Is this the worst Shaw Bros movie ever made?

[Markgway]

I'm only 52m thru BLOODY PARROT but it has me wondering...??

[venoms5]

No way Markgway. SEX BEYOND THE GRAVE is the PLAN 9 of Shaw Brothers movies, IMO. BLOODY PARROT is bad, but taken as sheer exploitation, it delivers in spades.

***************SPOILER AHEAD********************

Granted, by the end, it's revealed there is no supernatural elements at all but yet no explanation is given as to why Jenny Liang gets possessed by a demonic force earlier in the film.

[ironfistedmonk]

I thought Bloody Parrot was alright! There are a few I consider a lot worse such as Journey of the Doomed, Descendant of the Sun, Buddhas Palm, that one with Lee Hoi Sang with bright red hair riding a giant disco ball, I forget the name

[venoms5]

that one with Lee Hoi Sang with bright red hair riding a giant disco ball, I forget the name

I think that's DEMON OF THE LUTE (1983). I didn't watch the entire movie, though at least not yet. DESCENDANT OF THE SUN I liked for the insanity factor.

[teako170]

I'm only 52m thru BLOODY PARROT but it has me wondering...??

Squakkkk.. Marky wanna cracker??

Haven't seen any of these films but for me ...
"The Shaw Razzie Award" goes to ...

NINE DEMONS!

Good gravy man! Chang, what-were-you-thinking? (or smoking??)

[Killer Meteor]

I thought Challenge of the Masters was my least favourite, but as far as quality is concerned, Ten Tigers Of Kwantung was pretty wretched - good fun though

[Markgway]

No way Markgway. SEX BEYOND THE GRAVE is the PLAN 9 of Shaw Brothers movies, IMO.

I've yet to have the (dis)pleasure. :p


BLOODY PARROT is bad, but taken as sheer exploitation, it delivers in spades.

I'm sure the dreadful Jenny Leung was cast purely on her willingness to show her pubes!

Granted, by the end......

Lol, so it gets WORSE??? :eek:;)

[Markgway]

I thought Challenge of the Masters was my least favourite, but as far as quality is concerned, Ten Tigers Of Kwantung was pretty wretched - good fun though

Not a big fan of either of those... but yikes they're classics compared to the shit we're talking about.

NINE DEMONS isn't Shaws and is thus disqualified. :cool: (Haven't seen it myself though...)

Some of those 80s wuxia are pretty weak granted, but PARROT is REALLY badly made. It looks like the work of rank amateurs. Or to quote Delroy Lindo in GET SHORTY: "I've seen better film on teeth!"

[MasterDrunk]

Teako,dunno weather its shaw brothers or not {it does say shaw scope on the cover] But Nine Demons {Nine deadly venoms on my double bill} was the weirdest maddest diabolical film ive ever seen in any genre,had the odd nightmare after watching it.Still sends a shiver down me thinking about it.

[peringaten]

Not Shaws, but I liked Nine Demons.
I looovvvee Sex Beyond The Grave (c'mon - a professor of mushrooms); Descendent Of The Sun is way up there on my Chor Yuan favourites list. Demon of the Lute is greeeat fun; Journey of the Doomed tickled me with its '80s stylings; Bloody Parrot is good.

Tales Of Larceny is THE single shittest Shaw flick I've seen. Oh man, is that a stinker!! Nothing to offer; in any respect. No fun to be had even remotely. Li Han Hsiang's section was slightly ok (still noooo good), but the first half - it's kind of an anthology film - is THE shittest Shaw stuff. Dean Shek at THE WORST I've ever seen him, and I've kind of warmed to his usual stylings, but here... soooo bad. Pure straight up rubbish! THE only Shaw flick I know I'd actually recommend anyone should avoid.

[venoms5]

NINE DEMONS is a Chang Ho movie, the indy company Chang started up in Taiwan after his contract wasn't renewed at Shaw Brothers. Those bootleg companies will put anything on their boxes to get people to buy their product.

[venoms5]

I wouldn't say CHALLENGE OF THE MASTERS was one of the worst. A very classy film that has lots to say about discipline and humility. I didn't care for this movie much when I first saw it years back, but I see it differently now and one of the finest morality plays by LKL.

[peringaten]

Challenge Of The Masters is good, yo!

[venoms5]

Here's some I find to be a chore to get through...

THE GHOST STORY--Gorgeous set design but lackluster sex and ghost tales build to an incredibly bizarre climax that recalls the inanity of Robert Tai complete with battling wizard, naked kung fu fighting women and a giant female statue come to life shooting laser beams.

TEN TIGERS OF KWANG TUNG--Thought the subbed version would be an improvement but....no. Very difficult to make it through this stew of half-baked ideas. The fights are good and some wholly creative death scenes are the only repeat factor for me.

THE BIG STING--Horrible, horrible movie from Lu Chin Ku. No point in this film existing. Only point of interest is seeing Beardy disguised as an over-sexed arab.

SEX BEYOND THE GRAVE--Starts out like gangbusters but after the first 15 minutes it deteriorates into a confusing mess appearing as if the makers shot two different movies at once and couldn't make up their mind what they wanted. Love the Anglo priest who exorcises the house with the same phrase over and over again, "Get out!!!"...."Get out!!!"

I'm sure there's others...

[peringaten]

battling wizard, naked kung fu fighting women and a giant female statue come to life shooting laser beams.Oh, what? How did I not know about this?

*Orders movie*

[venoms5]

Oh, what? How did I not know about this?

*Orders movie*

:D:D:D Don't get too excited. It's near the end when all that really OTT stuff takes place. I was totally expecting something else from this movie. YueH Hua is in it too. Some really out there sex scenes too such as Yueh Hua's fascination with one woman's crumpled feet as he's furiously having sex with her. I forget the actress. I know that back then the crumpled up feet was viewed as attractive but here it's just tasteless.

[teako170]

NINE DEMONS isn't Shaws and is thus disqualified. :cool: (Haven't seen it myself though...)
Whoops. What was I thinking? :eek:

It was still garbage though.
Save 2 hours of your life and avoid this dreck.
(I should've listened to you on 'A Life of Ninja' but I watched it anyway .. crap!)

[Yu_Xihong]

WHAT!?
http://i32.tinypic.com/20z5ov6.jpg

[venoms5]

At the end of NINE DEMONS, there's a big battle on a "lake" where the combatants wear makeshift ski's and fight Ricky Cheng and the demon kids. Then the fight abruptly jumps to a fight atop a series of bamboo shafts that appear from out of nowhere above the "lake". Maybe the success of MIRACLE FIGHTERS rekindled his interest in fantasy after his failed attempts with NA CHA THE GREAT, HEAVEN & HELL and FANTASTIC MAGIC BABY?

[teako170]

At the end of NINE DEMONS, there's a big battle on a "lake" where the combatants wear makeshift ski's and fight Ricky Cheng and the demon kids. Then the fight abruptly jumps to a fight atop a series of bamboo shafts that appear from out of nowhere above the "lake".

Aw man - I never made it that far. I watched the first half and never went back.
Now, I just GOT to see this...!

[venoms5]

It's not saying much, but I enjoyed NINE DEMONS far more than that awful ATTACK OF THE JOYFUL GODDESS. If I remember right, Chiang Sheng plays a girl in that movie.

[gravedigger666]

Journey of the doomed:mad:

[Mr. Vampire]

all of y'all need to go and watch the two Mr Funnybones films from SB, if you think those films are bad.

[Biozombie]

Whilst Journey Of The Doomed, Siamese Twins and The Pure And The Evil were terrible, I think Blood Brothers is the worst Shaw I have seen. Absolutely abysmal.

[Markgway]

TEN TIGERS OF KWANG TUNG
THE BIG STING

These weren't even released in Hong Kong(!) :p

[Markgway]

Whilst Journey Of The Doomed, Siamese Twins and The Pure And The Evil were terrible, I think Blood Brothers is the worst Shaw I have seen. Absolutely abysmal.

Surely not the Chang Cheh classic???????? :eek:

But yeah SIAMESE TWINS was arse.

[Endsang]

I didn't think Ten Tigers Of Kwangtung was that bad. Should probably have been split into two movies instead of trying to combine the different storylines, and there were a bit too many stars versus screen time, but the action choreography is phenomenal. I really enjoyed the final fight as well as the one in the teahouse between Wang Li and Siao Yuk(?). It's one of those movies I can watch over and over again.

[HAZ]

I fell asleep 3 times today trying to watch the Magic Blade.

[HAZ]

Oh, what? How did I not know about this?

*Orders movie*

This movie was WACKED OUT. Kara Hui is in it for a minute. People turning into donkeys after having sex. A female ghost who kills a dude for having premature ejaculation. The reincarnation of horny broads. Foot fetishes. This film has it all.

[Endsang]

I fell asleep 3 times today trying to watch the Magic Blade.

I think you have a sleeping disorder if you also fell asleep during Clan Feuds!

[HAZ]

I think you have a sleeping disorder if you also fell asleep during Clan Feuds!

Clan Feuds knocked me out, too. Zzzzzzzz.

[venomsfreak]

It's not saying much, but I enjoyed NINE DEMONS far more than that awful ATTACK OF THE JOYFUL GODDESS. If I remember right, Chiang Sheng plays a girl in that movie.


Agreed. Attack of the Joyful Goddess gave me a headache with that endless cymbal banging. And yes Chiang Sheng was either a transvestite or a very ugly woman.

[venoms5]

Clan Feuds knocked me out, too. Zzzzzzzz.

Wow. Some fierce fighting in this one and some fan-tabulous sets to match.

[HAZ]

Magic blade knocked me out again last night by 11:00. I'm watching it again, but only in the mornings.

[Kwok Choi]

I second the motion Gway not Blood Brothers Chang Cheh's CLASSIC!!!!!

[Winfred]

Since it's a Celestial release, I am going to nominate Stephen Chow's OUT OF THE DARK as the worst film I have ever sat through.

[HAZ]

Weird man was pretty awful for me.

[bravearcher101]

The worse shaw brothers movies ever made were, Fantastic Magic Baby, Little Dragon Maiden, just to name a few, but Bloody Parrot was not one of them.

[SamuraiDana]

If I had to pick the worst Shaw Bros. movies I've seen, offhand they'd be:

ANGEL WITH THE IRON FISTS (1966) - Lily Ho as a teenaged super-agent who beats up Ku Feng and Fan Mei-sheng!
THE ANGEL STRIKES AGAIN (1968) - Lily Ho in the most unconvincing fight scenes ever!
THE WANDERING SWORDSMAN (1969) - Chang Cheh/David Chiang misfire
THE SINGING THIEF (1969) - Chang Cheh makes a caper comedy--with music!
PURSUIT (1972) - poor adaptation of a tale from "The Water Margin" that was done much better in other movies
LADY IS THE BOSS (1983) - Lau Kar Leung/Kara Hui Yi Hung misfire

I might include Chang Cheh's THE SINGING KILLER (1970) if I could only finish sitting through it.

About some of the others cited in this thread, I'm a little alarmed to see CHALLENGE OF THE MASTERS mentioned. It may not be Lau Kar Leung's best, but it's certainly an above-average kung fu movie by any standard. I would also defend BLOOD BROTHERS, THE MAGIC BLADE, LITTLE DRAGON MAIDEN, and TEN TIGERS OF KWANGTUNG.

And I'm a big fan of BUDDHA'S PALM, DESCENDANT OF THE SUN and DEMON OF THE LUTE. You may not like that particular genre, but that doesn't make those titles bad movies. I don't like teen comedies so I reacted to AMERICAN PIE with indifference, but I can't say it's a bad movie. It evidently delivered the goods to fans of the genre. A bad movie is one that fails to do what it sets out to do, on every level, either by incompetence, carelessness, bad luck, or a misguided directorial strategy.

Also, just 'cause something puts you to sleep doesn't make it a bad movie. I recall a film school teacher who responded to a student's complaint about a movie being boring by telling her, "Maybe YOU'RE the one that's boring."

[Endsang]

Weird man was pretty awful for me.

I was almost about to buy this movie because of the cast, but the whole teleporting thing I saw in the trailer freaked me out big time.

[ironfistedmonk]

And I'm a big fan of BUDDHA'S PALM, DESCENDANT OF THE SUN and DEMON OF THE LUTE. You may not like that particular genre, but that doesn't make those titles bad movies. I don't like teen comedies so I reacted to AMERICAN PIE with indifference, but I can't say it's a bad movie. It evidently delivered the goods to fans of the genre. A bad movie is one that fails to do what it sets out to do, on every level, either by incompetence, carelessness, bad luck, or a misguided directorial strategy.

Also, just 'cause something puts you to sleep doesn't make it a bad movie. I recall a film school teacher who responded to a student's complaint about a movie being boring by telling her, "Maybe YOU'RE the one that's boring."

Your right I don't like this particular genre, they don't entertain me in the slightest and in that regard to me they are bad movies. A movies sole aim should be to entertain and these failed to do so in my case, henceforth bad movies.

There are plenty of boring movies out there, just because someone finds a film boring that doesn't make someone a boring person, that film school teacher you mentioned probably gets off on some level putting down someone who doesn't agree with their opinion of some arty crap.

You think Lady is the Boss is a bad movie, a misfire, I think it's a good movie and a great twist on the story in My Young Auntie. I respect your opinion, if you think it's a bad movie then to you it is but to me it was entertaining so it's good :)

[Yu_Xihong]

I was almost about to buy this movie because of the cast, but the whole teleporting thing I saw in the trailer freaked me out big time.

Give yourself a pat on the back for not buying it. I wish I had the foresight.

[venoms5]

If I had to pick the worst Shaw Bros. movies I've seen, offhand they'd be:

ANGEL WITH THE IRON FISTS (1966) - Lily Ho as a teenaged super-agent who beats up Ku Feng and Fan Mei-sheng!

PURSUIT (1972) - poor adaptation of a tale from "The Water Margin" that was done much better in other movies

I would also defend TEN TIGERS OF KWANGTUNG.



:eek:

[HAZ]

Magic Blade goes back to the video store tomorrow. Ugh. Its not that its a badly made movie, I just don't care about the characters or what happens to them. Some of the fight scenes are okay, but, by in large, this one is a snooser.

[HAZ]

Lady is Boss was kinda hillarious. I didn't love it, but it kept me awake & interested. Ten Tigers has to be the most poorly made movie I've ever seen. Pursuit was nothing special.

[Winfred]

HAZ, which version of The Magic Blade is going back tomorrow? The IVL or the Image?

[HAZ]

HAZ, which version of The Magic Blade is going back tomorrow? The IVL or the Image?

Image. The quality of the disc was okay. I'm looking foward to Kiss Of Death.

[Winfred]

HAZ

I am just about to order it to upgrade from my IVL. Movie is great. Can't understand why you don't like it.

[bruiselee]

Winfred

You plan on selling/trading your IVL copy of The Magic Blade?

[Winfred]

A trade is fine with me. However since I have recently been ripped off in a trade, I will have to receive your DVD before I will post The Magic Blade. However it will be sent by registered/insured air.

[HAZ]

HAZ

I am just about to order it to upgrade from my IVL. Movie is great. Can't understand why you don't like it.

I have the movie untill tomorrow, so I'm going to give it one more try. I really like elements of the film, like the Devil Grandma, but the story didn't pull me in. I'm not terribly curious to know what happens to the Peacock Dart, which is a pretty boring weapon. Looks like a candy dish. This film needed a bit more pizzazz. So far, my favorite Chor Yuen film is that one with the guy from Kiss. Something of the Bat. That was amazing!

[Blitz118]

I really like Hui Ying Hung, but Tigress Of Shaolin was very bad. I was looking forward to this movie and was very disappointed.:(

[venoms5]

I really like Hui Ying Hung, but Tigress Of Shaolin was very bad. I was looking forward to this movie and was very disappointed.:(

Yeah, this was one I couldn't finish watching. Truly awful movie. Shaw's seemed totally lost when it came to copying the indy style of movie save for one or two instances.

[venoms5]

PURSUIT OF A KILLER (1985) is another horrible movie. It starts off like gangbusters then slowly derails from there. Love Pai Piao's changing hairstyle from scene to scene. The film having been shot over the course of several years doesn't mean it couldn't have turned out better than this.

THE INFORMER (1981) is another awful movie where nothing at all happens for the most part anyways. Pretty much zero action and this film could have used it. The only "memorable moment" was the disco scene where the song playing inside is the same song heard in the 'Father's Day' episode of CREEPSHOW (1982) where Ed Harris boogies down with his hot wife displaying some odd dance moves akin to somebody being electrocuted.

[Chinatown Kid]

The Shaw flick that let me down the most was Ghosts Galore because my expectations were high after seeing Hwang put on such a great show in Kid From Kwangtung, sadly the flick fell flat.:(

[Mark of the Dragon]

Based on the Shaw films I have seen...Na Cha the Great...ugh, horrible

[dionbrother]

MASTER STRIKES BACK. Movie doesn't kick into gear until the last 15 minutes. Just lousy.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

I'm only 52m thru BLOODY PARROT but it has me wondering...??

Just for that we put the Bloody Parrot curse on ye! Jade Dragon (Markgway) I'm amazed at you!

Seriously, I'm a bit surprised you don't appreciate Bloody Parrot. Linn turned me on to this flick, he had very good things to say about this film, and upon viewing it I instantly fell in love with it. It delivers in every department. The fight choreographs are crisply and superbly worked out. I can watch this film over and over again.

I love, love, love this film.

[Markgway]

I love, love, love this film.

Don't worry. The men in the white jackets will be here to collect you soon. :crossedlips:

[Wolcott]

Just for that we put the Bloody Parrot curse on ye! Jade Dragon (Markgway) I'm amazed at you!

Seriously, I'm a bit surprised you don't appreciate Bloody Parrot. Linn turned me on to this flick, he had very good things to say about this film, and upon viewing it I instantly fell in love with it. It delivers in every department. The fight choreographs are crisply and superbly worked out. I can watch this film over and over again.

I love, love, love this film.

I love it too! There! I said it!:xd:

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Don't worry. The men in the white jackets will be here to collect you soon. :crossedlips:

waa haa haa haa haaa!!!! (villianous laugh) I've craftily eluded them thus far... they will never get ME.


There are a great many awesome fight scenes in this flick. When Pai Piao is first attacked in the woods. The bar fight, whwere he's drinking to his friends corpse lying next to him in his coffin, on a table in the bar. That fight scene is excellent. The demonic painting on Bloody Slave's wall. The fight scene with Long Sword. The fight scene before that with the pretty boy who used to be Bloody Slaves top customer (boy friend). The fight scene between Chan Shen and Bloody Slaves mother, where Chan uses his saw blade type weapon, has amazingly tight and fast (not sped up/anywhere in the movie/huge plus) choreographing. The ending with the cobra's, frogs, lizards, etc. Just wonderful atmosphere for old school horror fans. Not to mention the insanely well done possession scene by Bloody Slave. That scene is great.

[Wolcott]

I think that's DEMON OF THE LUTE (1983). I didn't watch the entire movie, though at least not yet. DESCENDANT OF THE SUN I liked for the insanity factor.

I LOVE Demon of the Lute. Seriously. That movie is ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome!

[Drunken Monk]

I recently bought my first batch of IVL's which included "Bloody Parrot" and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Okay, so it is absolutely insane and it does get a little too drawn out towards the end but, otherwise, I found it to be a great little flick.

I really didn't enjoy "Marco Polo." I think I fell asleep.

[Tosh]

I LOVE Demon of the Lute. Seriously. That movie is ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome!

Yeah I loved this movie to, Lee Hoi San fighting with those ridiculously huge weapons, it was so over the top. I pretty much liked all the movie mentioned I've seen:xd: Bloody Parrot looks like my kind of movie

[KUNG FU BOB]

Interesting- I've heard the highest praise and the harshest criticism regarding BLOODY PARROT. I own it, but haven't watched it yet. But boy am I curious now!

[Markgway]

Must be one of those films that polarizes fans.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Must be one of those films that polarizes fans.

Curious what your personal take is on BLOODY PARROT Markgway? Have you seen it? You're a no-nonsense kind of guy when it comes to opinions on movies, so I'd love to hear our opinion on it.

[Markgway]

I started this thread!! lol

[shapes]

"Bloody Parrot " is bloody brilliant compared to "Journey of the doomed"

[KUNG FU BOB]

I started this thread!! lol

LOL I forgot! I paged back through it before writing that, but not far enough! :tongue: Doh!

[odioustrident]

Bloody Parrot is a late horror wuxia with a couple of solid action scenes. It must get points for that alone...but I haven't seen it in a while. I feel pretty strongly about Full Moon Scimitar and Descendant of the Sun being two of the worst I have seen.

[Wolcott]

Yeah I loved this movie to, Lee Hoi San fighting with those ridiculously huge weapons, it was so over the top. I pretty much liked all the movie mentioned I've seen:xd: Bloody Parrot looks like my kind of movie

Oh yeah Tosh, If you like "Demon of the Lute" I can pretty much guarantee you'll like the weirdness of Bloody Parrot.

[lillippa328]

I thought Challenge of the Masters was my least favourite, but as far as quality is concerned, Ten Tigers Of Kwantung was pretty wretched - good fun though



wait...u think CotM and 10Tigers are 2 of Shaws worse?

[HAZ]

I've been trying to watch Killer Constable & its a bit dull. I like my Shaw's with a fair dose of crazy and this is kind of plain. Chen Kwan Tai is a bit wooden in this as well.

[KUNG FU BOB]

I've been trying to watch Killer Constable & its a bit dull. I like my Shaw's with a fair dose of crazy and this is kind of plain. Chen Kwan Tai is a bit wooden in this as well.

You mean "stoic"? :bigsmile:

Seriously, I get what you mean, but I loved this one.

[Blood Sword]

Killer Constable is fantastic:yociexp56:

Going through the "lizard" seems hard,it`s been on my player now 7 hours and still 15 or so mins remain watching...

[Markgway]

Killer Constable is one of THE best Shaw films. Cannot believe it's been mentioned here among the shit.

[thehangman]

coward bastard was pretty dull

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

Not really dull, but the comedy was torture, even if you like Meng Yuen Man. The fights were decent. aside from the slapsticky ones! I could only get through it once.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Killer Constable is fantastic:yociexp56:

Going through the "lizard" seems hard,it`s been on my player now 7 hours and still 15 or so mins remain watching...

I agree, THE LIZARD was torture- just so boring. If only it had been a feature length film about "The Lizard" from THE FIVE VENOMS! :nerd:

[Tosh]

I didn't care much for The Wandering Swordsman, I've mentioned before David Chiang reminded me of peter pan the way he was flying in and out of the scenes, being minus a 3rd of the iron triangle didn't help either:tongue:

[Cesare]

Tosh: I dig The Wandering Swordsman.
Not a perfect movie but definitely a charming one...:-)

[Blood Sword]

Yeah, this was one I couldn't finish watching. Truly awful movie. Shaw's seemed totally lost when it came to copying the indy style of movie save for one or two instances.
Did you ever finish this?1st hour is terrible I gave up on it about 2 years ago.And quite recently managed to finish movie,there is some OK fights in the end.
I have seen worse Shaws...unfortunately:nerd:

[Killer Meteor]

I agree, THE LIZARD was torture- just so boring. If only it had been a feature length film about "The Lizard" from THE FIVE VENOMS! :nerd:

The Lizard is one of my faves.

I'm finding Shadow Boxer pretty rough going. A lot of the Shaws lack the wild rush effect a lot of the Golden Harvests and indies have. This one feels mired in grime

[buda finger]

Killer Constable is one of THE best Shaw films. Cannot believe it's been mentioned here among the shit.

I hate to say it fellas but I absolutely loathed Killer Constable. I gave my copy away, I didn't sell it.The choreography was awful, story/plot awful. I actually got angry watching this movie because I anticipated owning this title and it was a big let down.

[The Silver Fox]

Well, its no Shaolin V Lama.

[venoms5]

Did you ever finish this?1st hour is terrible I gave up on it about 2 years ago.And quite recently managed to finish movie,there is some OK fights in the end.
I have seen worse Shaws...unfortunately:nerd:

Yes, I finished it, and the fights were okay. But it wasn't enough to relieve the headache I got watching it. If I ever take up drinking I'll give it another go.

[kungfusamurai]

I hate to say it fellas but I absolutely loathed Killer Constable. I gave my copy away, I didn't sell it.The choreography was awful, story/plot awful. I actually got angry watching this movie because I anticipated owning this title and it was a big let down.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't like Killer Constable. I can't say it was horrible, I just didn't find it lived up to the hype. Over rated. I haven't watched the chinese language widescreen version yet, just the full screen english dub (AKA lightning kung fu). I don't think it would make much difference, though. I enjoyed the fight between Yuen Wah and Chen Kwan Tai, but other than that, the movie was a bit silly for me. I mean Chen's character got stabbed and sliced so many times, he should have died of tetanus, if not from all the blood he would have lost. Yet, he kept going on, so that ending was a real cheater, like the way Chris Carter would lead us down one path in X Files and then take it all back! (Maybe not a good analogy). And I still cringe at the melodramatic scene between Ku Feng's character and the daughter. Waaay too much for a chinese kung fu flick, and over the top.

House of Traps was another huge disappointment, as was Ode To Gallantry. I don't think I've been able to sit through Cat Vs Rat, or maybe I did, that's how much I enjoyed it. But they're not the worst of the lot.

Shadow Boxer was another huge let down. I was hoping to see some nice Tai Chi moves from a supposed tai chi expert in the lead actor. But there was as much tai chi in that movie as there was in Born Invincible.

I can't really sit through wuxia flicks, and anything made before King Boxer/Five Fingers of Death.

KFS

[Blood Sword]

I mean Chen's character got stabbed and sliced so many times, he should have died of tetanus, if not from all the blood he would have lost. Yet, he kept going on, so that ending was a real cheater,
So I take it you find ending of Boxer From Shantung over the top silly then.Because stabs and slashes CKT got in KC are minor wounds compared to BFS
:nerd:

[Markgway]

We're all different.

Killer Constable would be in my Shaw top ten.

[kungfusamurai]

So I take it you find ending of Boxer From Shantung over the top silly then.Because stabs and slashes CKT got in KC are minor wounds compared to BFS
:nerd: I would say there's a bit of a difference. If it all happens in the final battle, you can assume the guy is running on adrenaline. Yeah, the blood loss is severe, but he's just going and going until it's over. With Killer Constable, mind you I haven't watched it in a wall, I just recall him getting really badly injured over a long period of time. If all of his injuries were inflicted in the final battle, I'd understand. Maybe I was just irritated by the film overall, so I was less forgiving. :)

KFS

[Blood Sword]

I would say there's a bit of a difference. If it all happens in the final battle, you can assume the guy is running on adrenaline. Yeah, the blood loss is severe, but he's just going and going until it's over. With Killer Constable, mind you I haven't watched it in a wall, I just recall him getting really badly injured over a long period of time. If all of his injuries were inflicted in the final battle, I'd understand. Maybe I was just irritated by the film overall, so I was less forgiving. :)

KFS
oh you are right on that.I have not watched it for a while either but I recall he gets wounded in fight with ku feng and when troops arrive.

[Iron Boat]

What I like about Killer Constable is that it was a throwback, it seems during the early 80s a lot of the films are comedies, wire fu, Shaws is actually packing it in... In Killer Constable, Chen Kuan Tai, brings back an old school character type and did a hardcore movie. I like that.

[Blood Sword]

I think Blood Brothers is the worst Shaw I have seen. Absolutely abysmal.
:Ayociexp122:
Well,if you are into more into kung-fu comedies or flick where is fights aplenty like venom movies I can see you might feel Blood Sword not your cup of tea..There is just few fights and not comedy.
I found storyline@BB extremely entertaining.

[Iron Boat]

Blood Brothers is great film, a classic, its a martial arts drama and no one should confuse it with a typical chopsocky, if you need a surface level kung fu film, then Blood Brothers with its epic scope and storytelling is not for you. But definitely dont disrespect it by adding it to a worse film of all time thread, thats just straight disrespectful to me.

[Killer Meteor]

Blood Brothers is great film, a classic, its a martial arts drama and no one should confuse it with a typical chopsocky, if you need a surface level kung fu film, then Blood Brothers with its epic scope and storytelling is not for you. But definitely dont disrespect it by adding it to a worse film of all time thread, thats just straight disrespectful to me.

Blood Brothers is odd. One of the very best as far as plot, acting and tone is concerned, but the fighting is very awkward.

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

Blood Brothers is great film, a classic, its a martial arts drama and no one should confuse it with a typical chopsocky, if you need a surface level kung fu film, then Blood Brothers with its epic scope and storytelling is not for you. But definitely dont disrespect it by adding it to a worse film of all time thread, thats just straight disrespectful to me.

Of course everyone is entitled to their preferences, but what I find stranger than these type of films being discussed as worst of's is what people choose as best films of the genre. Very strange picks indeed.

[Blood Sword]

Of course everyone is entitled to their preferences, but what I find stranger than these type of films being discussed as worst of's is what people choose as best films of the genre. Very strange picks indeed.
In earlier mentioned Challenge of the masters and 10 tigers of kwan tung I would not include into top10 but both would be@top30..well,tigers barely but challenge easily.

[Markgway]

Fans of classic Hong Kong cinema like Blood Brothers.

Fans of fighting films don't.

[Iron Boat]

Blood Brothers is odd. One of the very best as far as plot, acting and tone is concerned, but the fighting is very awkward.

I dont think its odd at all, its simply a film that takes its time. The director clearly wanted to make a different kind of film, a serious martial arts picture. Now if you are watching it strictly for the kung fu then it may not deliver what your looking for, yet with that said, I dont find the fighting to be all that bad, only the rolling death scenes of extras. I love Chen Kuan Tai's performance in the film, and Ti Lung and David Chiang at least have some real motivation behind their memorable end fight. The way I see it, I compare it to other films of its time, if you comparing it to modern taste in kung fu film then its bland, but for 73 it was alright.

[Iron Boat]

In earlier mentioned Challenge of the masters and 10 tigers of kwan tung I would not include into top10 but both would be@top30..well,tigers barely but challenge easily.

Challenge of the Masters isn't a bad film, it just doesn't do anything for me, its lukewarm, but I must admit it is a chore for me to watch 10 Tigers of Kwangtung, no matter how many times I see it, I can not grasp at all what the director is trying to accomplish with this film. The only thing that even stands out to me is the beheading at the end.

[Killer Meteor]

Challenge of the Masters isn't a bad film, it just doesn't do anything for me, its lukewarm, but I must admit it is a chore for me to watch 10 Tigers of Kwangtung, no matter how many times I see it, I can not grasp at all what the director is trying to accomplish with this film. The only thing that even stands out to me is the beheading at the end.

Challenge is lukewarm for sure. Ten Tigers at least has camp OTT humour (albiet likely unintentional) to make it easier viewing.

[AbeRudder]

Ten Tigers was pretty horrible as a film but it does have some wicked fighting particularly the fight with Wong Li and that other bloke who used the props. Im surprised to see Blood Brothers being mentioned in this thread even as someone who watches kung movies mostly for the fighting i loved that movie. The fighting itself was a bit slow at times but it has one of the best stories ive seen in a kung fu movie.

[mshengxiaolong]

I wasn't too crazy about Duel of the Iron Fist.I would have to see it again to know for sure if I'd like it.I haven't seen it in 26 yrs

[Blood Sword]

I do not have very fond memories of angry guest or 4 riders but then again modern day shaws are not really for me.

But still it has been very long time since saw them I maybe better give them another chance

[Killer Meteor]

I do not have very fond memories of angry guest or 4 riders but then again modern day shaws are not really for me.

But still it has been very long time since saw them I maybe better give them another chance

I enjoyed Four Riders a lot. I prefer modern day Shaws - 70s Hong Kong is a much more eyecatching place then boring old teahouse and long wigs.

That said, Four Riders is SUPPOSED to be set in 50's Korea, lol

[Cesare]

Four Riders is IMHO a pretty awesome film.

[Iron Boat]

4 Riders, one of the few Shaws I haven't seen

[Blood Sword]

Lust For Love Of A Chinese Courtesan was quite a waste of time...There was fighting about 2 mins in total but worse is storyline uninteresting.

On plus-side 2 women who play lead roles are drop dead gorgeous:smile:

But definitely weak film compared to intimate confessions...

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

The best thing about Angry Guest is Chang Cheh playing the role of a japanese crime boss. He even does a little fighting.

[Iron Boat]

Angry Guest had misleading cover art, it showed DC & Ti Lung on the cover looking pissed carrying butcher knives, I thought it would be similiar to Vengeance, wrong, false advertising.

[Morgoth Bauglir]

Fans of classic Hong Kong cinema like Blood Brothers.

Fans of fighting films don't.

I can't agree with that. We may just be seeing this differently, but isn't classic HK cinema kung fu and swordplay movies? So isn't classic HK cinema and fighting films pretty much the same thing? Sure it would be great to have a movie that has great storytelling, acting, fighting, and everything else, but there's just not a lot of perfect kf movies out there.

To me Blood Brothers is almost a perfect movie. It doesn't bother me that the action looks like it's from 72 or 73. So it wasn't way ahead of it's time. That's fine with me. I still think the action is good. I think the story and acting is so good in BB maybe that's why I overlook the slow moving action. When Chiang rushes in on Ti Lung after Ti Lung has CKT killed, that was some great drama. I don't even remember how good the kung fu exchanges are (though I'm pretty sure they are damn good!). I just remember how good the directing, acting, and camera work is, and how intense it is. That's what makes that fight great to me. And is one of the many many reasons of why it's a great movie.

And MArkgway sorry to take another one of your quotes and use it to propel myself into a rant. It's coincidence I guess. I just have strong feelings on this movie.


EDIT- ok decided to pop BB in before I head to bed, and only 10 minutes in I'm impressed with the action. I hadn't watched it in at least a year. The fighting does feel a bit "awkward". I can't put my finger on it. It's no Delightful Forest, but it's still pretty damn good!

Also, as we know, everyone has different opinions, and everyone's opinions should be respected. I'm yet to meet the person that agrees with me on every movie. Or even agree with me on 90% of movies. If everyone starts thinking the same way and agreeing on everything, then we have a problem that we really need to analyze. Edit again- I just realized this last comment was not necasarry on this thread. I was reading another thread where I thought the poster budafinger (?) was getting a bit out of line. Time for me to put the wine down and go to bed:tongue:

[vengeanceofhumanlanterns]

I have to agree with Morgoth. Blood Brothers has a very thoughtful storyline (probably one of the best in the genre). Up there with Avenging Eagle, The Duel, Vengeance, and Human Lanterns. It actually supercedes these films with its romantic motives. The fighting is (at times) a bit tame, but there are some well choreographed combat scenes.

[Markgway]

I can't agree with that. We may just be seeing this differently, but isn't classic HK cinema kung fu and swordplay movies? So isn't classic HK cinema and fighting films pretty much the same thing?

Not exclusively. There's a lot more to HK cinema than just martial arts movies. That was as true in the seventies as it is now. Classic to me doesn't just mean old.

Sure it would be great to have a movie that has great storytelling, acting, fighting, and everything else, but there's just not a lot of perfect kf movies out there.

I agree up to a point. The majority of martial arts movies are flawed. Usually they have either great action and everything else sucks or quality storytelling and action that lacks (I suppose by general consensus The Blood Brothers would fall into this category). But there are movies which combine both.

To me Blood Brothers is almost a perfect movie. It doesn't bother me that the action looks like it's from 72 or 73.

Me either. I think it's one of Chang Cheh's best. The dated fighting style didn't bother me much. Chroeographers like Liu Chia-Liang were constantly progressing in their work. You can't expect 1981 level action in a 1973 film.

And MArkgway sorry to take another one of your quotes and use it to propel myself into a rant. It's coincidence I guess. I just have strong feelings on this movie.

Actually it sounds like we agree on the movie... lol

The fighting does feel a bit "awkward". I can't put my finger on it. It's no Delightful Forest, but it's still pretty damn good!

I wasn't mad on The Delightful Forest. Can't remember why.

[Morgoth Bauglir]

Delightful Forest is worth revisiting if you have not seen it in awhile. The opening fight is spectacular and filled with hate. It gets talked about often here for good reason. To me the action in Forest is on the level of a 1976 Shaw movie.

[Iron Boat]

Delightful Forest is good, just a bit slow in the middle. Also his injuries prior to the last battle healed just a bit too quickly even in Cheng Cheh's world.

[Alexandra]

I discovered some bizarre SB films. One of them, is The Bod Squad (1974). I watched the german version. "Das blutige Schwerter Rache" (1978). Directed by Chih - Hung Kuei, the movie is not my taste but there are audience for all the genres and syles.

Is a catastrophe of mixed characters like girls half or total naked fighting an unreal martial arts skills, pirates, ninjas, sailors, concubines, a mad emperor.... I just could not believe the scene of the girls (spies of the west ... something like Bond's girls ---only in dreams) in bikini swim dress, trying to learn some weird kung fu "technique" from one of the Emperor's concubine.... some people found this movie fun, for me not.

[shaolin drunkard]

I tried to watch "madam slender plum"...as much as I love shaws and all their actors there is limit and with this it reached it at 30 mins...

[Tosh]

I discovered some bizarre SB films. One of them, is The Bod Squad (1974). I watched the german version. "Das blutige Schwerter Rache" (1978). Directed by Chih - Hung Kuei, the movie is not my taste but there are audience for all the genres and syles.

Is a catastrophe of mixed characters like girls half or total naked fighting an unreal martial arts skills, pirates, ninjas, sailors, concubines, a mad emperor.... I just could not believe the scene of the girls (spies of the west ... something like Bond's girls ---only in dreams) in bikini swim dress, trying to learn some weird kung fu "technique" from one of the Emperor's concubine.... some people found this movie fun, for me not.

Hmmm pirates, ninjas, Bond girls mixed in a shaw movie? Sounds like my kind of weird:xd:

[razorclam]

Delightful Forest is excellent. I've seen about a 150 Shaw Brothers films since Celestial started reintroducing the world to these gems. As I watched these films I came to the realization that I had seen every great Shaw Brothers film as kid. Delightful Forest made me rethink that notion.

[shaolin drunkard]

and SLICE OF DEATH (awesome name, sounds like a movie about killer pizza).
Is this same as shaolin abbot?David chiang movie...I have not yet watched it....

[Mark Pollard]

Yes, A SLICE OF DEATH is the alternate U.S. title for ABBOT OF SHAOLIN. Crash Cinema used it for their VHS and DVD releases of the English-dubbed World Northal print. The film was originally released under that title in the U.S. by World Northal in 1982. I believe it had a limited theatrical run before appearing on the Black Belt Theater TV series.

http://kungfucinema.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=55&pictureid=4799

In my opinion the movie is pretty bad compared to films Chiang starred in during the late '60s and early '70s. However I haven't seen it in years and my only real memory of it is being distracted by seams in wallpaper that was unconvincingly painted to look like the sky.

[shaolin drunkard]

Thanks Mark.I try to watch it today,I have seen pic where chiang stands at log,scene looks quite similar one in...uhh,was it men from the monastery:ooh:

[teako170]

Goes to show you that even a good director (Ho Meng Hua) with a stellar cast can make a dud. Always felt DC was totally miscast in this one. Not saying it would have been any better if there had been a different lead but I enjoyed the dreaded Drunken Master 3 more than this one.

[peringaten]

I don't think Shao Abbot is too bad, it's just a bit sloppy, especially in the fight dept where it seems underdeveloped first takes will do & that's that I guess, although with a little pick up here & there... but it is nice to see a film take on the monk Gee Sin Sim See (DC's character), a fabled character in Chinese martial mythology arguably as important as the Hung Xi Guan's & Fang Shi Yu's of this world, but oft-neglected in the shao cycle & ilk era works. Interesting for me to see where they went with him even if it ended up a duffer.

[The Dragon]

Goes to show you that even a good director (Ho Meng Hua) with a stellar cast can make a dud. Always felt DC was totally miscast in this one. Not saying it would have been any better if there had been a different lead but I enjoyed the dreaded Drunken Master 3 more than this one.


Well at least Lo Lieh reprises his role as Pai Mei...?

[KyFi]

As I've said before about Shaolin Abbot---yes, the fight scenes look more like they were from 1974 instead of from 1979, when the movie was made. However, since I love Shaw movies from 1974, this isn't really a problem for me. :wink:

[Asmo]

http://content6.flixster.com/movie/10/99/90/10999052_det.jpg
This is the version I have (Crash). Who is that guy on the cover from this movie? I've seen him in some venoms films as an extra (KWTGA comes to mind). And as the fisherman expert in 5 SUPERFIGHTERS.

Jamie Luk Kim Ming.

[Markgway]

Coward Bastard - what a piece of shit!

[shaolin drunkard]

Considering pure non-comedy kungfu/wu xia I would say water margin is worst.So much good actors and nothing really happens there.It`s just drop dead boring.All men are brothers makes up for it tho it you watch them in row, gives nice overall impression for duo.

[Asmo]

Considering pure non-comedy kungfu/wu xia I would say water margin is worst.So much good actors and nothing really happens there.It`s just drop dead boring.All men are brothers makes up for it tho it you watch them in row, gives nice overall impression for duo.

I might agree. Put it this way, Water Margin is the only Shaw title I fell asleep while watching, and I wasn't tired.

[bratty]

Water Margin is one of my favorites, if not my very favorite Shaw.

[shaolin drunkard]

Water Margin is one of my favorites, if not my very favorite Shaw.

I might give it a 2nd try but extremely likely I still find watching walls more interesting than this....
Well, cool if/as there are dudes around who appreciate water margin tho..

[Tosh]

Corpse Mania - wtf?

[Sambojits]

I really enjoyed Corpse Mania. It was very much like a Chinese giallo. Killer Snakes on the other hand...

[masterofoneinchpunch]

I really enjoyed Corpse Mania. It was very much like a Chinese giallo. Killer Snakes on the other hand...

Yeah I felt bad for the snakes. There's something really creepy about Killer Snakes.

Both are better than Journey of the Doomed though. I have yet to see a Shaw Brothers film I liked less than that film.

[popsjnr]

Bloody Parrot is a classic...wicked Pak Biao sword shapes and a pretty girl wandering around naked during the finale for NO reason whatsoever. As for Challenge of the Masters being a bad movie...stop smoking that stuff...that's my favourite Wong Fei Hung movie ever classic Hung Kuen training and correct Mo Duk. As for my worst Journey of the Doomed, Little Dragon Maiden, Amourous Woman of the Tang Dynasty are all pretty terrible.

[gravedigger666]

Bloody Parrot is a classic...wicked Pak Biao sword shapes abd a pretty girl wandering around naked during the finale for NO reason whatsoever. As for Challenge of the Masters being a bad movie...stop smoking that stuff...that's my favourite Wong Fei Hung movie ever classic Hung Kuen training and correct Mo Duk. As for my worst Journey of the Doomed, Little Dragon Maiden, Amourous Woman of the Tang Dynasty are all pretty terrible.

I think little dragon maiden was okay....crazy shaolin disciples was terrible but as it`s out of print and might have some value on ebay I do not throw it to trashcan or deliver into 2nd hand store.

[Alexandra]

http://martial-arts-museum.de/shaw-brothers-lobbycards/german-sb-lobbycards-video-dvd-and-tv-releases/virgins-of-the-seven-seas-sb/

Virgins of the Seven Seas (1974)
Thanks to Easternfreak Martial Art Museum for the great lobbycards collection!

[gravedigger666]

http://martial-arts-museum.de/shaw-brothers-lobbycards/german-sb-lobbycards-video-dvd-and-tv-releases/virgins-of-the-seven-seas-sb/

Virgins of the Seven Seas (1974)
Thanks to Easternfreak Martial Art Museum for the great lobbycards collection!Hmmm, interesting

[gravedigger666]

Here's some I find to be a chore to get through...

THE GHOST STORY--Gorgeous set design but lackluster sex and ghost tales build to an incredibly bizarre climax that recalls the inanity of Robert Tai complete with battling wizard, naked kung fu fighting women and a giant female statue come to life shooting laser beams.



I think it was not that bad.1st part where lady ghost gets to taste his own medicine and turns into same item as his victims was interesting.From that it`s bit downhill but in the end things improve a bit.Overall not bad timewaster and I was even able to watch it wihtout using FFW at one session.Not highly recommended but if you see it at bargain bin/2nd hand shop I would say it`s worth picking up.

[Alexandra]

Not the worse, but the movie of all the Fu Sheng's filmography that dislike me, I insist, not the worse of SB, or bad movie, simply, is not my taste: Heaven and Hell.

[Xample]

I thought Challenge of the Masters was my least favourite, but as far as quality is concerned, Ten Tigers Of Kwantung was pretty wretched - good fun though

i remember when i saw ten tigers on vhs some ten years ago, and i was like wtf? LOL then i watched it years later and enjoyed it for the fluff that it was.