venoms5
02-19-2008, 01:07 PM
SECRET OF THE DIRK 1970 Act. ***1/2 /Blood ***/ Movie *****
Ching Li (Liu Ming Zhu), Chang Yi (Zhou Ying Long), Shu Pei-pei (Liu Ching Ching), Tien Feng (Wang Shan Hu), Chin Tung (Hsiao Ying), Wang Hsia (Shi Chun), Chao Hsiung (Wan Tai Ji), Ma Hoi Lan (Hsiao Lan), Chai No (Black Tiger No. 3 Chief), Fang Mian (Liu Zong), Lin Ching (Madam), Wang Ching Ho (Liu Hai De), Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang
Directed by Hsu Cheng-hung
Madam Liu is attacked and mortally wounded by the Black Tiger Gang. Before she dies, she tells the tragic story of the Liu Clan. Twenty years prior Liu City came under attack by an army of vicious raiders. Under constant attack for three months, and the rations within the city depleted, the General gives orders for the citizens to evacuate while the remaining militia will hold a last stand against the invaders. The treasures of Liu are entrusted with Liu Hai De and Liu Zong who accompany the civilians out of the city. Madam Liu eventually lost contact with both and over the course of 20 years, they seem to have disappeared along with the Liu treasures. Madam Liu instructs her four disciples to find both men and the treasures to return them to the rightful owners. However, the daughter of Liu Hai De, Liu Ching Ching, is located and the Black Tiger Gang set their sights on her to snag the treasure for themselves. Zhou Ying Long, a righteous swordsman from the honorable Da Law School becomes inadvertently involved after he saves Liu Ching Ching from a group of the Black Tigers. After discovering one of his own Da Law brothers is a chief member of the Black Tiger Gang, he helps the four Liu disciples find their family wealth. After several tragic occurrences and shocking betrayal, the Secret of the Dirk aids in the final destruction of the Black Tiger Gang and the Liu valuables are recovered and returned to their families.
An exciting and often times exhilarating Wu Xia film from the director of the equally dramatic 12 DEADLY COINS (1969). Now that the Shaw library, for the most part, has been released, the works of Hsu Cheng-hung can now be evaluated and appraised. Another underrated director due in large part to his Shaw filmography being unavailable until now, he would leave Shaw's in 1971 for Golden Harvest where he would direct the Chinese cut of ZATOICHI MEETS THE ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN (1971). He also directed a classic trilogy of Shaw Brothers films that began with THE TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965), THE TWIN SWORDS (1965) and THE SWORD & THE LUTE (1967) all featuring Jimmy Wang Yu. Director Hsu must have had a good working rapport with Wang Yu considering they worked together on many occasions from his Shaw work to Golden Harvest films like THE INVINCIBLE SWORD (1971) and the Wang Yu produced ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN AGAINST NINE KILLERS (1976). Hsu was also an AD on Chang Cheh's experimental swordplay film, TIGER BOY (1964).
Chang Yi has never really been one of my favorite performers but here, this is easily one of the best movies I've seen him in. On par with BELLS OF DEATH (1968), He makes an awesome hero and possesses one of the most lethal and exemplary weapons seen in any swordplay film. His sword can split into multiple swords as well as eject multiple blades as projectiles much like the sword seen in the 1982 US film, THE SWORD & THE SORCERER. Near the end though, his Da Law Sword proves no match for Wang Shan Hu's deadly darts which break the metal. As the film got closer to the end I began to wonder when the true 'Secret of the Dirk' was going to appear and it makes its appearance during the closing moments as Zhou gets his hands on the real Da Law blade.
Ching Li is quite formidable as Liu Ming Zhu. At the beginning of the film, she learns from Madam Liu that she was the child saved by the General from certain death by her real father who was about to cannibalize her as civilian rations were all used up. Even though it's obvious in some scenes that she has a double, there are many sequences where it is fact her participating in the sword fights. I can't think of another film she did where she is more impressive in the action aside from 12 DEADLY COINS (1969) but here, her scenes are good especially since she often doesn't take part in a lot of action. Incidentally, she finds herself in a similar predicament that she did in the aforementioned 12 DEADLY COINS (1969). In that film, she's trussed up along with Lo Lieh in a dungeon rapidly filling with water. Here, she is tied to a column along with Chang Yi while the the villains set fire to the building.
This scene is also similar in that in the other film, both Lo and Ching Li profess their love for one another as the room around them fills with water. In SECRET it's more of a admiration between the two as the place burns around them, but the scenes share similarities and are both expertly handled by director Hsu. Hsu Cheng-hung also incorporates some subtle nuances here and there to make his film stand out. A true shame Hsu left Shaw's because it seems his career went downhill after that.
Fang Mian as Liu Zong pretends to be a mute and brings up Liu Ching Ching as his own daughter and reveals why, after 20 years, he has not spoken a word when he is confronted by Zhou Ying Long. Detailed in flashback, you learn what led Liu Zong to disappear and also the fate of Ching Ching's real father, Liu Hai De. Once Liu Ming Zhu and the others arrive, Liu Zong gives them the treasure map hidden in the leg of a chair. However, the Black Tiger Gang attack and steal the map and kidnap Ching Ching in the process. Liu Zong is also killed, pinned to a tree by the sword he took from Liu Hai De. Zhou Ying Long takes the sword and to his surprise, finds the sword contains a clue as to the location of the treasure.
Throughout the film, the head of the Black Tiger Gang is kept a secret as you never see his face until late in the film. Given his track record as insidious types in Shaw Brothers movies like THE SWORD OF SWORDS (1968) and KING BOXER (1972), it's not difficult to figure out it is he who is the head of the Black Tigers. Feng often played on the side of good as well. He played the noble teacher in 12 DEADLY COINS (1969) which saw Fang Mian play the cruel but misunderstood villain. Here though, Feng is most evil and plays his merciless bad guy almost as sadistic as the one he played in the classic THE SWORD OF SWORDS (1968).
Chao Hsiung plays the traitorous Wan Tai Ji, the elder brother to Zhou Ying Long in the Da Law School. Chao gets a chance to shine as a villain and does really well with it. Possessing of a face that befits wickedness, Chao was given a brief run as a leading man in two films from Ho Meng Hua, AMBUSH (1973) and THE GOLDEN LION (1975) where he played a Hercules type character. He apparently didn't catch on with HK audiences and was relegated to supporting status. He has a look that would suit him as a Chambara star. I also thought he had a commanding presence in AMBUSH (1973), but it seems he was most effective at portraying bad guys and here he pours on the treachery and really cuts loose his acting chops in the scene where Zhou Ying Long has revealed Wan's defection to the Black Tiger's. Wan says that nothing can be done until the leader of Da Law School returns only it so happens that the leader is actually Wang Shan Hu, the head of the Black Tiger Gang!
Chen Kuan Tai has a brief appearance as one of the Black Tiger members. He gets a line of dialog, too. David Chiang also makes an appearance as a Black Tiger member. Given his star turn in THE WANDERING SWORDSMAN (1969) and his supporting role in INVINCIBLE FIST (1969), this film must have been shot in 1969 possibly concurrent with Hsu's 12 DEADLY COINS (1969).
The sword fights by Tang Chia are exceptionally orchestrated as well as being unusually creative compared with other films of the time. This is where Chang Yi shines and gets ample opportunities to show off his remarkable sword giving way to some truly exciting swordplay action. One of the best fights takes place around the 48 minute mark when Liu Ching Ching is kidnapped. Zhou's blade is put to good use when he takes on a number of the gang members in an enclosed area. Liu Ming Zhu shows up to lend some support. The last two battles are also eye-openers in addition to being extremely violent and bloody. Though the film contains the usual amount of bright red squirting blood found in Shaw's productions, the final 15 minutes becomes increasingly brutal at a right precipitous pace. The ending is also crammed with several shock moments that come out of nowhere and kind of hit you like a load of bricks. The Shaw's were always ace at producing sincerely nasty villains and the Black Tiger gang are no exception. Ruthless and aggressive, hunting and stalking the heroes at every turn, they have a suitably gloomy stronghold replete with hidden chambers and death traps, the latter of which is used to force the heroes to reveal the true locale of the Liu treasure.
A highly recommended Wu Xia film from an underrated and talented director, the film is rather short at a brisk 78 minutes. The characters are interesting and coupled with some wonderfully choreographed action scenes and a compelling story. Much like several other lesser known or obscure Shaw films lately, I was really surprised by this one. Another lost Shaw treasure has been discovered and one which deserves a wider audience.
Ching Li (Liu Ming Zhu), Chang Yi (Zhou Ying Long), Shu Pei-pei (Liu Ching Ching), Tien Feng (Wang Shan Hu), Chin Tung (Hsiao Ying), Wang Hsia (Shi Chun), Chao Hsiung (Wan Tai Ji), Ma Hoi Lan (Hsiao Lan), Chai No (Black Tiger No. 3 Chief), Fang Mian (Liu Zong), Lin Ching (Madam), Wang Ching Ho (Liu Hai De), Chen Kuan Tai, David Chiang
Directed by Hsu Cheng-hung
Madam Liu is attacked and mortally wounded by the Black Tiger Gang. Before she dies, she tells the tragic story of the Liu Clan. Twenty years prior Liu City came under attack by an army of vicious raiders. Under constant attack for three months, and the rations within the city depleted, the General gives orders for the citizens to evacuate while the remaining militia will hold a last stand against the invaders. The treasures of Liu are entrusted with Liu Hai De and Liu Zong who accompany the civilians out of the city. Madam Liu eventually lost contact with both and over the course of 20 years, they seem to have disappeared along with the Liu treasures. Madam Liu instructs her four disciples to find both men and the treasures to return them to the rightful owners. However, the daughter of Liu Hai De, Liu Ching Ching, is located and the Black Tiger Gang set their sights on her to snag the treasure for themselves. Zhou Ying Long, a righteous swordsman from the honorable Da Law School becomes inadvertently involved after he saves Liu Ching Ching from a group of the Black Tigers. After discovering one of his own Da Law brothers is a chief member of the Black Tiger Gang, he helps the four Liu disciples find their family wealth. After several tragic occurrences and shocking betrayal, the Secret of the Dirk aids in the final destruction of the Black Tiger Gang and the Liu valuables are recovered and returned to their families.
An exciting and often times exhilarating Wu Xia film from the director of the equally dramatic 12 DEADLY COINS (1969). Now that the Shaw library, for the most part, has been released, the works of Hsu Cheng-hung can now be evaluated and appraised. Another underrated director due in large part to his Shaw filmography being unavailable until now, he would leave Shaw's in 1971 for Golden Harvest where he would direct the Chinese cut of ZATOICHI MEETS THE ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN (1971). He also directed a classic trilogy of Shaw Brothers films that began with THE TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965), THE TWIN SWORDS (1965) and THE SWORD & THE LUTE (1967) all featuring Jimmy Wang Yu. Director Hsu must have had a good working rapport with Wang Yu considering they worked together on many occasions from his Shaw work to Golden Harvest films like THE INVINCIBLE SWORD (1971) and the Wang Yu produced ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN AGAINST NINE KILLERS (1976). Hsu was also an AD on Chang Cheh's experimental swordplay film, TIGER BOY (1964).
Chang Yi has never really been one of my favorite performers but here, this is easily one of the best movies I've seen him in. On par with BELLS OF DEATH (1968), He makes an awesome hero and possesses one of the most lethal and exemplary weapons seen in any swordplay film. His sword can split into multiple swords as well as eject multiple blades as projectiles much like the sword seen in the 1982 US film, THE SWORD & THE SORCERER. Near the end though, his Da Law Sword proves no match for Wang Shan Hu's deadly darts which break the metal. As the film got closer to the end I began to wonder when the true 'Secret of the Dirk' was going to appear and it makes its appearance during the closing moments as Zhou gets his hands on the real Da Law blade.
Ching Li is quite formidable as Liu Ming Zhu. At the beginning of the film, she learns from Madam Liu that she was the child saved by the General from certain death by her real father who was about to cannibalize her as civilian rations were all used up. Even though it's obvious in some scenes that she has a double, there are many sequences where it is fact her participating in the sword fights. I can't think of another film she did where she is more impressive in the action aside from 12 DEADLY COINS (1969) but here, her scenes are good especially since she often doesn't take part in a lot of action. Incidentally, she finds herself in a similar predicament that she did in the aforementioned 12 DEADLY COINS (1969). In that film, she's trussed up along with Lo Lieh in a dungeon rapidly filling with water. Here, she is tied to a column along with Chang Yi while the the villains set fire to the building.
This scene is also similar in that in the other film, both Lo and Ching Li profess their love for one another as the room around them fills with water. In SECRET it's more of a admiration between the two as the place burns around them, but the scenes share similarities and are both expertly handled by director Hsu. Hsu Cheng-hung also incorporates some subtle nuances here and there to make his film stand out. A true shame Hsu left Shaw's because it seems his career went downhill after that.
Fang Mian as Liu Zong pretends to be a mute and brings up Liu Ching Ching as his own daughter and reveals why, after 20 years, he has not spoken a word when he is confronted by Zhou Ying Long. Detailed in flashback, you learn what led Liu Zong to disappear and also the fate of Ching Ching's real father, Liu Hai De. Once Liu Ming Zhu and the others arrive, Liu Zong gives them the treasure map hidden in the leg of a chair. However, the Black Tiger Gang attack and steal the map and kidnap Ching Ching in the process. Liu Zong is also killed, pinned to a tree by the sword he took from Liu Hai De. Zhou Ying Long takes the sword and to his surprise, finds the sword contains a clue as to the location of the treasure.
Throughout the film, the head of the Black Tiger Gang is kept a secret as you never see his face until late in the film. Given his track record as insidious types in Shaw Brothers movies like THE SWORD OF SWORDS (1968) and KING BOXER (1972), it's not difficult to figure out it is he who is the head of the Black Tigers. Feng often played on the side of good as well. He played the noble teacher in 12 DEADLY COINS (1969) which saw Fang Mian play the cruel but misunderstood villain. Here though, Feng is most evil and plays his merciless bad guy almost as sadistic as the one he played in the classic THE SWORD OF SWORDS (1968).
Chao Hsiung plays the traitorous Wan Tai Ji, the elder brother to Zhou Ying Long in the Da Law School. Chao gets a chance to shine as a villain and does really well with it. Possessing of a face that befits wickedness, Chao was given a brief run as a leading man in two films from Ho Meng Hua, AMBUSH (1973) and THE GOLDEN LION (1975) where he played a Hercules type character. He apparently didn't catch on with HK audiences and was relegated to supporting status. He has a look that would suit him as a Chambara star. I also thought he had a commanding presence in AMBUSH (1973), but it seems he was most effective at portraying bad guys and here he pours on the treachery and really cuts loose his acting chops in the scene where Zhou Ying Long has revealed Wan's defection to the Black Tiger's. Wan says that nothing can be done until the leader of Da Law School returns only it so happens that the leader is actually Wang Shan Hu, the head of the Black Tiger Gang!
Chen Kuan Tai has a brief appearance as one of the Black Tiger members. He gets a line of dialog, too. David Chiang also makes an appearance as a Black Tiger member. Given his star turn in THE WANDERING SWORDSMAN (1969) and his supporting role in INVINCIBLE FIST (1969), this film must have been shot in 1969 possibly concurrent with Hsu's 12 DEADLY COINS (1969).
The sword fights by Tang Chia are exceptionally orchestrated as well as being unusually creative compared with other films of the time. This is where Chang Yi shines and gets ample opportunities to show off his remarkable sword giving way to some truly exciting swordplay action. One of the best fights takes place around the 48 minute mark when Liu Ching Ching is kidnapped. Zhou's blade is put to good use when he takes on a number of the gang members in an enclosed area. Liu Ming Zhu shows up to lend some support. The last two battles are also eye-openers in addition to being extremely violent and bloody. Though the film contains the usual amount of bright red squirting blood found in Shaw's productions, the final 15 minutes becomes increasingly brutal at a right precipitous pace. The ending is also crammed with several shock moments that come out of nowhere and kind of hit you like a load of bricks. The Shaw's were always ace at producing sincerely nasty villains and the Black Tiger gang are no exception. Ruthless and aggressive, hunting and stalking the heroes at every turn, they have a suitably gloomy stronghold replete with hidden chambers and death traps, the latter of which is used to force the heroes to reveal the true locale of the Liu treasure.
A highly recommended Wu Xia film from an underrated and talented director, the film is rather short at a brisk 78 minutes. The characters are interesting and coupled with some wonderfully choreographed action scenes and a compelling story. Much like several other lesser known or obscure Shaw films lately, I was really surprised by this one. Another lost Shaw treasure has been discovered and one which deserves a wider audience.