINJAS (1982) having his entrails spill out from between his legs after being repeatedly skewered by nasty ninjas from below the ground. Chao could definitely fight but he seldom emotes although he has a decent enough go of it in USURPERS and pulls off a sadistic villain admirably. The opening scene quickly reveals the lengths with which he'll go to get what he wants. A later scene is rather poignant as Guang Yi goes to kill his father by forcing him to drink poisonous wine. During the scene, his father scolds and berates him for attempting such a thing even after he is giving him the throne. Suddenly, for a brief moment, there is fear and shame in Guang Yi's eyes. He hesitates to kill his father and only goes through with it after his father takes the first swing at him. His cruelty is hammered home further by his attempts to kill his nephew while his nephew merely wants him disgraced for his deeds.
An excellent scene that rivals the wonderfully brutal opening segment, is the scene in which Emperor Kuan Jun receives the painting detailing the horrendous rape of Li Yu's concubine. The Emperor had promised Li amnesty for his surrender, although he was kept under surveillance. Guang's nephew, De Zhao alerts the Emperor to this outrage which prompts him to punish his son. He requests one of his subordinates to slap Guang repeatedly but he hesitates resulting in the Emperor having the poor man beheaded! He then orders Guang's trusted aid Zhao Pu to do the deed. Guang stops him and does it himself. This trickery now puts the bullseye on De Zhao as his Uncle sends men after him to have him killed. Li Lang try to protect him but are unsuccessful as an act of betrayal results in De Zhao becoming a mental midget and no further threat to Guang's ascension to the throne.
Another nicely done sequence involves Guang Yi sending his men to assassinate Prince De Zhao. The Emperor is aware of the resentment between the two and orders that if anything happens to De Zhao, the throne will not go to his son. Zhao Pu races to have the assassination stopped but is unsuccessful. However, the heroes have a contingency plan set in place.
There is a minimum of light moments and these are all relegated to the scenes with the two main protagonists and the exiled Tang Generals. These few lighter scenes make what follows all the more vicious especially one sequence when one of the Generals is promised a new title but is summarily cut down along with everyone else in the small hamlet by Guang Yi in one of the bloodier set pieces. The happy moments do not last long in this film.
The action scenes are all sped up as fight scenes were for the most part during this time. There is also abundant wirework on hand and this may have been the first instance of wire-fu as seen in new wave Wu Xia Pian which would become most popular in films such as DUEL TO THE DEATH (1983) and A CHINESE GHOST STORY (1986). There's no palm blasts or lasers, but if you're put off by lots of flying and swirling swordsmen, you may want to give this one a pass. However, the plentiful scenes of violence and brutality are enough to satiate the appetites of those who like their martial arts films brimming with blood and sadism. There's dismemberments, multiple impalements, torture, booby traps, spurting blood and a vicious 'pillage the village' scene. And if the OTT violence wasn't enough, the final ten minutes gut punches you with a downer double whammy that leaves your jaw on the floor. After seeing so many Shaw Brothers movies with decidedly sinister finales, I have come to the conclusion that happy endings were forbidden and against company policy. The film appears to be cut in at least two places and they're noticeable. Both scenes involve violence although one is especially jarring and is easy to spot. There was a Laserdisc release of this title so that can be checked to see if it, too, is cut or not.
A seriously downbeat and thoroughly depressing movie-par for the Shaw Brothers-and if you liked films such as WHAT PRICE HONESTY (1979), KILLER CONSTABLE (1980) and FLYING GUILLOTINE 2 (1977), then this is a definite must have. The sets are good but not as articulate as earlier films, but a number of scenes are shot on the bigger lots and Hua Shan manages to pull off some impressively artistic moments. One wonders had he been given more time what the result could have been. Possibly, he could have been talked about with the same reverence as his more well known colleagues.