Obscure Shaw recommendations

[venoms5]

Watched a handful of lesser known titles over the past few days with many of them being very interesting films that I'd recommend to those wishing to see something a bit different.

HEROES OF THE UNDERGROUND (1976) Ling Yun leads a group of revolutionaries fighting against the Japanese in WW2. They plan to steal some secret military maps to hand over to the Chinese military. The heroes have underground bunkers with which to meet and discuss their plans. During the explosive finale replete with machine guns and lots and lots of grenades, the title comes into play as the heroes and villains have a last stand inside a cave mined with explosives while the revolutionaries fight the Japanese alongside the mountain. The movie opens with a bit of action but the main set piece doesn't come until the final 20 minutes. Everything in between is all espionage and suspense. Similar to Chang Cheh's THE ANONYMOUS HEROES (1971) only on a smaller scale.

THE SILVER FOX (1968) Tien Feng (in a sort of good guy role for a change) plays an ambitious kung fu student who steals a Dragon Claw Palm Strike manual only to have the situation manipulated by his colleague who was involved in the theft in the first place. Tien Feng is crippled, his master killed and his wife kidnapped and raped by his conniving colleague, Tien goes into seclusion taking his child with him. An average Wu Xia with lots of drama and average sword fights. Chang Yi is on hand but the film definitely comes to life during the final 25 minutes when the players descend on a hidden cave within a mountain peppered with all manner of deadly traps--spikes, spears, boiling oil, a big axe bladed trap that threatens to separate head, arms and legs and several other things. Also, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is recalled in one character wearing a mask to conceal his face. The mask is very well done and is molded into the visage of the actor wearing it. A decent swordplay film that also throws in some fantasy elements. Nothing overly special mind you, but the finale made it worthwhile.

THE FASTEST SWORD (1968) Peri recommended I watch this as soon as possible and I agree with everything he says about it. An excellent dramatic swordplay film. This movie has lots to say and says it oh so well. Very Japanese in some ways and very thought provoking. Not your typical Shaw swordplay actioner about The Southern Blade (Ding Meng Hao) being deemed the 'Fastest Sword' and all the doomed swordsmen who approach him for a chance to defeat him. An eccentric old man meets him near the beginning and defeats the Southern Blade and he must do as the old man wants for a number of years. While with the old man, he puts him through a number of tests which ultimately builds character and humility. A major change comes over Ding Meng Hao and he no longer wishes to kill or duel with ambitious young swordsmen. He tries many times to live a life of solitude and finds trouble and violence at every turn. Just when things are finally taking a turn for the better, the Northern Blade shows up looking for Ding Meng Hao requesting a duel with him. A fascinating movie made by a director not known for doing swordplay movies. This is drama first, action second. The action scenes are often very good and take on a feel of a western film married to a chambara movie. The final duel is very long and shot extremely well. Highly recommended.

THE BROTHERS (1979) is a classy crime drama from underrated director Hua Shan. About two brothers from a poor family-Danny Lee and Liu Yung. Lee joins the army while Yung makes ends meet in a ship yard before being initiated into a criminal organization. Shades of BOXER FROM SHANTUNG are apparent but drama and action are blended nicely. Lee comes home and is assigned to the police to help quell two warring gangs in town. He learns his brother is a leader in one of the gangs and tries to get him to surrender. The finale takes the formula route upping the violence factor. Some more than striking similarities to the later A BETTER TOMORROW (1986) are very noticeable. Really good movie that throws in some religious subtext that speaks on those who grow up in the church and those who don't. I'm not a religious person but it was interesting to see this sort of thing in a movie of this nature.

BROTHERHOOD (1976) is another great crime movie from Hua Shan. Whereas THE BROTHERS accentuated the character interplay, this film highlights lots and lots of violence. In fact, the level of violence is often times on a par you don't see too often in these movies. Taking a cue from THE TEAHOUSE movies, everything is amped up. Liu Yung delivers possibly his best fight scenes utilizing a variation on the Chained Whip and one striking fight atop a roof as a plane passes over dangerously close. The movie starts off as a serious gangster film then later mutates into an ultra violent version of FATAL ATTRACTION. Highly recommended.

ASIA-POL (1967) is a spy adventure starring Jimmy Wang Yu before he hit it big in OAS. A Shaw-Nikkatsu co-production, there was obviously some money spent here. Dealing with the Asian Secret Police Force, Wang Yu is a member of this secret organization trying to bust up a Japanese smuggling ring. Peppered with Japanese stars, this one is different from usual Shaw spy flicks with its absence of OTT story angles and wild villains. There's still some traces of that though. The bad guys love blowing people up in cars and buildings. Nice attack by helicopter opening. Some really good action scenes, too. Recommended for Wang Yu fans and those seeking an alternative to kung fu.

SUMMONS TO DEATH (1967) is an extremely fun spy caper from Lo Wei whose Shaw movies were vastly different from his output outside the studio and that's a good thing. The movie starts out like a pirate caper then quickly segues into a Bondian spy flick with Tang Ching oozing charisma. I absolutely loved his house. It reminded me of those old "House of the Future" cartoons with all the gadgets and panels of buttons which perform various elaborately OTT functions throughout the house. It's about the search for some buried gold. The ending wimps out just a bit but overall a very fun movie and I can't believe I passed up on a tape of this years back. Probably just as well as I wouldn't have enjoyed its charms as much as I do now.

Some more coming soon...

[goliamoto]

Thanks a lot for the reviews. I'm very interested in Heroes of the Underground and The Brothers. I think i'm gonna buy them together with Gun Brothers.

[Winfred]

I love Summons To Death. Tina Chin Fei and Fanny Fan are both endearing and unforgettable. Would have loved another actor in the lead though.

[venoms5]

I love Summons To Death. Tina Chin Fei and Fanny Fan are both endearing and unforgettable. Would have loved another actor in the lead though.

I liked Tang Ching quite a bit. He's grown on me a lot lately. I think he would have been better in ASIA-POL than Wang Yu. It just didn't seem like his kind of movie.

[venoms5]

Watched FLIGHT MAN (1973) last night and what an enjoyably strange movie this was. An obscure basher with a compelling story and interesting characters. Wang Jung was great as the hero. The director employs some very odd camera angles shooting low from the ground through much of the film. The fights are undercranked more than usual and the choreography is quite nice for the time. The only problem and it's a minor one is that the film kind of just stops. It ends but considering how good everything else was I was expecting a little more for a final scene. Some of the most unusual and beautiful cinematography I've seen in one of these movies and nearly the entire film is shot outdoors in exotic settings. The music is also unusual and unlike any cues I've heard save for a brief snippet or two. The film is an anti-Japanese story about a righteous and hot tempered young man who kills a Chinese working for the Japanese when he uncovers a plot to have him murdered. He flees into the mountains and meets up with a native girl (Ivy Ling Po). The Japanese are hot on his trail though. Tsai Hung has a brief bit as a Japanese fighter with a whip. The characters often have overzealous reactions to situations but this only adds to the quirkiness of the production. I can't stress enough the beauty of the cinematography. Stunning. A very odd Shaw Brothers basher movie with an interesting story and a great performance by Wang Jung. There's two dance numbers too but this is not a musical and these two scenes fit in with the nature of the film in detailing the lives of the mountain natives. Probably not for everybody but definitely recommended as a curiosity piece. I couldn't make out who the fight choreographer was in the credits but the fights were right impressive for the time.

[venoms5]

I got these yesterday. Anybody have any thoughts on these?

TO KILL A JAGUAR- Hua Shan
THE CALL GIRLS- Cheng Kang
THE MURDERER PURSUES- Wang Chung
THE MOBFIX PATROL- Wang Chung
LIFELINE- Johnnie To
THE MONKEY GOES WEST- Ho Meng Hua
THE SHADOW BOXER- Pao Hsueh Li
THE SILENT SWORDSMAN- Kao Li
SWORDSMAN AT LARGE- Hsu Cheng Hung
THAT MAN IN CHANG-AN- Yen Chuan
KING GAMBLER- Cheng Kang
THE GOLDEN SEAL- Tien Feng(!)
INVINCIBLE ENFORCER- Cheng Kang
CALL TO ARMS- Shen Chiang
THE DUEL OF THE CENTURY- Chu Yuan
DESTINY'S CHAMPION- Sun Chung
THE MAGNIFICENT SWORDSMAN- Yueh Feng, Cheng Kang
KING CAT- Hsu Cheng Hung

[Kwok Choi]

I like Shadow Boxer and Call To Arms but not Invincible Enforcer and King Gambler.I prefer Challenge Of The Gamesters to King Gambler.

[peringaten]

I got these yesterday. Anybody have any thoughts on these?

TO KILL A JAGUAR- Hua Shan

Don't know.

THE CALL GIRLS- Cheng Kang

Sitting unwatched.

THE MURDERER PURSUES- Wang Chung

MP's alright, it's not the greatest Shaw modern day flick, but it's solid enough for a watch, kind of forgettable, kind of like The Informer, good murderous turn from Wang Chung's crazier looking bro, if I'm not mixing up my modern day Shaws. He's probably the best thing about it. Shaw's usual '80s modern day guys in this one - that skinny dude with glasses who crops up in all of them, and that desperately edgy looking Parkman Wong fella, keeping things solid.

THE MOBFIX PATROL- Wang Chung

Now this one's way more like it - same typical crew on board as the above, but sooooooo much better. Much better film, kind of par this one with Men From The Gutter quality wise - not better, but different enough with a few similarities. You can see Lam Nai Tsui's influence on the cinematography from the off - real nice camera shots and feel (in 1:85), just quality. The bad guys in this are baaaaaaad. We're talking proper MANIACS. Just crazy folk. There's no real big action or fight pay off in this flick though, but they're trying to give the violence a bit more realistic gravitas - despite the COMPLETELY OTT nature of the bad dudes. Properly unhinged, as maniacal as Shaw maniacs get. Great film.

LIFELINE- Johnnie To

Don't know.

THE MONKEY GOES WEST- Ho Meng Hua

Love it - best watched in tandem with the other Monkey flicks. Got a Saturday matinee feel to it - just good fun. Great effects, well paced - kind of how you'd expect a '60s Shaw to do the monkey king tale without letting you down.

THE SHADOW BOXER- Pao Hsueh Li

Really dig this one, nicely shot, like the incorporation of tai chi. Not much more to say really. Solid.

THE SILENT SWORDSMAN- Kao Li

Don't know.

SWORDSMAN AT LARGE- Hsu Cheng Hung

Don't know.

THAT MAN IN CHANG-AN- Yen Chuan

Good swashbuckling fun. Kind of an Errol Flynn-ish type feel to the dungeonous castle-like swordplay action. Scenes with our Man running about masked black clad are good (as usual these old swordplays). Is the beginning cut? Seems like a jarring one at the off if memory serves me well. Not great, but good for a swashbuckle.

KING GAMBLER- Cheng Kang

Don't know.

THE GOLDEN SEAL- Tien Feng(!)

I swear this film has the single greatest stage direction of any Shaw I've seen. The way the director moves the actors in and out of frame/shot, positions them, cues them, is just artful. So well done. Just gives the film a wonderful balletic sweep. Tien Feng KNEW how to move his actors. I'm not talking action wise really (action's great though), but just generally. Balletic timing. Plus the semi-nude Amazonian girl is fun. Great action film for the ladies getting busy this one; good story... Love this film. Tien Feng got skills!!!

INVINCIBLE ENFORCER- Cheng Kang

Hey, I like it more than Kidnap. But it's definitely not that film's match... if you get what I mean. A bit more schlocky. Nothing brilliant, but solid prison fare stuff, a bit of grit, a bit of schlock, a bit of brutality, silly 'prisoners pretending to be dogs for gambling' shenanigans, intelligent rats (check the rat/bucket hiding scene - hilarious!). Cheng Kang did way better, but I like this one. Chan Shen's a rum cove here! Fat guy from Fast Fingers, etc. getting his ass inspected for contraband scene is rank as you like. Bleeuugggh.

CALL TO ARMS- Shen Chiang

Good flick, splices in grand footage from Last Woman Of Shang to spice up its obviously way more budget status. Yuen Woo, etc. on choreo does decent job, kind of a low-rent Devil's Mirror without the intensity if memory serves me well. I like the flavour of this one - its nooooo classic, but fun enough. Love the finale with the giant weird metal things.

THE DUEL OF THE CENTURY- Chu Yuan

Alright - bit of a Chor Yuan schnoooze fest, but I like his '80s stylings more than his '70s ones. Might be a bit weird that way. Marginal stuff. End with the paper circles is a bit.... hmmm...

DESTINY'S CHAMPION- Sun Chung

Oh, Sun Chung... What the hell is this, man??? Where's the flare?? Someone must have ghost directed this INCREDIBLY cliched flick. It's just... hghghghghg. I mean I enjoyed it, but how could this film be like this? Weird. I mean, he was still way more than flavoursome around this time - '84-ish I think - but here, noooo. Heard this was a film he made trying to get his own filmmaking enterprise going - well he left all the flare well behind here. More than curious.

THE MAGNIFICENT SWORDSMAN- Yueh Feng, Cheng Kang

Don't know.

KING CAT- Hsu Cheng Hung

It's alright. Didn't grab me lots - a few fun scenes, walking up a wall; up on rooftops - there's a great shot on a boat on a wicked Shaw set with Lo Lieh, but I found it just solid. Needs a rewatch though, but I'm not too fussed to pursue that.

[venoms5]

Cool, thanks Peri. I'm watching MAGNIFICENT SWORDSMAN (1968) now and I'm digging it lots! Very Japanese in some of the shots. Obviously a remake of SEVEN SAMURAI (1954). I'm only 30 minutes into the movie right now. Huang Chun Shun as a good guy!!!

[peringaten]

Hey, wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts on Young Lovers On Flying Wheels. I've staved off this one, but guess I should be curious, what with Ti Lung directing and whatnot...

Also curious any thoughts on the Criminals flicks, just because.

[venoms5]

Hey, wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts on Young Lovers On Flying Wheels. I've staved off this one, but guess I should be curious, what with Ti Lung directing and whatnot...

Also curious any thoughts on the Criminals flicks, just because.

I'll get to them in due course. I got 41 Shaw movies through the mail so it will take some time going through these. Seriously, this MAGNIFICENT SWORDSMAN is must have material. Huang is so much like Katsu's Zatoichi character (without the handicap). This movie oozes brilliance.

[venoms5]

MAGNIFICENT SWORDSMAN (1968) deals with a lone swordsman (called the Weird Swordsman) who wanders into a small village terrorized by a vicious gang. You learn that this man's entire family has been killed presumably by this gang but in fact, it's a character played by Tien Feng (in another evil role) who uses a whip. Shu Pei Pei is the young woman who befriends him. The entire village wants him gone as they feel his presence will bring about the destruction of the village. The gang demands he leave and that the villagers hand over 3,000 taels of silver for compensation for the gang members slain. They do but the gang attacks anyway. The swordsman of course, hasn't left and confronts the gang alone. The villagers finally come out to deliver the killing blow to the last villain standing. Shu Pei Pei is really good here portraying a meek and helpless woman. You feel really bad for her as she's slapped around, bullied, cursed, kidnapped and almost outcast by her own people. The box erroneously says that the hero recruits additional fighters to deal with the gang but this isn't true. There's only one. The ending appears to be cut in one shot. When the villagers descend on the last villain with all manner of implements there's a jump in the music and blood is visible on their weapons as they surround the dying bad guy. A great little movie and a shock to see Huang Tsung Chun as a hero as I can't remember seeing him in such a role in the past. Definitely highly recommended to swordplay fans. With two of Shaw's greatest directors at the helm, Yueh Feng and Cheng Kang, how can you go wrong?

Oh, forgot to mention, Ching Miao is memorable as the maniacally cackling lead villain of the gang. He uses a huge chain with a large, heavy pointed spike on the end.

[Markgway]

Most of Venoms5's list are worth a look (some rather good, actually) but ASIA-POL is awful. Seriously.

[HAZ]

I liked Swordsman At Large. Sammo is in it for 2 minutes.

[venoms5]

Most of Venoms5's list are worth a look (some rather good, actually) but ASIA-POL is awful. Seriously.

Didn't think this was awful at all. What was awful about this movie? IMO, one of the best spy capers they did and it would seem the biggest budget wise. The only problem (and it's a minor one) I had was with Wang Yu. Somebody else would have been better suited for the role here. Loved the Japanese gangsters here with their shades and villainous looks. Although I don't know much about them, this film reminded me of some Fukasaku and Sezuki gangster flicks.

[venoms5]

Also forgot to mention that Bruce Le is seen briefly in FLIGHT MAN (1973).

[venoms5]

Watched Ti Lung's directorial debut YOUNG LOVERS ON FLYING WHEELS (1974). It wasn't too bad at all. The movie starts off with an air of prat-fall comedy then alternates between comedy and semi-serious drama. Ti Lung's character only wants a motorcycle (and wants one real bad) and after losing out on one as the prize in a martial arts competition, he goes about finding any means to obtain his two wheeled machine. He eventually goes to a loan shark which leads to inevitable trouble. The film is basically a series of related incidents--trials and tribulations Ti Lung's character finds himself in. Things go badly for him the bulk of the picture but he's finally redeemed at the end. With Chang Cheh as producer I was expecting the film to veer off into violent territory after Ti is assaulted by the loan shark and his men but this doesn't happen. A decent movie and debut from Ti Lung but IMO, David Chiang is the better director of the two 'Iron Triangle' actors.

One to definitely stay away from is THE BIG STING (1983). Directed by Lu Chin Ku I was expecting an action comedy but there's no action to speak of. In fact, nothing much happens at all. The comedy is funny at times especially Beardy dressed up as an over sexed Arab. The rapport between him and Liu Yung is the only thing worth noting in this movie but it's not enough to give this one a chance. Lee Hai Sheng is on hand and humiliates himself as is Wong Yu. The movie doesn't even really end, it just stops. The film itself deals with some crooks trying to steal back a sacred artifact lost in a bet from their family. The back of the box says it's a 1997 film but it's actually 1983. The opening scene reveals the numbers on a door to a hotel room to be 1997 though. Save for the funny stuff with Beardy as the Arab guy, this is an awful movie.

[peringaten]

Cheers Venoms. Wasn't expecting TL would be up to par with Chiang behind the camera, possibly able to do better than Mad World Of Fools though, but Wheels sounds worth a dabble then. Avoided it so far; think One Way Only kind of put me off Shaw biker based flicks, not that I'd imagine they'd be similar, just not that fascinated by such subject matter.

Note taken on Magnificent S.

[venoms5]

BTW, peri, when I ordered MAGNIFICENT SWORDSMAN, it wasn't listed in the 'M' category. I had to type it in the search function. I don't know why it isn't included with the other Shaw's.

[peringaten]

I'll hunt about & find it. YesAsia had it (now out of stock), but to further complicate matters, under the title of 'Magnificent Wordsman'... hmm.

[venoms5]

Here it is Peri...

http://dddhouse.com/v3/search.php?PHPSESSID=4f2ed73592a416a9fa19fbf9930ec 6e3&SearchName=the+magnificent+swordsman&SearchCategory=DVDVCD

[ironfistedmonk]

I'll add my recommendation for Magnificent Swordsman, Wong Chung Shun as the good guy was surprising as I have only ever seen him as a villain. Probably his best performance and the story is told really well, some nice visuals, very entertaining stuff this.

[venoms5]

Watched CALL TO ARMS (1972) over the course of the past two days. It took 4 tries to make it through the scant 78 minutes. Lots and lots of court intrigue dealing with the warring states. The sword fights when they come are quite good. Bolo plays one of the main villains at the end but I don't recall seeing him die. Loved the huge hammers being hurled about and Wang Hsia gets one right through the chest. Very forgettable movie although there is some nice set ups overall it's nothing memorable. THE RESCUE (1971) is my fave of the 6 Shen Chiang movies I have.

Watching THE SILENT SWORDSMAN (1967) and this is really good so far. Great cast with Huang Chun Shun, Chang Yi, Chiao Chiao, Shu Pei-Pei, Tien Feng and Yuen Siu Tien. 30 minutes in right now...

[venoms5]

THE SILENT SWORDSMAN (1967) A traitorous general conspires with the enemy to invade China. The Sun Moon Sect learns of and two of the clan leaders sneak into the generals quarters. One is captured and beheaded while the other escapes but is soon caught and tortured. The other clan members in turn kidnap the conspiring general in hopes of making an exchange. The women are all gorgeous especially Yu Hui. Shu Pei-pei gets naked or possibly a double as you do not see her face but if it is in fact her, she has a stunning backside! Chang Yi gets caught between the affections of both these beauties whom live with their tribe (Persians?) in a small village. In addition to what appears to be a totally original soundtrack, there's a few songs and a dance number by the villagers and Chang Yi belts out a brief tune whilst practicing his sword at night before being interrupted by one of the two sisters lusting after his affection. Lo Lieh is seen briefly as a soldier who is injured by Chang Yi. Chang also has a lethal fan in his arsenal which houses some deadly darts. Huang Chung Shun is evil as can be and Tien Feng plays a white haired hero(!) Gorgeous locations and the usual fine Shaw studio sets as well. A sprawling and top class swordplay film and recommended for Wu Xia fans. A very pleasant surprise and a film that deserves a wider audience for serious fans.

[venoms5]

THE GOLDEN SEAL (1971) The Sun & Moon Sect figures into this movie as well only here they're villains. Not sure if there is some relation between the sect here and the one seen in THE SILENT SWORDSMAN (1967). Anyway, Ku Feng is the leader of the bad guys and Tsung Hua is the swordsman avenging his father's death. Huang Chung Shun has a cameo at the beginning as a good guy. Directed by actor Tien Feng, it's a standard Wu Xia at the start but soon develops into a modest character piece. The action picks up furiously at the conclusion with a very good final battle. There's a bit of nudity courtesy of a strange Amazon woman who shows up midway through. I kept falling asleep watching this not because it was boring but because it was around 3:00 am so details of the story are sketchy for me at the moment. Interestingly, the music used in the US version of THE WATER MARGIN (1972) is present here but has words to go along with the instrumental. The same instrumental can be heard in THE SWIFT KNIGHT (1971). Recommended if you want to see a story based Wu Xia movie as well as fans of the actor/director who are curious how he'd handle working behind the camera.

[The Dragon]

Have you ever checked out The Bastard? If so, what did you thik of it? Sort of The Man In The Iron Mask, type story, if you ask me. The end fight, where Hua puts a baddie through the floor:p is pretty good.

[venoms5]

Have you ever checked out The Bastard? If so, what did you thik of it? Sort of The Man In The Iron Mask, type story, if you ask me. The end fight, where Hua puts a baddie through the floor:p is pretty good.

I missed that one, Dragon. Haven't been able to locate a copy yet either. Hopefully, I'll find one before long.

[Alex]

a little late here, but i'm with you on Brotherhood venom, a nice flick

I actually have The Brother sitting in the unwatched pile, one of these days I'll get around to it

[venoms5]

a little late here, but i'm with you on Brotherhood venom, a nice flick

I actually have The Brother sitting in the unwatched pile, one of these days I'll get around to it

THE BROTHERS is kind of similar in that it mines familiar territory only the dramatic aspects are explored in more detail and the violence level, while high in places, never reaches the grim plateaus of BROTHERHOOD. Also, after seeing it, it would seem A BETTER TOMORROW was an unacknowledged remake.

[venoms5]

SWORDSMAN AT LARGE (1971) Frankie Wei Hung is Hsiao the Rambler who robs from the rich and gives to the poor while he himself remains dressed in rags. He is asked (or ordered) to obtain a Deer Blade, one of the most powerful weapons in the Martial World by a feisty swordswoman who also wants the Rambler to marry her. Also looking for Hsiao and the famous blade are two well-to-do cousins. The storyline is just as convoluted as the average Chu Yuan movie and this, too, is based on a Ku Lung novel. The action is below average for the most part compared with other swordplay films of the same time period although there is a plethora of characters with odd weaponry. There are some creative bits from time to time. One great scene sees the ugly woman with the werewolf hands have her heart ripped out. Her killer holds it in his hand briefly before casually dropping it to the ground. The final 9 minutes are right gory and exciting. The final fight is good and bears no resemblance to the action scenes that came before it. Frankie Wei was better suited for his later sleazy villain roles. Tina Chin-fei is the feisty lady who uses a whip. Amazingly, both Chang Yi and Chen Hung Lieh die early on. Sammo Hung plays one of the rapists at the outset of the film. The main villain from FEARLESS FIGHTERS also has a role here. The gorgeous Yu Feng has a minor role as a servant and gets killed off rather quickly. As per the more obscure swordplay films I've watched recently, another character(s) breaks out into song at one point; those being Frankie Wei and Margaret Hsing Hui.

[mistertpitydafoo]

I have The Bastard if you need help obtaining it. I ordered it a few months ago from a very nice ebay seller based in Canada who can get Shaw films and they decently priced. I've ordered from him several times. I will look and see if he has any left if you would rather buy it. I will post the link or contact info if he has any left.

[mistertpitydafoo]

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-BASTARD-Shaw-Brothers-DVD-cMm_W0QQitemZ360044414320QQihZ023QQcategoryZ617QQr dZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q 2em118Q2el1247

He has really good communication, name is Andre (if I remember correctly, i like 95% sure). You can even buy off of ebay's service to save a few bucks for him from the ebay fees which he will lower your cost for the movies, just ask. He of course wants you to pay with paypal still, so you are both protected up to $2000. He had several OOP ones in the past that I bought from him, I dont' know how big his selection is now but I bought The Bastard from him way before Christmas time cuz I saw it was OOP. If you buy 5 you get one free. They are IVLs, they come with covers but no cases, just so you know. But I didn't mind, I buy 100 clear cases for 25 dollars (if you need link for that just ask) with free shipping. I have bought probably 35-40 Shaws from him so I highly recommend it. He will even put a lower value so customs is no problem, just remind him to be certain he remembers. I am in no way affiliated with this seller I am just happy with his customer service and prices so passing it on to others. People are so quick to complain about something or someone and let the whole world know, but they seldom give praise about something/someone to everyone who will listen. It's sad that we love hearing bad things more than good things (just take a look at the evening news) so I'm trying to make there be a little bit more positive messages in the world whenever I feel someone deserves praise for a good job.

Ben

Ben

[mistertpitydafoo]

Sorry double posted. Moderator, please delete when convenient I am very sorry.

[venoms5]

Thanks, but I don't have a paypal account any longer. I would much rather buy an original. Hopefully I'll run across an original soon although this film isn't necessarily high on my priority list at this time.

[peringaten]

Deltamac's on sale... http://www.hkflix.com/xq/asp/filmID.528741/qx/details.htm

[HAZ]

http://cgi.ebay.com/THE-BASTARD-Shaw-Brothers-DVD-cMm_W0QQitemZ360044414320QQihZ023QQcategoryZ617QQr dZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q 2em118Q2el1247

He has really good communication, name is Andre (if I remember correctly, i like 95% sure). You can even buy off of ebay's service to save a few bucks for him from the ebay fees which he will lower your cost for the movies, just ask. He of course wants you to pay with paypal still, so you are both protected up to $2000. He had several OOP ones in the past that I bought from him, I dont' know how big his selection is now but I bought The Bastard from him way before Christmas time cuz I saw it was OOP. If you buy 5 you get one free. They are IVLs, they come with covers but no cases, just so you know. But I didn't mind, I buy 100 clear cases for 25 dollars (if you need link for that just ask) with free shipping. I have bought probably 35-40 Shaws from him so I highly recommend it. He will even put a lower value so customs is no problem, just remind him to be certain he remembers. I am in no way affiliated with this seller I am just happy with his customer service and prices so passing it on to others. People are so quick to complain about something or someone and let the whole world know, but they seldom give praise about something/someone to everyone who will listen. It's sad that we love hearing bad things more than good things (just take a look at the evening news) so I'm trying to make there be a little bit more positive messages in the world whenever I feel someone deserves praise for a good job.

Ben

Ben

These discs are not Region 3.

[venoms5]

Yeah there's a good deal of bootleggers selling pirated Shaw discs on ebay. One seller in particular ripped me off of $300.00 worth of Spaghetti Western dvds. Granted, most of those were not available legitimately at the time (save for some of the mega expensive Japanese dvds) and was the only way to see those. I ended up shelling out big bucks for the Japanese DVDs for some of those.

Not to sidetrack the thread, but this seller also had a good number of duped IVL discs. I never got my money back nor the discs I ordered.

Good one, Peri. Thanks. I'll pick it up there then.:)

[mistertpitydafoo]

Region 3? Whats that matter? I know for a FACT Shaolin Avengers which I received from him is IVL region 3, the others are ALL IVLs. The way I can tell it's region 3 is it would not play on my parents living room DVD player. Well I've bought from him before, I can show you pictures of how the discs look. They come sealed but it's in a plastic bag from some distributor. The discs are pressed. Says IVL on the back of the covers. Look JUST like the real cover plus they are slip covers. I don't see how they could make slip covers and make a profit off pirated DVDs. It's legit thats why I was suggesting that seller. I would not post it to such discerning Shaw fans if I knew they were bootlegged. Let me look at my copy of the bastard to see what it says on the back.

[mistertpitydafoo]

Mine looks like the IVLs as far as the case. The bottom says the usual warning but has a gold and red symbol in chinese. 1999 Dynastic Movie Co. LTD which is quite interesting. I know it is pressed, but it's not an IVL so my mistake. But the seller's others are like that. This has a normal cover but most of his have slipcases (not the side slip kind, the slip over the top kind which I have also received from another seller on ebay with good ratings. I was going to ask everyone about these, like whats their story since when I buy from dddhouse the slips are from the side). Sorry to misinform you I was just trying to help.

[bruiselee]

The Bastard is back in stock at DDDHouse. I started a thread on all the OOP Shaw titles that they have back in limited stock. Some titles went quick though but The Bastard is still in stock.

http://dddhouse.com/v3/product_details.php?ProductID=2847&PHPSESSID=4f2ed73592a416a9fa19fbf9930ec6e3

OOP Shaw titles back in stock at DDDHouse (note: some went quickly last time I checked the site).

http://www.kungfucinema.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5286

[venoms5]

THE CRIMINALS (1976) is an anthology film made up of three true crime tales. The first is 'Hidden Torsos' from director Cheng Kang. The story deals with a vicious loan shark who brutally murders and dismembers a young woman and her little girl. Not much plot here but Cheng Kang masterfully shoots this like a horror film and adds some depth to this first segment.

The second is 'Valley of the Hanged' and deals with a poor man and his adulterous wife who constantly chastises him for never having enough money to allow her to play Mahjong every night. She hooks up with an ambitious philanderer and his Aunt causing the husband much grief until he goes over the deep end and murders them all with a meat cleaver. The title comes into play during the closing moments. Hua Shan directs this episode.

'The Stuntmen' is directed by Ho Meng Hua and is a treat. Lo Lieh is a stunt actor at Shaw Brothers Studio. He gets mixed up with a prostitute that shares a striking resemblance to Tanny Tien Ni (who plays herself along with her real life husband Yueh Hua who also plays himself briefly) Lo Lieh gets entangled with the Triads and it all goes down hill from there. There are several notable scenes showing behind the scenes working on a Shaw Brothers swordplay movie and director Ho instills a brief but eerie feel of Triad infiltration of the HK film industry. Nothing overly special about THE CRIMINALS but it was a big hit and four hit sequels followed. Some nice gritty atmosphere and each show opens and closes with narration. The closing title font is different from the usual one that ends all Shaw Brothers movies. Recommended for trash fans just don't expect to have to think too hard.

[venoms5]

HOMOCIDES-THE CRIMINALS 2 (1976) is four true crime stories. The first one is 'The Deaf-Mute Killer'. It's about a seriously abused handicapped young man. His friend is a pretty young woman whose husband has died. One evening her brother-in-law rapes her in the woods. She refuses to reveal who has raped her and incurs the wrath of her in laws in the process. It is surmised the deaf mute is the one responsible and this brings more harm to him when he gets a job in another town. The episode culminates in a bloody machine gun battle with police. This bit is directed by Kuei Chi Hung and shot in B/W save for the final shot which delivers a queasy ambiance reminiscent of his THE DELINQUENT (1973).

The second segment titled 'Mama San' is directed by Hua Shan. In it, a couple foolishly rip off the den owner of a prostitute ring. She in turn goes after them and upon their capture, brutally torturing them. Kuei Chi Hung has a cameo here at the end. This story closes with narration detailing what happened to the demented dragon lady. The actress playing this role is very intense and memorable.

The third story is titled 'The Informer' and is directed by Kuei. It deals with an informer for the police who gets in over his head and soon come under the watchful eye of another informer. Kind of a weak show and nothing much of interest really happens. The coda is kind of decent though.

The fourth segment is called 'Nude In A Box' from director Sun Chung. The story opens with the discovery of a nude, naked and very dead body of a young 17 year old girl stuffed inside a cardboard box. As would become common place years later in other more sadistic true crime movies, the episode opens with the discovery of a body followed by a court procedural then a flashback detailing the sordid act of murder. An improvement over the first film, the sleaze factor in increased a bit especially in this final segment which features a rapist who enjoys slicing women's nipples and blowtorching their crotches. Only the final scene keeps this from being a classic but Sun Chung's trademarks are clearly in their infancy stages here soon to display a director about to define his signature style.

[Alex]

venom you are a godsend, i've been trying to find info on the criminals series for ages. keep them coming

[venoms5]

I got part three hopefully lined up for this evening if I finish up with the Barbara Steele Italo horror flick THE LONG HAIR OF DEATH.

[peringaten]

Sun Chung's Queen Of Temple Street is prob the best of the series, I reckon. Seriously waaaaaaay eclipses his torso box episode by a country mile (and most of the others). Don't let me hype it too much for you so the expects don't live up though, obvious, but try to drop any of them, & my subjective opinion here, etc. but I really do think it's real next level work. Brilliance. Cinema. So different - SC stretching out to the fullest. Pretty remarkable. Wasn't too impressed by Torso... enjoyed it though.

Teenager's Nightmare and Gun (aka Celestial's 5th installment) are the most fun for proper tasteless grindhouse exploits - properly crafted grimey sleeze (although Gun more crimey - love its grindy aesthetics) and criming exploits.

Look forward to your react's... Might be completely different - need to see more feedback on this wonderful series. Know where I stand, curious as to where others do. Good stuff so far.

[venoms5]

I wonder about the TEENAGERS NIGHTMARE movie. The lobby set lumps it in with the others but the poster seems to have it as a stand alone.

[venoms5]

Aside from the first movie, I can't find any info either aside from cast and such. I forgot to mention that the VCD for the first CRIMINALS was awful. Lots and lots of combing there. Hopefully, I can find the DVD for this one soon. The VCD for the second film didn't seem to have this problem.

[Markgway]

Didn't think this was awful at all. What was awful about this movie? IMO, one of the best spy capers they did and it would seem the biggest budget wise. The only problem (and it's a minor one) I had was with Wang Yu. Somebody else would have been better suited for the role here. Loved the Japanese gangsters here with their shades and villainous looks. Although I don't know much about them, this film reminded me of some Fukasaku and Sezuki gangster flicks.

The whole thing was an inept Bond rip without any of the panache or excitement. If your only problem was Wang Yu you should track down the alternate Japanese cut (t'was a co-production) that features Jo Shushido in the lead.

[Markgway]

Have you ever checked out The Bastard? If so, what did you thik of it? Sort of The Man In The Iron Mask, type story, if you ask me. The end fight, where Hua puts a baddie through the floor:p is pretty good.

If you want an actual Shaw remake of Man in the Iron Mask check out The King With My Face (or don't - it's actually pretty dull).

[Markgway]

Sun Chung's Queen Of Temple Street is prob the best of the series, I reckon.

Would agree with that. I'm not a big Sun Chung fan but QUEEN is the ONLY episode in the entire CRIMINALS series that is above average. (Not sure if I've seen NIGHTMARE - but definately have the others). I think the worst was the one about bungling cops trying to catch a rapist of young girls. Forgot the title and director. Sorry, lol.

[venoms5]

you should track down the alternate Japanese cut (t'was a co-production) that features Jo Shushido in the lead.

yeah I know. I mentioned that in the mini review above. Didn't know there was an alternate Japanese version though. Is there a Japanese DVD of it available? If you say it's better it might be worth tracking down.

[venoms5]

I think the worst was the one about bungling cops trying to catch a rapist of young girls. Forgot the title and director. Sorry, lol.

From the synopsis it sounds like that could either be the 'Maniac' story from part 4 or one of them from TEENAGER'S NIGHTMARE.

[Bravery]

[QUOTE=peringaten;53500]TO KILL A JAGUAR- Hua Shan

Don't know.


LIFELINE- Johnnie To

Don't know.

THE MONKEY GOES WEST- Ho Meng Hua

Love it - best watched in tandem with the other Monkey flicks. Got a Saturday matinee feel to it - just good fun. Great effects, well paced - kind of how you'd expect a '60s Shaw to do the monkey king tale without letting you down.

THE SHADOW BOXER- Pao Hsueh Li

Really dig this one, nicely shot, like the incorporation of tai chi. Not much more to say really. Solid.


SWORDSMAN AT LARGE- Hsu Cheng Hung

Don't know.

THE DUEL OF THE CENTURY- Chu Yuan

Alright - bit of a Chor Yuan schnoooze fest, but I like his '80s stylings more than his '70s ones. Might be a bit weird that way. Marginal stuff. End with the paper circles is a bit.... hmmm...

................................................

To Kill A Jaguar

Picked it up years ago after watching To Kill a Mastermind, it reminded me of a soap opera. Nothing great, but I enjoyed it. It had a few funny scenes, to me anyway. Check the blind guy out in this movie. No great fights or story, but a passable movie.

Lifeline

Lau Ching Wan is great in this, but it's not a movie i'd watch again if I still had it.

The Monkey Goes West

The first adaptation of the stories that I had seen, its the only one of the three movies that I liked.


The Shadow Boxer

This was a movie that really impressed me, top notch story and I also enjoyed the tai chi in the movie.


Swordsman At Large

Didn't like this one at all.


The Duel Of The Century

I have this one on my DVD shelf still fresh in the wrapper, keeping that new smell

[Markgway]

Didn't know there was an alternate Japanese version though. Is there a Japanese DVD of it available? If you say it's better it might be worth tracking down.

Not that I'm aware of but I think there might have been a VHS?

EDIT: You might find this interesting:

http://blog.livedoor.jp/zenkwando/archives/50854400.html

[venoms5]

Not that I'm aware of but I think there might have been a VHS?

I'll see what I can find.

[venoms5]

THE CRIMINALS 3-ARSON (1977) features only two stories this time out. The first story is 'The Gun Snatchers' directed by Hua Shan. Two crooks (Fan Mei Sheng, Wang Lung Wei) end up killing a determined cop (Wang Chung) after one of them escapes from jail. Another crook (Lin Hui Huang) beaten up by the other two informs the police of the incident. Another resilient policeman (Ling Yun) steps in to nab the two criminals. Narrowly avoiding the cops, the two gangsters try to kill the informer but fail. One of them is captured but the other escapes yet again only to be ratted out by his fellow accomplice. This is a fairly mundane show highlighted by some ample nudity and a smattering of action. Nothing overly disturbing found here. One nice bit sees a character looking through a magazine featuring a spread on SUPER INFRA MAN.

The second segment is titled 'Arson'. Directed by Kuei Chi Hung, the story begins with an apartment building being set on fire by some unseen assailants. After an investigation by police, a gangster nick-named "The Judge" (Ku Kuan Chung) is arrested getting off a ferry from Macau. A mysterious informant passes along some information to the police leading to the capture of two additional criminals. The remainder of the program is a court procedural revealing that the destruction of the building was actually meant for a club owned by a rival Triad and that the informant is actually a member of the gang that started the blaze. The show ends with a disclaimer that the names were changed to protect the witnesses. This is the least of the three I've seen so far, or more accurately, the least torrid. This last segment is unusual in that a non-Chinese is in charge of the investigation. So far, this series of films seems more like dramatizations of real life crimes as opposed to a scripted movie. This entry is fairly forgettable with nothing particularly standing out. The stars are all crammed into the first story.

[venoms5]

THE CRIMINALS 4-ASSAULT (1977) begins with 'Maniac' ably directed by master sleaze merchant Kuei Chi Hung. A vicious gang of thugs attack couples of night killing the men and kidnapping the women. The gang all take turns raping the women they abduct before selling them into prostitution. One of the rape victims manages to escape en route to the whore wrangler but is run over by a car in the process. The leader of the gang, Boar (San Kuei), is the maniac of the title. He is ordered to find another girl and happens to target the sister of the girl who was hit by the car. A thick air of nastiness looms over this segment. There's also some good fights courtesy of Huang Pei-chi. Frankie Wei Hung plays the cop on the case. One of the best segments of the entire series thus far. Director Kuei crams a lot of seedy entertainment value into this story.

The next torrid tale is 'Queen of Temple Street' from Sun Chung. This piece deals with a shallow and self centered husband who is addicted to gambling wasting away the money earned by his hard working and beautiful wife. Once he is so far in debt, he must sell his wife to the gambling den boss for one year. The husband falsifies a story that a friend has gotten him an office job and that he is taking her to meet him. Only when she arrives does she realize she has been unwittingly sold into a prostitute ring. To divulge further when spoil what is otherwise the BEST segment of this entire series (granted, I have yet to see TEENAGER'S NIGHTMARE but I can't see that surpassing this). This segment is so well handled and directed, it deserves to be a full length feature and by eliminating one or two stories this film benefits greatly from the additional screen time. Some great compositions, performances and some truly cruel and callous characterizations. This film, as well as this story, are highly recommended viewing.

[Winfred]

I need opinions on these movies as my itchy fingers are about to click to order them!

1. Bruce Lee & I
2. The Sexy Killer
3. Murderer Pursues
4. Brothers From The Walled City

Thank you!

[HAZ]

Can't go wrong with the Sexy Killer.

[Winfred]

Venoms5 review of The Criminals : 3 has left me no choice but to share an experience under "bad traders".

[venoms5]

Venoms5 review of The Criminals : 3 has left me no choice but to share an experience under "bad traders".

You want CRIMINALS 3 Winfred? I can send it to you for nothing and you don't have to trade anything for it. I haven't even opened LOST SOULS yet.

[venoms5]

I need opinions on these movies as my itchy fingers are about to click to order them!

1. Bruce Lee & I
2. The Sexy Killer
3. Murderer Pursues
4. Brothers From The Walled City

Thank you!

BRUCE LEE & I (1976) I do not have. I've only seen it fullscreen but it's pretty exploitative and Danny Lee, strangely, resembles the famed star although I would never have thought he would have been a good choice for this role.

THE SEXY KILLER (1976) is simply dynamite! It's a Chinese remake of the Pam Grier flick, COFFY (1973) only with the violence and sleaze turned up to 11:D Doesn't resemble the greatness Sun Chung would embrace a couple years later but here, he's having fun making a great, grindhouse style actioner. I would love to get my hands on the sequel THE LADY EXTERMINATOR (1977).

MURDERER PURSUES--Haven't watched yet. Peri mentioned this one above or on another previous page.

BROTHERS FROM THE WALLED CITY (1982) is a decent enough drama but it falls apart terribly at the end. Some footage is obviously cut during one explicit sex scene involving a drugged out of his mind Chin Su Ho. The ending is like a lot of later day Shaw movies in that it appears they totally ran out of money and time and simply STOPPED the cameras and cobbled together what they had. MEN FROM THE GUTTER (1983) is so much better.

[Winfred]

Thank you Venoms5 for the enlightening reviews. Looks like I will have to get The Sexy Killer from that list. I normally order two Shaw titles so that the courier charges are worth it.

Another round of titles for your consideration to choose my 2nd Shaw movie :
1. Mobfix Patrol (hardly discussed here)
2. Tales Of Larceny (Li Ching!)
3. The Amorous Lotus Pan (1992)

[venoms5]

Thank you Venoms5 for the enlightening reviews. Looks like I will have to get The Sexy Killer from that list. I normally order two Shaw titles so that the courier charges are worth it.

Another round of titles for your consideration to choose my 2nd Shaw movie :
1. Mobfix Patrol (hardly discussed here)
2. Tales Of Larceny (Li Ching!)
3. The Amorous Lotus Pan (1992)

Peri can help you better here Winfred. I have MOBFIX PATROL but haven't watched yet. I hear AMOROUS LOTUS PAN is a fairly explicit sex movie. TALES OF LARCENY got some unkind notices from somebody here if I remember right.

[Markgway]

1. Bruce Lee & I
2. The Sexy Killer
3. Murderer Pursues
4. Brothers From The Walled City

None of these are worth the effort. Maybe if you get them for free.

[venoms5]

Watched THE CRIMINALS 5-TEENAGER'S NIGHTMARE aka TEENAGER'S NIGHTMARE (1977). Two stories; the first, 'Gun' directed by Mou Tin Fu deals with two financially hindered friends (Wang Chung and Ai Fei) witness a murder but before the unknown victim is killed, he tosses away a package presumably what the gang of thugs was after. The two retrieve the parcel and find it contains a machine gun and some grenades. Taking into consideration they struggle desperately to make ends meet, the two inadvertently get involved in criminal activities when some motorcycle riding punks get accidentally gunned down by the two friends. They are now on the run from the law and after coercing his girlfriend (Lily Li), the three go about robbing banks and such until the violent finish. This tale lasts around 38 minutes and is pretty well made stuff and, like some of the other CRIMINALS segments, could have benefited from being stretched out to full length.

The second episode is 'The Teenager's Nightmare' and is quite possibly the sleaziest, grimiest most scornful segment of the whole series. Directed by Shaw's director of depravity, Kuei Chi Hung, this tale is about a serial rapist that goes around violating underage girls. Some of these girls that are forced to strip down look all of 13 or 14. Shockingly, Hui Ying Hung is the second rape victim and plays a 15 year old and looks it. Adding to this dirty mix are a group of cops who add lots of unpleasant comedic elements that sit uneasy with the sordid material. Some of the humor is funny, but it just doesn't marry well with this type of storyline. The only lead the cops have is that the rapist has some kind of skin disease leaving his hands down to his wrists a pale complexion. Possibly the most disturbing realization of the rapist comes when a beautiful woman goes into the women's showers (the bathrooms depicted here are filthy). The camera lovingly caressing her body from head to toe. The rapist enters and prepares to assault her, but upon realizing she is not an underage girl, not to mention that her breasts are too big(!), he leaves her be. After seeing these films, I would say that this series laid the groundwork for the true crime/horror movies that followed years later.

[venoms5]

THUNDERCLAP (1984) is a Wu Xia fantasy story bookended with brief bits involving a comic artist looking for inspiration for his next story. From the get go, it's apparent this film will not take itself seriously but this doesn't harm the film at all.

Once that modern day opening is out of the way, the film deals with the Tien Mao Clan headed by Shen Chun (Chen Kuan Tai). Shen has been encased inside some kind of ice cell for x amount of years and the three evils try to spring him from his suspended animation by giving him two special power pills, one made of ice and the other of fire. Chao (Ku Feng), who leads a rival clan, sends two disciples to stop Shen's resurrection but are unsuccessful. One of the pills is sent by carrier pigeon to Chao's clan. The bad guys pursue headed by Shen's lead henchman, the Lion Man. A clumsy but good hearted young man named 'Frog', (Mai Te Lo) ends up with the pill after accidentally killing the pigeon and cooking and eating it. He is bestowed with super powers but doesn't know how to use them until trained by Chao Yang. There's more to the story than this but at the end, the Tien Mao clan raids Chao's stronghold to obtain the fire pill.

Lots of fantasy elements and wirework. The choreography fluctuates between Wu Xia swordplay and kung fu fights. Wang Li gets a bigger role than normal. He seems to die almost halfway through but then shows up at the end to fight the Lion Man again. The scene where the Lion Man is finally dispatched appears to be cut as there is a jarring jump. Either it's a cut or possibly due to the fullframe presentation. The scene where the Earth is about to rip open cuts away to the comic writer as he apparently can't come up with a decent ending and three of the main participants appear and protest being cut off so abruptly just as the film ends in the same fashion.

Liu Yi Po plays a beautiful princess who is really a scarred faced monster with huge fangs. Yang Tsing Tsing is also on hand as the companion to Wang Li's character. It would be interesting to see this restored and widescreen as there's lots of effects and much of the comedy is pretty funny. I liked it and found it to be a just slightly above average Shaw flick that is over before you know it at a brisk 81 minutes.

[venoms5]

TO KILL A JAGUAR (1977) is the confusing tale of a round table clutch of gangsters vying for control of Shanghai. Certain members use a killer known as The Jaguar (Tsung Hua) to secretly kill off the other Triads within their circle. But the main villain behind the conspiracy killings plans to kill the Jaguar when the job is completed. However, the tables are turned and the Jaguar, who turns out to be just as ruthless, takes over Shanghai and in turn eliminates the others until his friend Luo Lie (Liu Yung) returns from his time spent in a German prison only to learn that he, too has changed and more double crosses are in store leading up to the conclusion.

This is possibly the worst movie I've seen from Hua Shan not counting his co op turn in CRIMINALS 3-ARSON. Far too many characters are introduced and there's so much soap opera shenanigans going on for incidents both shown and implied that it all is ado about nothing. The plethora of missing and cut footage doesn't help the film either. Noticeable jumps in the music are evident on more than one occasion and one scene in particular is blatantly missing this particular bit, though, I would say is down to damage to the film than anything else. Lots of nudity in this movie, too and the fights are good courtesy of Yuen Woo Ping and Yuen Cheung Yan. Wang Lung Wei is on hand in a supporting role as one of the Jaguar's main henchmen but he disappears towards the end unless his exit was missing or I simply missed it myself trying to make heads or tails of all the melodramatic acting for things only mentioned or shown fleetingly. I would only recommend this for those who have nothing else to buy but wish to further their Shaw collection. The stills on this dvd are very nice and lead you to believe the film is a nonstop kung fu fest (although there is more of an emphasis on fighting). Of Hua Shan's gangster films I've seen, this is the least of them and has one of the lamest weapons of any martial arts film and this is especially damning considering it's a Shaw flick as they had the best and most exotic weaponry in their films. Here, the Jaguar's weapons of death are a simple, lousy set of gold keys affixed to a gold keyring. I don't regret buying it, but again, curiosity seekers proceed, all others beware.

[venoms5]

THE MOBFIX PATROL (1981) is a gritty crime film with some instances of low key comedy spread throughout its 100 minute running time. It's about two goofy cops, Fatso and Weirdo (Kent Cheng and Lung Tien Sheng...not the Spearman) who try to bust up a gang that makes fake ID cards. When one of the cops is brutally killed during an undercover operation and his female operative viciously gang raped, a hot tempered officer, Terry (Wang Chung) partners with Fatso to bring down the gang of killers. These killers are quite the sadistic bunch. They also look like they just stepped out of a carnival sideshow. Wang Ching, called "smiley" by fans, plays the leader. One of them is a homosexual complete with aerobics wardrobe, another is a violent sex offender and the other member is a somewhat frail and deformed, yet seriously unstable psychopath who gets off on placing a cat in a cage full of mice. One of the best scenes in the whole movie takes place in an arcade. I just couldn't stop laughing. The actor that plays Weirdo is this small guy and he has no problem beating people up and this scene along with others adds much to these two characters. The two cops have a funny altercation with Wang Chung at the beginning not realizing he is a cop. Wang Chung does a good job directing here and the film has some interesting camera shots. Possibly the best scene in the movie is the sequence in which Weirdo and a lady cop (Terry's fiance) infiltrate the gang's hideout within a big creepy country house and end up trying to escape from it. The gang thinks the two are mainlanders and figure killing them will not cause any attention. An interesting, and one of the better HK crime flicks, it was successful upon its release at the end of 1981.

THE MURDERER PURSUES (1980) is another crime caper from Wang Chung. Here, the tone is dead serious throughout. This time, Danny Lee plays the big brother of a small Vietnamese gang of outcasts held within a refugee camp. He saves one of his friends from another gang and accidentally kills a man doing so. They escape and a few years later, Ah Shen (Lee) take up robbery in HK. While the four are inside a jewelery shop preparing to rob the place, another gang enters with the same intentions. Ah Shen and his brothers end up killing and injuring the robbers before making off with millions in jewels. The young brother who was saved, Ah Chang (Ray Liu) has become a cop and learns his old gang is responsible for the robberies. Hei Chiang (Wong Ching) has just been released from prison and after learning his gang members have been killed or put in the hospital, decides to kill those responsible. Kent Cheng returns but is killed off midway through in a rather shocking scene. Wang Chung sits this one out opting for the directors chair only. His directorial flair is even more in evidence here. Wang Ching plays a vengeance filled nut case here as he kills off the members of the Vietnamese gang one by one with the blame being mistakably placed on Ah Chang. One torture scene has Hei Chiang pour scalding hot water down a guys pants then upon learning what he wants to know, he empties the pot of burning hot water all over the victims body. Danny Lee plays a rare bad guy role although he isn't necessarily a villain. the ending is brilliantly handled by director Wang Chung and some interesting camera shots and editing are found here. Also, the Connaught Centre building, which was destroyed at the end of MIGHTY PEKING MAN (1977) after the big ape climbed it, is seen later in the movie.

I really enjoyed both of these crime movies as each film had their points of interest--MOBFIX for its characters and occasional bursts of strong violence and MURDERER for its numerous dramatic moments, serious tone and violent content. Both were far better directed and enjoyable than Wang Chung's THE INFORMER (1980) and some other Shaw crime movies such as BROTHERS FROM THE WALLED CITY (1982) and the Ed Woodian stature of PURSUIT OF A KILLER (1985).