venoms5
06-07-2008, 08:31 PM
COME DRINK WITH ME 1966 Action ****/ Blood ***/ Movie ****1/2
Cheng Pei-Pei (Golden Swallow), Yueh Hua (Drunken Cat Fan Da Wei), Chen Hung Lieh (Sleek Face Yan Zhong Yun), Chao Hsiung (Bandit), Feng I (Bandit), Ku Feng (Bandit), Li Ying Chung (Smiling Tiger Lao San), Shen Lao (Lao Wu), Yang Chi Ching (Monk Liao Kong/Diao Jin Tang), Ho Li Jen (Zhi Neng Monk), Wong Chung (Zhang Bu Qing), Wong Yeh Ping (White Eyed Wolf), Yuen Siu Tien (Bandit)
Directed by King Chuan (Hu)
A gang of ruthless killers kidnaps Zhang Bu Qing, a government official, on his way to the capital. A letter is dispatched to the Governor, Zhang's father, Zhi Jun demanding the release of the captured leader of the gang whom is awaiting execution. The killers mandate their leader be set free within five days lest Zhang Bu Qing will be killed as well. Golden Swallow, the sister of Zhang, sets off to rescue him but the gang proves powerful. A lowly beggar named Drunken Cat assists her in liberating her captured brother. Unknown to Golden Swallow, Drunken Cat is being pursued by his big brother, Monk Liao Kong who covets the powerful Green Wand previously held by the Head Master of their Green Bamboo kung fu sect. Having secretly killed his teacher for the weapon, Drunken Cat managed to steal it away from his despicable big brother. With two evils to fight, Golden Swallow and Drunken Cat meet with the villains for a final bloody duel.
King Hu's classic of balletic kung fu fluidity is also speckled with occasional bursts of perfectly timed musical cues that enhance the on screen action. Layered with what appears to be an original, albeit traditional Chinese opera sound, this music propels the many lengthy, but deliberately paced action scenes. The music skillfully aids in the slow, suspenseful build to the outcome of the confrontations. A number of panning shots also capture the violence of the battles rather nicely. The only negative, (and it's a minor negative) is that there seems to be two different movies on display here. One involving Pei-pei attempting to rescue her brother, and the second act, (which features less of the Golden Swallow character) dealing with Drunken Cat confronting his martial arts brother who is after a special claim handed down from the previous master of their clan. Also, a group of female sword fighters seem to appear out of nowhere for the end battle more out of convenience than anything else.
It's interesting how influential this film really was on everything that came after it. From Chang Cheh all the way to the incessantly mentioned in America but derided by its target audience in Asia, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2002). One Shaw Brothers film in particular that seems to have been inspired by COME DRINK WITH ME (1966) is the gore drenched THE BLACK TAVERN (1972). Whereas King Hu's film revels in photographic beauty and particularities, Yip Wing Tsui's film revels in gruesome splatter and the shock factor. Both films feature long set pieces inside an Inn (BLACK TAVERN is set almost exclusively inside an inn) and also a singing beggar who croons a tale that explains either a character or situation found in the film. The opening fight scene is quite gory considering Chang Cheh's groundbreaking actioner ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN (1967) hadn't been released yet unleashing a whole new spectrum of graphic violence on screen. The use of smoke in this picture would seem to inspire Chu Yuan who would become obsessed with the use of the fog machine from the mid 70s onwards. It's amazing after finally seeing this film at just how many later productions followed the template set down by Hu's operatic and musically fascinating picture.
Cheng Pei Pei exudes lots of fortuitous sexuality as Golden Swallow. Her curvaceous features shine through in nearly every scene she occupies. Her movements in the fight scenes are beautiful to watch and unlike a fair number of other female performers in fighting roles, Cheng Pei-pei did her own fight scenes and looked good doing them. A large part of this is no doubt due to her career as a dancer. Also her eagerness and enthusiasm helped make her roles a success. Her first altercation inside the inn is a memorable one as she has a run in with members of the villainous gang who have kidnapped her brother. Each member reverently tests her skills and she returns the gesture in kind letting them know that she could easily cut them down should she so desire. The fight inside the temple is although noteworthy wherein Golden Swallow finds the antagonists are lying in wait for her there. Cheng returned for the sequel two years later in GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968). Ironically, her character isn't the main focal point of that movie. Despite the title, it was a choice on the part of director Chang Cheh. Both films couldn't be more different but are classics for totally different reasons. Here, Cheng Pei-pei's character is part of a love triangle involving Silver Roc (Jimmy Wang Yu) and Golden Whip (Lo Lieh). The title might be at first misleading, but Golden Swallow is the center by which the other protagonists revolve. Golden Whip is in love with her and she is in love with vengeance fueled Silver Roc. He goes on a killing spree annihilating any and all brigands in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone; by leaving Golden Swallows calling card at the scene of the massacres in the hopes of drawing her out to him. Cheng Pei-pei was notably unhappy doing this movie as Chang Cheh was hesitant to let her participate in what little action there was for her yet her time on COME DRINK WITH ME (1966) was a much more pleasant experience for the inspired and vigorous actress.
Yueh Hua lights up the screen as Drunken Cat, a mysterious beggar character who has an agenda of his own. It is he who makes up the bulk of the films second half. According to Yueh Hua, King Hu was somewhat disenchanted with him playing the kung fu beggar and wanted an older actor but at the behest of Sir Run Run Shaw, Hua got the part. Supposedly, this is the reason Hu left Shaw Brothers as he did not have the free reign nor the amount of time he would have liked to make his films. According to Chang Cheh, this is true. The latter half of the film involving Drunken Cat and his fateful duel with the evil monk where both utilize their magic kung fu seems out of place with everything that came before it. There is mention that possibly the Shaw's were despondent over the film and ordered changes resulting in the melding of swordplay and fantasy elements. While it is a bit jarring, you could think of it as two supreme martial artists who have reached the zenith of their skills as both vie for the symbol that will make the winner the head master of their clan.
It was also nice to see Chen Hung Lieh in such an early role cast as a heartless villain and sporting a death-like complexion upon his face and neck. His character is thoroughly summed up after he blinds a mischevious little boy monk with his poisonous darts just before ordering one of his subordinates to "help him". Ku Feng is also seen a few times and Chao Hsiung gets to show off his scowl and skills in most of the action scenes. He was featured in supporting roles as major bad guys during the late 60s through the mid 70s and got a shot at a lead twice as a hero but he unfortunately, never quite caught on with audiences.
Location shots mix with some gorgeous Shaw sets from the always reliable Johnson Tsao. His stunningly ornate sets are well served by Japanese cinematographer Tadashi Nishimoto (He Lan Sheng). Numerous set ups reveal an attention to detail as well as another layer of ingenuity such as the many panning shots during the sword fights and a nice reverse panning shot as the camera pulls back from the outside of the temple revealing the bad guys closing the doors as the camera continues to pass and we see them locking Golden Swallow inside shortly before they attack her.
The new Dragon Dynasty DVD is stunning and contains an audio commentary with Bey Logan and Cheng Pei-pei, photo gallery and interviews with Cheng Pei-pei, Yueh Hua, Tsui Hark and Bey Logan. The interviews range from 13 to 17 minutes a piece and divulge a lot of information as well as numerous behind the scenes shots.
I wouldn't say this was a favorite Shaw Brothers film, but it definitely deserves its classic status and should be seen by all fans of the genre to view the beginnings of great things to come. Not just in the swordplay genre, but the martial arts genre as a whole as others would make an even bigger splash (such as Chang Cheh). But had not King Hu directed COME DRINK WITH ME (1966), than it's possible the martial arts film landscape would be a completely different place as we know it today.
Cheng Pei-Pei (Golden Swallow), Yueh Hua (Drunken Cat Fan Da Wei), Chen Hung Lieh (Sleek Face Yan Zhong Yun), Chao Hsiung (Bandit), Feng I (Bandit), Ku Feng (Bandit), Li Ying Chung (Smiling Tiger Lao San), Shen Lao (Lao Wu), Yang Chi Ching (Monk Liao Kong/Diao Jin Tang), Ho Li Jen (Zhi Neng Monk), Wong Chung (Zhang Bu Qing), Wong Yeh Ping (White Eyed Wolf), Yuen Siu Tien (Bandit)
Directed by King Chuan (Hu)
A gang of ruthless killers kidnaps Zhang Bu Qing, a government official, on his way to the capital. A letter is dispatched to the Governor, Zhang's father, Zhi Jun demanding the release of the captured leader of the gang whom is awaiting execution. The killers mandate their leader be set free within five days lest Zhang Bu Qing will be killed as well. Golden Swallow, the sister of Zhang, sets off to rescue him but the gang proves powerful. A lowly beggar named Drunken Cat assists her in liberating her captured brother. Unknown to Golden Swallow, Drunken Cat is being pursued by his big brother, Monk Liao Kong who covets the powerful Green Wand previously held by the Head Master of their Green Bamboo kung fu sect. Having secretly killed his teacher for the weapon, Drunken Cat managed to steal it away from his despicable big brother. With two evils to fight, Golden Swallow and Drunken Cat meet with the villains for a final bloody duel.
King Hu's classic of balletic kung fu fluidity is also speckled with occasional bursts of perfectly timed musical cues that enhance the on screen action. Layered with what appears to be an original, albeit traditional Chinese opera sound, this music propels the many lengthy, but deliberately paced action scenes. The music skillfully aids in the slow, suspenseful build to the outcome of the confrontations. A number of panning shots also capture the violence of the battles rather nicely. The only negative, (and it's a minor negative) is that there seems to be two different movies on display here. One involving Pei-pei attempting to rescue her brother, and the second act, (which features less of the Golden Swallow character) dealing with Drunken Cat confronting his martial arts brother who is after a special claim handed down from the previous master of their clan. Also, a group of female sword fighters seem to appear out of nowhere for the end battle more out of convenience than anything else.
It's interesting how influential this film really was on everything that came after it. From Chang Cheh all the way to the incessantly mentioned in America but derided by its target audience in Asia, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2002). One Shaw Brothers film in particular that seems to have been inspired by COME DRINK WITH ME (1966) is the gore drenched THE BLACK TAVERN (1972). Whereas King Hu's film revels in photographic beauty and particularities, Yip Wing Tsui's film revels in gruesome splatter and the shock factor. Both films feature long set pieces inside an Inn (BLACK TAVERN is set almost exclusively inside an inn) and also a singing beggar who croons a tale that explains either a character or situation found in the film. The opening fight scene is quite gory considering Chang Cheh's groundbreaking actioner ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN (1967) hadn't been released yet unleashing a whole new spectrum of graphic violence on screen. The use of smoke in this picture would seem to inspire Chu Yuan who would become obsessed with the use of the fog machine from the mid 70s onwards. It's amazing after finally seeing this film at just how many later productions followed the template set down by Hu's operatic and musically fascinating picture.
Cheng Pei Pei exudes lots of fortuitous sexuality as Golden Swallow. Her curvaceous features shine through in nearly every scene she occupies. Her movements in the fight scenes are beautiful to watch and unlike a fair number of other female performers in fighting roles, Cheng Pei-pei did her own fight scenes and looked good doing them. A large part of this is no doubt due to her career as a dancer. Also her eagerness and enthusiasm helped make her roles a success. Her first altercation inside the inn is a memorable one as she has a run in with members of the villainous gang who have kidnapped her brother. Each member reverently tests her skills and she returns the gesture in kind letting them know that she could easily cut them down should she so desire. The fight inside the temple is although noteworthy wherein Golden Swallow finds the antagonists are lying in wait for her there. Cheng returned for the sequel two years later in GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968). Ironically, her character isn't the main focal point of that movie. Despite the title, it was a choice on the part of director Chang Cheh. Both films couldn't be more different but are classics for totally different reasons. Here, Cheng Pei-pei's character is part of a love triangle involving Silver Roc (Jimmy Wang Yu) and Golden Whip (Lo Lieh). The title might be at first misleading, but Golden Swallow is the center by which the other protagonists revolve. Golden Whip is in love with her and she is in love with vengeance fueled Silver Roc. He goes on a killing spree annihilating any and all brigands in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone; by leaving Golden Swallows calling card at the scene of the massacres in the hopes of drawing her out to him. Cheng Pei-pei was notably unhappy doing this movie as Chang Cheh was hesitant to let her participate in what little action there was for her yet her time on COME DRINK WITH ME (1966) was a much more pleasant experience for the inspired and vigorous actress.
Yueh Hua lights up the screen as Drunken Cat, a mysterious beggar character who has an agenda of his own. It is he who makes up the bulk of the films second half. According to Yueh Hua, King Hu was somewhat disenchanted with him playing the kung fu beggar and wanted an older actor but at the behest of Sir Run Run Shaw, Hua got the part. Supposedly, this is the reason Hu left Shaw Brothers as he did not have the free reign nor the amount of time he would have liked to make his films. According to Chang Cheh, this is true. The latter half of the film involving Drunken Cat and his fateful duel with the evil monk where both utilize their magic kung fu seems out of place with everything that came before it. There is mention that possibly the Shaw's were despondent over the film and ordered changes resulting in the melding of swordplay and fantasy elements. While it is a bit jarring, you could think of it as two supreme martial artists who have reached the zenith of their skills as both vie for the symbol that will make the winner the head master of their clan.
It was also nice to see Chen Hung Lieh in such an early role cast as a heartless villain and sporting a death-like complexion upon his face and neck. His character is thoroughly summed up after he blinds a mischevious little boy monk with his poisonous darts just before ordering one of his subordinates to "help him". Ku Feng is also seen a few times and Chao Hsiung gets to show off his scowl and skills in most of the action scenes. He was featured in supporting roles as major bad guys during the late 60s through the mid 70s and got a shot at a lead twice as a hero but he unfortunately, never quite caught on with audiences.
Location shots mix with some gorgeous Shaw sets from the always reliable Johnson Tsao. His stunningly ornate sets are well served by Japanese cinematographer Tadashi Nishimoto (He Lan Sheng). Numerous set ups reveal an attention to detail as well as another layer of ingenuity such as the many panning shots during the sword fights and a nice reverse panning shot as the camera pulls back from the outside of the temple revealing the bad guys closing the doors as the camera continues to pass and we see them locking Golden Swallow inside shortly before they attack her.
The new Dragon Dynasty DVD is stunning and contains an audio commentary with Bey Logan and Cheng Pei-pei, photo gallery and interviews with Cheng Pei-pei, Yueh Hua, Tsui Hark and Bey Logan. The interviews range from 13 to 17 minutes a piece and divulge a lot of information as well as numerous behind the scenes shots.
I wouldn't say this was a favorite Shaw Brothers film, but it definitely deserves its classic status and should be seen by all fans of the genre to view the beginnings of great things to come. Not just in the swordplay genre, but the martial arts genre as a whole as others would make an even bigger splash (such as Chang Cheh). But had not King Hu directed COME DRINK WITH ME (1966), than it's possible the martial arts film landscape would be a completely different place as we know it today.