REVIEW: ‘Adventure for Imperial Treasure’ (1981)

Possessing a fair amount of humor, action and memorable backdrops, ADVENTURE FOR IMPERIAL TREASURE is a solid, if unremarkable old school kung fu title containing familiar elements that will appeal to fans of the genre.

Years after the Manchus overthrew the Ming Dynasty, many Ming treasures were stolen or smuggled out of China. To Ming loyalists and the general Chinese public these rare artifacts were symbols of the country itself and it was a matter of honor to protect these treasures as all costs. Numerous films have dealt with the subject including BLOOD TREASURY FIGHT (1979) and DRUNKEN MASTER 2 (1994). In ADVENTURE FOR IMPERIAL TREASURE, this treasure is locked away in a vault, apparently guarded by various traps that are described but, unfortunately never shown.

Like many kung fu film plots, the lives of various characters are intertwined in a seemingly preordained struggle where all roads intersect at one point or another. In this case, our hero, Shou Ching goes on a quest to avenge his father’s death and protect the treasure his father helped hide. Conveniently, Feng Kei had the old man killed while looking for the treasure. Enlivening the young man’s situation is an old beggar who gleefully hurls bean curd at Feng’s men, chases away a knife-wielding seductress and teaches the young man a few martial tricks. Add to that, Lo Yu Lan and her uncle who join forces with Shou Ching despite his hesitance. It turns out that Yu Lan is his sister and her uncle is the son of a monk who is the sole protector of the treasure.
In a rather improbable feat, the beggar literally whisks Shou Ching away from the deadly grasp of Feng, sacrificing himself in the process. This miraculously puts Shou Ching into the hands of the monk who grudgingly agrees to train the man in his own “secret style” of kung fu. Twelve flasks broken, eight wooden dummies thrashed and three years later Shou Ching is told by the monk to leave. As if waiting for those words, Lo Yu Lan, her uncle, and Feng and his lackeys appear from no where for the final confrontation.

No one expects the most sensible plots where classic kung fu reigns supreme. Thankfully, there are plenty of other elements to enjoy. The majority of the film is shot outdoors near a river and its levels of tranquil to somewhat perilous waterfalls. These waterfalls provides a convincing and pleasant backdrop for several scenes including one of the final fights that begins with Shou Ching and his opponent sparring precariously at the top of a rather large waterfall.

The old beggar is entertaining and displays some unusual party tricks such as spinning a bowl in the palm of his hand. While none of the kung fu performed is spectacular, it’s not bad and there is plenty of it. From white-haired villains and beggars skilled in kung fu to elaborate training exercises and the flagrant use of the word “bastard,” ADVENTURE FOR IMPERIAL TREASURE is like a kung fu all-you-can buffet. It’s not about the quality of the menu but rather the selection and quantity.