What Price Honesty / 目無王法 (1981)

[Donnie1974]

Hi,

I have ordered Men from the monastery and Hero of the latest batch. I am wondering if What price honesty (this movie is labeled as martial arts) is worth the dough? I read that it is about cops and corruption in Ming Dynasty and that it is supposed to be a suspenseful thriller. I still have my doubts though. Can anyone shed some light?

[tino]

Look on 2nd page thread "New Preorders" and there is alittle talk about this film. Seems most members on here have never seen it including myself.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

I'm looking forward to this release.

[Brigadier Chow]

Dug it. The fights are mostly done with swords though. Had a cam tape years ago. The story is quite good, but... without giving too much away, it may be a downer or depressing to some.

[Ivy Ling Po]

Before I purchase it, I need to know if guest star Lily Li fights.

[Brigadier Chow]

No.

[peringaten]

WHAT PRICE HONESTY!! This film is NICE!!

Now this is what I want from my Shaw flicks! This film brings the DARKNESS!! No stupid comedy or light moments here!! This film is about:

Smashing things.
Fighting.
Beheadings.
Corruption.
Greed.
R.O.U.G.H. Justice.
Stabbings.
The Guando.
Sword Slashes.
Dirty dank cells full of rats, centipedes, cockroaches and crazed criminals.
Hanging.
Humiliation.
Robberies.
Cops.
A Funeral.
Nudity.
Attempted rapes.
Arrows.
Slaughter.
Unfounded punishment.
More smashing things.
More fighting.
Framings.
Loss of appendages.
Thunder.
Rain.
Torture.
Beatings.
The bleakness.
The darkness.
Little redemption.
Blood.

Hell, this film starts as it means to go on! A credit sequence of swords and fire!! And blood!! And fire!! And swords slashing blood which drips to wash out the fire!!

Man, this film rocks HARDCORE. Doesn't let up - all about the drama. When it lets up from the smashing and stuff, it has nice dramatic scenes building the tension and characters, with some badass music use - nice sets, and verve. Great plot - unpredictable, VERY nicely balanced, unfolds brilliantly, and got me on the edge of my seat with a few jaw dropping moments. I let out a long "DAMMMNNNN!!!!!" when it finished.

This film delivers! The fighting's nice - not so much about the shapes, but enhancing the plot and darkness.
If I had one complaint it would be the lighting in places seemed a little stagier than the usual Shaw production (odd shadows and stuff), but that's kind of moot when considering the nicely set scenes.

Director Yuan Hou Chan, seemingly young and full of verve, knew the score when he was making this flick - keep it dark and rolling. I'd call it an action flick - a dark action flick. In the positive sense, wonderfully darkly schlocky and exploititive and a WHOLE lot of asskicking fun.

Though not too similar... a gem in the manner Soul Of The Sword turned out to be seems an apt descript... This film puts the likes of Secret Service Of The Imperial Court and Deadly Secret (films with which it bears very vague similarities) firmly in their place imo, for want of a better descript if you get my gist.

A BLEAK TREAT!!!

[sevenhooks]

Man, I love your enthusiasm when you come upon a film you dig!!

[Ivy Ling Po]

I love your enthusiasm too and will definitely reconsider purchasing this movie. Please elaborate on the nudity aspect. Did it involve guest star Lily Li?

[ironfistedmonk2003]

Spoilers

Peri man you sure get excited when you see a film you like! :D

I'm with you on this one, the plot was quite simplistic and nothing really original but the execution of the film was bang on. It kinda reminded me of the modern day cops and triads movies with the corrupt cops in league with the bandits and the handful of good men. I was surprised when I found it was directed by the same guy who made Fighting Fool cos that one was a mess whereas this film flows nicely.

Ivy, the nudity was in a rape scene, nothing to do with Lily Li.

[peringaten]

Well, can't help getting excited about this one! I'm not gonna say it's the best release of the year or nothing, but it certainly got me amped up more than most! Man, I haven't been this amped after a Shaw flick since Devil's Mirror. I've got a lot of stuff to do today, so needed some kip... but, seriously was too hyped to sleep properly last night after this one!

As for the nudity, yeah, what IFM said - pretty strong actually, the woman in question was full frontal flapping all her bits about...

So far as the plot, I think what I liked about it was how harmoniously it balanced the narrative framework and the more visceral immediate elements. It's almost like they made a list like that in my first post and said right this is what the film's about - let's construct it around all this... Yet somehow strung all that into what seems like a perfect framework - as if the framework came and just supported the inclusion of these elements alongside and within its nice rolling twists and themes... Mild spoiler here: One thing that really grabbed me, and for sure deftly balanced the whole flick out yet further was the nice juxtaposition of the Temple Of Chivalry setpieces either side of the film's running time. The way the parallels of Pai Piao's and Lo Lieh's opposing characters reflected each other into mirrored actions yet their different standpoints ending up in a similar scenario. Great stuff. Satisfying in all respects imo; worked on a couple of levels inviting you to think or just sit back and enjoy the corruption. What price honesty indeed.

More dark Shaw flicks please...

[Markgway]

What I wouldn't give to see Lily Li's muff? :p

[tino]

I ordered What Price Honesty yesterday along with Boxer from the Temple. Peri's excitement makes me wish I ordered from yesasia so I could of done express shipping. :D

[iron flag]

I liked this one a lot too. Pai Piao is really one of my favorites. Gway, I assume you'd like to see her muff when she was younger (not now right)? :x

[tino]

Gway might spend alot of time on MILF sites :p

[HANZOSTEEL]

Excellent, thank you i will order this film as well then

[Iron Boat]

Well the review is definitly enthusiastic, but is this a swordplay, kung fu, action flick...etc...

[Markgway]

Gway, I assume you'd like to see her muff when she was younger (not now right)?

Naturally... but I'm not fussy... as long as she wipes away the cobwebs. :hat

[CLFNole]

She still looks pretty good for her age. I saw her recently on a TVB kung fu type series.

[peringaten]

but is this a swordplay, kung fu, action flick...etc... Hi IB, the film is obviously late era Shaws choreo, and plenty fighty, but the film is more roughhousing and bruising than straight-up kung, though the movements are there. Swordplay mostly, but we get a couple of fights with chains, knives and guandos, etc... For instance Sun Chien's in there, but you won't see him kicking, more nicely jabbering about with a sword. There is no undercranking, and what the fighting pace is (not overly speedy generally, but nice) fits the film extremely well. Don't expect venoms type choreo, but do expect some nice rough scenes. There's a great one vs many sword and spear fight in that teahouse we see in Human Lanterns and Tiger Killer where everyone goes for it. Good stuff. Constables barreling about with swords and things. Casualties...
Feels designed as an action flick to me.

[Tosh]

I have two lists now, movie I need to see, and movies Peringaten thinks are great:lol Lets break this down shall we...

Smashing things. (Always a good thing)
Fighting. (Essential)
Beheadings. (Now we're talking)
Corruption. (Usually needed)
Greed. (See above)
R.O.U.G.H. Justice. (Hmmmmmm)
Stabbings. (Yes, there must be stabbings)
The Guando. (Onces again?)
Sword Slashes. (Hopefully deep ones)
Dirty dank cells full of rats, centipedes, cockroaches and crazed criminals. (Are there any other kind?)
Hanging. (Ah yes!)
Humiliation. (Oh the humanity)
Robberies. (Gold)
Cops. (What year did this take place?)
A Funeral. (Must have some Deaths for crying out loud!)
Nudity. (8o )
Attempted rapes. (Not my thing really)
Arrows. (Toshiro comes to mind)
Slaughter. (:evil Must have Slaughter)
Unfounded punishment. (Bastards!!!)
More smashing things. (I should insert a Beavis and Butthead joke here)
More fighting. (always great in a Shaw flick)
Framings. (Frame me, no frame you)
Loss of appendages. (How cool is that?)
Thunder. (scary)
Rain. (One element outta 5's not bad)
Torture. (Me likes torture)
Beatings. (hopeful the good kind)
The bleakness. (Life is never easy)
The darkness. (Bring it, we have enough KF comedies)
Little redemption. (Who needs it in their KF flicks anyways)
Blood. (:hat :hat :hat :hat :hat :hat )

:b

[kungfufreak]

Have seen this last Night and must say how peringaten:
OHHH, Yeahhhhh-Great Movie!!!!!!!!
One of the darkest and pessimisitics shawfilms what I seen!!
The Fighting Scene in the Prison with Lo Lieh and Pai Piao looks great and the Story is superb.
The Films with Pai Piao(Men from the Gutter, Deadly Secret)are in my Eyes the Best from Shaw of this Years.

[lacali]

Agree. Just finished watching this flix last night and I have to say that it's great. Sun Chien is great along side Pai Pao . A must have for Pai Pao fans.

[jmungus]

yep. darn cool flick. tight story, 'realistic' fighting, proper mood and sets, strong performances by all the cast & its pacing couldnt be any better.

[Ivy Ling Po]

OK you guys have convinced me and I am picking it up together with Pursuit Of Vengeance this week. I just hope the movie is not too dark and depressing (think dark & gloomy prison scenes).

[jmungus]

well the prison part is definitely an important element of this movie, but its not dominating the flick in any way. everything`s nicely and equally weighed.
im not too fond of prison themes in general myself- everything to know about movie-prison-life has been depicted in movies innumerous times & a prison block doesnt exactly make for a fancy/exotic/fantastical/exciting location.
the major theme is 'corrupted officials' and unlike most times, we get to see it from the inside this time around, as our heroes are part of the establishment (3 constables fresh off the academy).

its dark because a) the general tone of the entire movie is a little dark and b) theres no glorifying approach to the characters and their actions.
the writing is strong, coherent, realistic and comprehensible; still they managed to pull it off in a way not to cripple the sheer entertainment value.

*about the fighting (choreo): to me its like its based on and inspired by a tong gaai choreo for a 1971 CC movie, only 'matured by 10 years' (but kept in the exact same vein).
the great thing about it- this movie is basically timeless. works no matter if it were from 1967, 1975, 1988....
if one`s not "strictly shapes/styles/open hand" or despises serious martial arts flix, they should appreciate WPH
*about sun chiens performance: its not like i`d be like "give this guy an award for outstanding acting performance", but his (more than just sufficient) interpretation of his role makes me wonder why he never made it lead status; at least play the parts of the lead adversary or co-lead to a (single) main star (as opposed to be only co-leading or supporting as one of many in an ensemble cast with many co-lead or semi-lead characters).

7.5/10; another quality flick among the many hot ones from this years`batches.
quarter 1 of 2007 totally owns its 2006 predecessor and WPH is one of many reasons.

[Stuntman Jules]

You've sold me.

[Argento476]

Anymore thoughts on this one?

Is this a cool stylish BADASS bloody action movie?

[peringaten]

Is this a cool stylish BADASS bloody action movie? Yes, pretty much... Watched this again with a mate on Thursday, went down great. Definitely stylish, particularly stuff like one rain drenched showdown - one moment dry, the next everything is soaked in inches of water as the thunder kicks in and adversaries face off... the whole set-piece concern factoring towards stylistic effect. Good stuff! Love this movie. Badass - check; bloody - check; action - check... them good things.

[Argento476]

How does it compare with The Devils Mirror, in terms of stylish action violence?

[peringaten]

Well, despite, imo, Devil's Mirror forward thinking nature, there's a ten year gap inbetween them, so they're from somewhat different eras of action. This film's more about rough fights than just all out slaughtering one victim after another... even though there are a few bodies despatched quite easily here and there in What Price, we're not talking such volume of Devil's (that film's intense!). There's a lot of action in What Price, a lot of it concerning people taking a bashing or facing off, less straight all-out felling, but that's there in part...

[BKarza]

Just finished watching this rental. It lives up to what was said by peringaten.

There was more action than it seemed he let on. It wasn't nec. so rough and tumble. It was well choreographed action. The look and execution of the fight in the rain was rather cinematic and visually lovely, notwithstanding the circumstances surrounding it.

This is no kids flick. This is an adult film. HARD to believe this is the same guy that did Fighting Fool. It was well done, shot(very good camerawork here all around) and paced. Pai Piao is always the man and he is the same here. He does this type of material very well as he has that certain quality about him.

The director chose to dig pretty damn deep with the a-hole-ishness. Cops, officials, townfolk...it was all over and there was nowhere to turn. No way to right it. As this was playing the one thing that stuck out to me was the title of the film. It REALLY makes you question what you would do up against those odds.

What they did to them initially at the temple with Lo Lieh, then to Sun Chien to get Pai Piao at the restuarant and then later to his wife(that was bloody damn cold crap) and the potato thief was a bit unnerving. Bastards.

[Ivy Ling Po]

Watched this tonight. It's really good.....loved the twist at the end. Pai Piao & Sun Chien were outstanding. As a guest star, Lily Li had a plum role and strong scenes.

[drunkenmantis13]

Man, nobody can hype a flick like you do peri! :lol By the way you were so right about Daredevils...ownage!

But the word seems general, plus it does look really nice so i'll order it right away.

[Argento476]

Can anyone post a trailer from YOUTUBE or something?

THANKS!!!!

[peringaten]

By the way you were so right about Daredevils...ownage!Oh, I missed this before... Yes, wasn't Daredevils nice. Good lord, wasn't that flick nice!!!

Hope you get on well with WPH...

[shaolin student]

Because of your review I bought this movie. And I regret to say that you do not know your kung fu movies. This movie was at best okay. Nothing, absolutely nothing special. Please stop over hyping movies that does not need hyping!!! Enough said.>: >:

[peringaten]

Because of your review I bought this movie. And I regret to say that you do not know your kung fu movies. This movie was at best okay. Nothing, absolutely nothing special. Please stop over hyping movies that does not need hyping!!! Enough said.BWWAAHHAAHHAAHHAA!!!! NO!!

If I want to state how a movie affected me, I'll state it - it's not up for you to agree with my opinion. I'm not a salesman; this movie DID IT FOR ME; so I STATED THAT. No need to be rude and slight me.

Whatever, foo...

[Chia Ling AKA Judy Lee]

Because of your review I bought this movie. And I regret to say that you do not know your kung fu movies. This movie was at best okay. Nothing, absolutely nothing special. Please stop over hyping movies that does not need hyping!!! Enough said.

It seems appropriate at this juncture to mention how much I enjoyed Fantasy Mission Force.

[Lei Kung]

Chia Ling, stop over-hyping movies that suck

[Chia Ling AKA Judy Lee]

I regret to say you do not know your kung fu movies.

[jmungus]

theres a very simple equation that applies here:
i know my kf movies, i dont know yours, u dont know mine, i hope (if i cared) u do know yours for your own sake. |I


_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
*turned out this got longish. words were flowing like tai chi. just a little 'warning' 8o :b *


why do u regret saying it ? more fuel in the fire, more stuff to discuss :p
as long as its a "friendly duel", i dont see whats wrong with that, quite the opposite. lets talk controversial, lets praise movies, lets bash directors, lets look closer, look again and try to assume another angle this time around, but keep to the content of a post, leave the respective poster alone. shouldnt be so hard most of the times.

imo, peri cant possibly 'over-hype'. if u know the brothers taste and his enthusiasm about flicks he appreciates very much, u should be able to understand his reviews beyond the written words.
if i was u, i`d rather wonder how come theres SO MANY POSITIVE OPINIONS about WPH in general.
NOBODY knows their kf but u ????

as for WPH, i think its understandable why some ppl dont find it particularly hot.
whats your personal criteria for a good (kf) flick ?
i know mine varies from that of others. hell yeah i do (like everyone else ?!?!) consider my own taste in movies 'the best'. why would i have a certain preference if i didnt believe in it to begin with ?
btw, for a movie to work well it needs a whole lot more than just great kf shapes. WPH has what makes a movie work well.

WPH has quite many things to offer. its a tight, well conceived movie that has its own charm, many pros and no real cons if u apply an objective approach to it.
in context with 'the other martial arts movies', its one that adds extra dimensions to the genre (im not saying it does that exclusively!! its not like WPH was anything super-special in any way- imo!!).
do u want "monkey kf" or "kid with the golden arm" a thousand times over again, only with a different cast and sets ? boring! ;)
i prefer other type of action sequences/choreos over that of WPH, but a "5 superfighter"-choreo simply wouldnt fit this movie very well period.

tastes differ (greatly); i know i dont see why some movies have an avid fanbase- but apparently there must be a reason.
i for one dont give anyone`s reviews too much credit at first, even tho i read em under the assumption the respective author(s) know what they re talkin about.
frankly, i trust my gut feeling & vast experience first and foremost. as for other ppl`s reviews, theres always room for interpretation.
tough luck if u follow someone`s review blindly.
better know where its coming from ! if u re not sure, ask the right questions prior to your purchase, dont complain afterwards (just my 2 cents).

for example, i know i can trust reviews by kozo (lovehkfilm) almost blindly, as ive figured he not only has a taste in movies very similar to mine, but he often puts an emphasis on the same aspects about a movie, appears to be askin the same questions i got on my mind while watching movie x, makes the same observations etc.
he notices and specifies things i got aware of too, things apparently not on many- if any- reviewers minds when they watch/review a flick (too bad he doesnt do old school MA).
anyhoo; that is when a reviewer`s opinion becomes truly valid and considerable, if u ask me.
i know i cant trust markgways opinions. its unclear to me as to how he judges a movie. its like 50% perfect agreement and 50% disagreement on my end. confusing :x :\
i know (iron flag or iron boat ?!?) seems to have about the same background/roots i do; late 70s open hand hung gar stuff, but i noticed a strong tendency of him being overly critical with a lot of movies i find enjoyable.
i value vengeance/lanterns takes on MA flix, as we both seem to care about aspects in a movie that are not being addressed here very often. yet ive noticed there are things in movies (in this case, usually to do with swashbucklers and/or 1960s movies) that get him going but do not have the same relevance to me, hence i gotta try and draw the right conclusions.

[shaolin student]

If you know so much about kung fu movies or shaw brothers movies, describe one fight scene in the movie that merits all your praise. You literally wrote a book praising this movie. I'm not knocking you for liking the movie, I just think your enthusiasm was way over the top. After reading your review, I'm probably not the only one who bought this movie. Save your type of reviews for oustanding movies. Please stop the nonsense with the crocodile tears.:D

[ironfistedmonk2003]

You've missed the point entirely mate, he did think it was an outstanding movie IN HIS OPINION. If you bought the film based solely on his review then its your own fault if you didn't like it. I would rather read one of Peri's reviews full of exuberant praise than most of the reviews I read which seem to take pleasure in knocking movies.

[iron flag]

Looks like you're in the minority on this one Shaolin Student. You're the only one who didn't like the movie that much! If you collect KF movies there's no argument for not having What Price Honesty in your collection.

[peringaten]

F'ck how much I know about anything, if I like a movie I'll state it.

SS... you're a troll, right? Just as author of a mere few posts constituting such classics as "Rendezvous Of Death - this movie sucked, story, action, it all sucked, etc..." to paraphrase somewhat... and from what I can tell following deletion, "14 Amazons, what's the big deal!!!!" you've given no reason for me to believe anything but... or even believe you've even seen any of the movies you've mentioned due to a complete lack of any substance bar cursory generic criticism... You've given no reason to believe you've even considered any other posters thoughts from within this thread either, which gives me cause to believe you're just trying to yank my nuggin...

This was never intended as a review thread, purely my genuine thoughts on the movie as it affected me post-viewing, laid out for discussion; if you took them as gospel you're a mug... Please discuss your thoughts on the movie - not just mine before asking me to elaborate or criticising me for any supposed knowledge I'm supposed to have in order to state why I appreciate a movie.

I don't like you. But I'm willing to start respecting you if you'll actually discuss the movie itself, rather than the fact I said I like it. Do not tell me what I can or can't say if - it represents my opinion I'll say it - you're the mug who took it as gospel.

P.S. the Bwahaaa, etc was supposed to denote laughing... which I did when I saw your original post...

P.P.S. Did I mention I don't like you?

P.P.P.S. Get off and milk it. Talk about the movie or f'ck off.

Good day, sir...

[shaolin student]

I could careless whether you like me or not. If you read your own post there are several people who also bought the movie because of your hyperventilating A**. If you do not think that some of the people who come to the forum, use the forum to help them decide on what to buy or what not to buy, then you are more of a m@@@n than I thought. Once again, you go off ranting and raving about how upset you are.Who gives a F##K!!! Oh, by the way, did I tell you that I don't give a F##k, if you like me or not. I call it like I see it!!!
Oh, by the way, did I tell that I don't give a F##K if you like me or not. Enough with your 20,000 thousand word reviews.
Now What P##k!!!

[JustAFan]

You two need to stop, this is toooooo funny.


I'm almost afraid to say how much I loved Full Moon Scimitar.

[peringaten]

Yeah, I got to laugh really... you know what, don't worry about it fella... this is going to go nowhere. I was just venting, if you feel stiffed by me, then apologies, do your whatever... had a coffee and a smoke and feeling all hghgfgfg now - not fussed really... If you misread me, you misread me... I'll keep chatting about my thing, you chat about yours... I'll call it whatever... do your thing...

[Tosh]

1 movie - $12.00, geez someone got off the meds. I like your reviews porangutan!:lol

[shaolin student]

Peri,

I, also want to apologies to you for my disrespect. You are entitled to your opinion and I do not have the right to question your opinion. I said some mean spirited stuff and I'm ashamed of myself. Please accept my apology. By the way you write excellent reviews...keep up the good work!!! I, also want to apologies to my brothers and sisters at Kung fu Fandom for my behavior.

[peringaten]

Serious? You're alright, Studenty guy; very gracious of you... Good stuff fella! Internet drama, hey... It's all just a laugh and a bit of silly fun.

No probs! Don't worry about it. Let's question each others' opinions, just civilly and without lunging at each other too hastily for whatever reason... No need for unnecessary compliments or abuse, let's just respect each other if we can do that... Get some understanding up in here... We all get a bit silly now and again!

[peringaten]

Yay! I love a happy ending! Well, actually I usually like a freezeframe post-abdominally ruptured hero staggering to a heroic end whilst his foes lay slain from all the kunginess... But this'll have to do...

[Ivy Ling Po]

This reminds me of the time when I posted that I liked Portrait In Crystal so someone went and bought it but disliked it. It's all a matter of personal taste. Recommendations are for our guidance only. Well I went to buy What Price Honesty based on the recommendation and loved it.

[GwaiLoMoFo]

Hey Shaolin Student, if you didnt care for "What Price Honesty" would you please sell me your copy? I would very much like to see it myself. LMK!! :)

[drunkenmantis13]

If you read a review praising a movie and instantly buy it, then it's obviously your problem if you don't like it! He made it clear it was to HIS liking. Anyway why would you blindly trust a reviewer when you don't know his tastes much if at all?

Yeah Peri, please keep up these posts like WPH, Daredevils and HPoDS once in a time. They bring some fun, discussion and different views to films some wouldn't even notice!

[jmungus]

Yeah Peri, please keep up these posts like WPH, Daredevils and HPoDS once in a time. They bring some fun, discussion and different views to films some wouldn't even notice!

attention: peri is overhyping the daredevils
rumour has it, hes on the mona fong payroll now

:eek :hat

[tino]

I liked What Price Honesty. Pai Piao vs Lo Leih in the prison was a pretty cool fight and I was a little shocked/surprised at the ending. I definately enjoyed it more than Pursuit of Vengeance.

[peringaten]

Dear Mr. Jmungus


Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that you are under-hyping The Daredevils.

We regret to inform you that you do not know your kung fu movies.


Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Peringaten.

P.A., Mona Fong Associates & Co.

[jmungus]

:rollin

if u know that i dont know my kf movies, does that imply that YOU know MY kf movies ? :x
dammit, why havent u started overhyping them yet ? dont waste your time overhyping shao-dare, hurry hurry, theres a whole bunch left waiting to be overhyped.

my regards to old mona

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Alright, jmungus you know I can't help this, brethren of this opinion humiliate the oposing opinions at all costs. If you must give your life to do so so be it!!!

Death to individuals speaking their ilk.



i remember being slighted intentionally by a few "so called" established members of this forum for posting excitedly about films I adored.

peringaten, f'ck them. If you've nothing good to say at least (the very least) keep it constructive.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

That's, if THEY'VE nothing good to say, they should at least keep it constructive. Keeping it civil, as though you were speaking face to face, wouldn't be so bad either. :D

[Donnie1974]

Initially I didn't buy this movie, because I thought it was a thriller and not a kungfu movie. Because of Peringaten's review I changed my mind and bought it. Yesterday I watched WPH and I must also confirm that this movie certainly is well worth the money. The story is compelling and the action is great! I don't think it's a classic but it is a really good movie. Recommended to anyone who likes sweet gritty revenge.

[goliamoto]

I love this movie!! Watched it twice in less than 24 hours. Pai Piao is becoming one of my favourite actors .

[Dahnamics]

LMAO @ "attempted rapes"

i prefer the japanese ones

[rindge]

After all the chatter on this board about this film, I finally decided to pick up this flick. Let me first say this film is a not a kung fu movie. It is a drama that has some fight scenes. I have to thank the originator of this thread for discussing the film, otherwise I would have not picked it up. I did enjoy the movie. Damn tragic. For some reason when watching this film, I thought about infernal affairs. It must have been hard to cover the sadi subject matter in said time frame. Hats off to the director for pulling it off. The ending was not as good as it could have been, but nonetheless a good flick. Those of you looking for a kung-fu film, should look elsewhere, but those of you looking for a good film with good fight scenes (when they exist) will enjoy.

[Barsader]

Sounds good Rindge.

I should be enjoying this one in a few days.
Being shipped as i type.

[Chen Kuan Tai]

Want to know more about this sb flick. A little review or a trailer would be nice. :)

[Morgoth Bauglir]

Get it. I don't remember the action being all that great, but it's pretty dark. I like dark movies so it fit my tastes. Pai Paio gets put through hell, and the ending is really good. I would give it a rating of 4/5.

[Chen Kuan Tai]

Get it. I don't remember the action being all that great, but it's pretty dark. I like dark movies so it fit my tastes. Pai Paio gets put through hell, and the ending is really good. I would give it a rating of 4/5.
Thx, pretty dark? how you mean, bloody or what?

I am interested in it because Lo Lieh is starring in. The title sounds a bit mysterious. Is the celestial dvd uncut?

[Morgoth Bauglir]

What I mean by dark in the case of this movie is that a lot of bad things happen, to the hero of the movie specifically. Pai Paio wants to do the right thing as a police officer, but his superiors are evil and don't like him and things keep getting worse and worse for him. Lo Lieh has a good role. I should clarify myself saying the action isn't all that great. Its good, just not spectaculr or anything. The style of fighting actually fits with the movie, and the choreography is good. Overall, it's a top notch movie.

[Chen Kuan Tai]

What I mean by dark in the case of this movie is that a lot of bad things happen, to the hero of the movie specifically. Pai Paio wants to do the right thing as a police officer, but his superiors are evil and don't like him and things keep getting worse and worse for him. Lo Lieh has a good role. I should clarify myself saying the action isn't all that great. Its good, just not spectaculr or anything. The style of fighting actually fits with the movie, and the choreography is good. Overall, it's a top notch movie.
Thx, still good for me, I will buy it. :)

[Morgoth Bauglir]

Yeah definitely pick it up. Even if you don't like it for some reason, stick around for the ending. It's something that will stay with you for awhile. Hard to explain, I don't want to give it away.

[Chen Kuan Tai]

Yeah definitely pick it up. Even if you don't like it for some reason, stick around for the ending. It's something that will stay with you for awhile. Hard to explain, I don't want to give it away.
Yeah, it looks mysterious and awaiting to watch. :cool:

There are so many unknown sb flicks which have their own good moments and this is what sb makes the difference of other collections. :)

[ironfistedmonk]

I'll add my recommendation for this one too, good film and like Morgoth says the action is good but its not the stylised action like in the shapes films its a more "realistic" down to earth style if that makes sense!

[dewolfeaddict]

Agreed. Great little gem of a movie.
So many of these lesser known Shaw films fail to live up to the hype leading up to their release, but What Price Honesty does the trick.
As mentioned above, it's not about the fights here, but the atmosphere and mood.
And boy is there mood aplenty! Intruiging all the way til the end.
And Sun Chien in his constable get up looks like he literally walked over from the Five Venoms set to film this!!
Great stuff.

[Chen Kuan Tai]

And boy is there mood aplenty! Intruiging all the way til the end.
And Sun Chien in his constable get up looks like he literally walked over from the Five Venoms set to film this!!
Great stuff.
Boy, who?

Yes, Sun Chien walked over as bad guy in 5 Venoms to good guy in this movie. I read he plays a good police man. I see Sun Chien rather as a good guy. Looks really interesting this flick goes the next weeks in my hand and I will enjoy it. :)

Do you know some other unknown good sb flicks?

[dewolfeaddict]

a few unsung joints I liked...

(no particular order)


SOUL OF THE SWORD
(I knew next to nothing about this one until it's release on DVD. Since then, it's become one of my favorites and one that I return to quite often. Ti Lung really shines here playing against type as a stuck up, pompous, bastard of a swordsman who doesn't realize that he's got a good thing going with Lin Chen-chi before it's too late. Best thing Hua Shan ever did IMO.
BIG Yuen-spotting flick too as you start to lose count as to how many members of the Yuen Clan show up in fight scenes throughout the flick only to die and pop back up later)

THE MASTER STRIKES BACK
(While ultimately the fighting might be far and few between, the drama is so deliciously thick in this one that when there is action, you really feel ever punch. Sun Chung and Ti Lung are to kung fu cinema what Scorcese and DeNiro are to gritty gangster flicks.
Everytime they paired up at Shaws the result was something special.
Here Ti Lung reprises his role from Kung Fu Instructor in one of the very last kung fu movies Shaws ever released.
Definitely not for the faint of heart.)

PROUD TWINS
(Not the greatest Chu Yuan fan, but if I had to pick one film - and an underrated one at that - it'd be this one. Proud Twins stands alone in Chu Yuans repetoire as being a lot more fun than he usually allows himself to have. And with Fu Sheng at the controls, Yuan seems to let himself see where the actor will take him. The result is a crazy hodgepodge of a story, but never dull - which cannot be said of Yuans other wuxia flicks - and much, much easier to follow than most too. Great fun.)

DEADLY BREAKING SWORD
(wasn't really feeling this one until AFTER I watched the old school english dubbed version, which struck an entirely new and different chord with me. Really makes me want to see more of these films dubbed)

TIGER KILLER
(If it seems as though I'm over doing it with Ti Lung, trust me... it just happened this way.
What can I say? The man made some great movies at Shaws. Not all of them are well known.
This one was a retelling of the Lotus Pan story, which can be found in the Water Margin/Heroes of the Marsh book. Ti Lung plays the same character that he played in Water Margin/7 Blows of the Dragon and Delightful Forrest.
Again, like Master Strikes Back, the action here is extremely sparse, but the drama that plays out is SO well constructed and SO beautifully performed that it more than makes up for it.
I don't think I've ever been more "caught up" or involve in a Shaw film than when I saw Tiger Killer for the first time.
If you've never seen it, run and pick this up now! You won't regret it)

BRAVE ARCHER PART 3
(Again, SO much better with the dub. This and the fourth Brave Archer films tend to get sh#t upon around here, but even Chang Cheh himself mentions in his biography that Part 3 was his personal favorite of all his later Jin Yong adaptations - and I agree... 100%)

LEGEND OF THE FOX and SWORD STAINED WITH ROYAL BLOOD
(the other Jin Yong swordplay novel adapations that Chang Cheh made aside from the Brave Archer/Condor Heroes films. These were generally not considered successful, particularly as adaptatios of the source material, which, not unlike the Brave Archer series had to be extremely condensed; or even simply next to the other straight-ahead kung fu flicks his venoms team was doing at the time.
However, I enjoy them on there own terms. And there's lot's to be enjoyed here.
Lot's of great, bizarre fighting an weapons per usual and Legend of the Fox especially boasts some great set pieces featuring fighters skilled strcitly in the art of poisonous plants! Would've loved to see an entire film based on that.)

[tarim69]

What Price Honestly is a MUST HAVE

[Tosh]

I agree - great movie, a period take on corrupt officals and a group of enforcers that won't sell out, great performence by Pai Paio, excellent ending to this one to.

"Oh boy" is an expression Chen Kuan Tai, kind of like "Oh wow!";)

[Chen Kuan Tai]

I agree - great movie, a period take on corrupt officals and a group of enforcers that won't sell out, great performence by Pai Paio, excellent ending to this one to.

"Oh boy" is an expression Chen Kuan Tai, kind of like "Oh wow!";)
But nowhere stand "oh boy", only "And boy ..", see above.

[dewolfeaddict]

"But nowhere stand "oh boy", only "And boy ..", see above."


"And boy," meaning the same exact thing, thanks Tosh.

As in "Boy", "damn", "wow", "holy shit".

Hope that helps...

[Chen Kuan Tai]

It helps. Only wanted to know what it means, thx. My first language is German. All right, will get WPH the next weeks.

[The Dragon]

I have my copy and will be watching it this weekend.

[The Dragon]

I have just finished watching this film and I only say, what took me so long, since I purchased it months ago. This is the type of film where you just don't know how far, or where at all is it gonna go?
Pai Piao earns another level of respect from me for taking this part. I agree that the rating should be at least a 4out of 5 stars.

:cool:

If anyone can recommend anymore along this line, please do so...

[Chinatown Kid]

This is one of the few films I haven't seen featuring Sun Chien and was hoping to get some opinions on it. Does Sun to get to show off his kicks in it or is it more of a non action role with him getting a chance to do more acting? Is this more a swordplay film than Kung Fu and is the overall movie good and worth getting? I looked in the movie index of this site but sadly this film is not reviewed. Any thoughts or info on this film would be appreciated, thanks!

[Endsang]

You should see this movie ASAP, Chinatown Kid!
I'm not gonna do a full plot synopsis and review, but I'll try and answer your questions as well as I can ;). Jason Pai Piao and Sun Chien are the main characters of this movie, with Lo Lieh as a maniacal bad guy. The setting is fairly original for a shaw, where Jason and Sun (and Danny Lee) are good and righteous policemen in a corrupt and greedy system. The plot is very well played out, and the ending is incredible. It's not THAT much kung fu in it overall, and it's mainly somewhat rigid swordplay. The action does however fit very well with the overall mood of the movie and is quite gritty and violent, rather than fancy and elegant moves. Sun Chien kicks a little bit, but pretty much only combined with swordplay, so there's nothing outstanding there. He does however get to test his acting skills, and it's probably the best part I've seen him in.
All in all, you shouldn't watch this for the action alone, but it's still a must see in my opinion. It took me a while to get around to it, but I'm very glad I bought it. Thanks to venoms5 for recommendation. ;)

[oldeschool17]

Good dark movie about government corruption. Sun Chien does not display his kicking prowess but as Endsang mentions, does more swordplay and acting. The action is more realistic and not about flying in the trees and crap. Good role by Pai Pao. Although not the same as a movie like Killer Constables(for sake of comparison), if you liked that movie, you will like this.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Yeah CTK,
there is a thread for this around here somewhere, and it's a fairly recent one too. I had also always wondered about this one, and the thread had some great posts. I tried to find it for you, but couldn't seem to locate it. Anyway, they all seemed to really like it and that convinced me to order it. If you want I'll pass it along after I see it for you to check out.

[The Dragon]

...Check these comments from the thread "The best Shaw film you've seen recently is?"

Originally Posted by Tosh
What Price Honesty, Pai Piao was badass, and Sun Chien had a nice meaty roll for once.

Just recently had the pleasure of viewing this film. IT ROCKS!!! Man, the prison scene where they go "all out" on Pai Piao, man... Haven't seen that before, maybe on HBO'S OZ, that's about as close as it gets!

Man, check this film out! It surprised even me! I'm sooo glad I purchased it, without much critique beforehand.

[peringaten]

Didn't write all this for nothing:

http://kungfucinema.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3237

[teako170]

Thread merged.
Thank you for shopping at KFF....

[Chinatown Kid]

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated. Sorry Peri, I had forgot about that thread you made on this film but thanks for the link to it. I'm really hyped to see this film now, and although Sun doesn't get to do his great kicking I'm glad he gets a chance to act a little more with a gritty story. Bob I'll definately be picking this title from you whenever we trade again, thanks! And thanks Mr. Mod T for merging this thread, my apoligies for not finding the original thread first before making a new one. :D

[venoms5]

There's actually three main participants. Danny Lee is the other. All three play constables straight out of the academy and the film deals with all the seedy activities and betrayals along the way. Very dark, brooding as well as extremely violent film. I was going to post the lobby set in the Image Gallery but one or two of the cards more or less give the ending away. Great film. A pleasant surprise. I haven't seen it, but apparently WHAT PRICE SURVIVAL is a remake of this.