Golden Mask (1980)

The Golden Mask hires Chi Kuan Chun to assassinate a man who turns out to be the assassin’s brother. In an effort to unmask his former employer, Kuan Chun finds himself caught up in an intricate plot to kill the master of Eagle House.

Just when you thought it was safe to wander the countryside, Golden Mask shows up to spoil your day. This convoluted camp fest is filled with more intrigue than most classic kung fu titles, while Chi Kuan Chun is in top form as an assassin out to catch a masked villain.

In a number of sloppily edited scenes, (Lun Chun Sun) Chi Kuan Chun is hired to kill a man who he belatedly discovers is his own brother. The man who hired him is a mysterious figure simply called the Golden Mask, in reference to the Buddha-like gold mask he wears to hide his identity. Its only learned later that the Golden Mask wanted Chun Sun’s brother dead so that he would not interfere with his father’s plot to kill Master Lu and take over his Eagle House. Taking his brother’s identity, Chun Sun is harassed by Lu’s son who eventually brings him to meet with his father where the assassin agrees to help the old man after realizing that Golden Mask is their common enemy. Having discovered the plot against him, Lu gathers Chun Sun and a number of other fighters around him in Eagle House to protect his life. Unfortunately for most everyone concerned, someone within the household is the real Golden Mask and he’s taking orders from one of the fighters now staying at the house. One by one, bodies begin to pile up as accusations fly and Chun Sun struggles to uncover the truth before Master Lu winds up dead, along with the rest of the occupants of Eagle House.

Despite many flaws, I couldn’t help enjoying this film. Old school fans of Chang Cheh’s work will get a kick out this one. Its filled with masked assassins, strange weapons such as flying circular blades, and complex plot twists. The kung fu action is pretty entertaining as well. Chi Kuan Chun is a seasoned performer who displays good skill, particularly with his open-handed and stick techniques. Stephen Tung Wai is the Golden Mask or the leading one, as the film has numerous masked villains running around which reminded me of 99 Cycling Swords (1983). Its likely that this talented filmmaker choreographed the action, especially since his own role is relatively small.

Its a shame that the camerawork and direction are so poorly executed. Even discounting the usual clipping associated with a pan and scan (full screen) version, its clear that too much emphasis is put on quick zooms, close shots, and unsteady handheld camerawork which makes actors and their actions hard to see clearly. The editing is too quick and choppy and several scenes even appear to be missing or moved around at key moments. But, the story is interesting enough and an attempt to keep you guessing is appreciated, even though its not entirely successful.

For true genre fans, Golden Mask is worth watching while more casual audiences will have less patience with the film’s technical flaws and campy action.