Many independent kung fu films of the ’70s featured romanticized tales of bandits, criminals and the authorities who brought them to justice. In a few cases, the distinction between good and evil became subjective. THE DAMNED is a well constructed example where the hero, as played by Don Wong Tao, lives in a world of corruption and like everyone else, is willing to lower his standards to get what he wants. Scripted by Ni Kuang, one of Asia’s most prolific and talented screenwriters, the film is a bloody, heroic tragedy that is both startling in its brutality and satisfying in its construction.

Wong is an explosive kung fu star who’s unmistakably dynamic and powerful movements dominate the film’s action sequences. He plays Shang Li, a coach driver and whip expert who is hired by a notorious bandit named The Sparrow (Man Kong-lung) to assist him in stealing a substantial shipment of silver coin. The normally lawful Shang agrees because his girlfriend is owned by a brothel, back in the days when indentured servitude was all the rage. Now he needs money to buy her before she’s sold to another client. But his refusal to kill the people transporting the silver leads to a fight, leaving the Sparrow dead.

Complicating matters is that the money was meant to be divided between a gang of bandits led by Angelo Mao and Phillip Ko and a corrupt official named Pao Cheng-fang (Lo Lieh). After a scuffle, the bandits are noble enough to let Shang keep their share and arrange for Pao to receive his share. But Pao wants it all so he kills the bandit leaders and lays a trap for Shang at the brothel.

The film is less about history and more about a lot of excellent combat that is also justifiable, something all too rare in this genre. I would thank Ni Kuang and the director for that. Instead of fighting for some esoteric weapon, style or status, the characters struggle for things most people can relate to, money and sex. Don Wong is “The Damned,” although every major character in the film could fit under that description. The film ends tragically for most of the cast, but in the way a classic Chang Cheh film does, in rousing good violence, complete with beheadings.

Lo Lieh is at his despicable best when he begins using a deadly weapon that is basically a chain with several hoops on either end that fits around the neck, wrists or ankles of their victim. With sufficient force, he is able to rip their head right off. It sounds worse than it looks. Angela Mao shows off her acrobatic prowess and classical form, but as a secondary character she has the odds stacked against her. As her accomplice in crime, Phillip Ko has more of a dramatic role that is never fully realized, but at least we get to see him in several quality action scenes.

Interestingly and rare, the film is directed by a woman, Kao Pao-shu. It’s hard to tell if a feminine touch dominates, but her direction is definitely above average. A competent use of perspective is welcome and the action is generally framed with care. Some of the female characters do exhibit stronger personalities such as the brothel owner who is a real witch. And of course, Mao’s very demeanor exudes intensity. Overall, THE DAMNED is a tad dated in its execution and still suffers from minor plot holes that are simply a staple of kung fu movies. Mao’s role is too small, but there are good performances from Lo Lieh and especially Don Wong. This is a good film with an outstanding final scene that you’ll definitely want to hang around for.

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