Hong Kong genre superstar David Chiang (VENGEANCE) is paired with Taiwanese genre superstarlet Hsu Feng (A TOUCH OF ZEN) for this slow-moving, low-budget kung fu drama. THE LOST KUNG FU SECRETS has nothing to do with any secrets of kung fu, lost or found and everything to do with presenting a poorly-made movie on the cheap while exploiting its stars’ popularity in the process. Despite stiff choreography, it still benefits from a dynamite performance by Hsu.

In a slight twist to the usual conflicts associated with China’s past, a rebellious warlord (Paul Chun) clashes with Qing forces in an attempt to unite China under a Christian flag. Overpowered by Qing forces, the warlord plots to kidnap a Qing general (Wong Hap) in hopes of gaining the upper hand. Cheap production standards with especially shoddy set décor and costuming do little to help sell this premise.

David Chiang is a martial arts master loyal to the general. He uncovers the plot and fingers the general’s top lieutenant (Choi Wang) as a traitor. Without proof, Chiang is unable to convince the general so he vows to stay close and protect both the general and his family.

The general falls into his lieutenant’s trap in spite of Chiang’s best efforts and is captured. Chiang and the general’s daughter (Hsu Feng) escape and struggle to get the general back while battling the warlord’s forces.

It’s a simple plot with even simpler execution from director Joe Law. The great flaw is the action, which comes in small doses of mostly rigid and stagy movements. There is far too much dialogue in between that quickly becomes a vague and muddled series of exchanges filtered through the poorly translated English dubbing.

A big hurdle for the action directors was clearly the lack of highly skilled stunt actors in leading roles. As charismatic as David Chiang is, he is still not a great kung fu screen fighter, nor is Hsu Feng when compared to the likes of Angela Mao or Kara Hui. Leading action villain Choi Wang has the moves and physique but not the personality. He’s further undermined by a ridiculous set of spiked armor that he’s forced to wear for the finale match. It looks like something straight out of FLASH GORDON, rather than Qing Dynasty China.

Chiang is able to handle weapons and unarmed moves, including some very efficient disarming techniques, yet his speed, power and level of intensity are way off. As he robotically lumbers through each sparring session, Chiang begins to take on both the personality and presence of those silly armored fighters in SHAOLIN WOODEN MEN.

In contrast, Hsu Feng appears in far greater command of her action role, perhaps because she’s had more experience with the Taiwanese stunt crew or perhaps because she’s simply a better screen fighter. Regardless, Hsu’s rather mild-mannered character during non-action scenes is pleasantly transformed by fierce fighting skills into the steely-eyed swordswoman genre fans may recall from films like A TOUCH OF ZEN. The difference is that her routines are more complex this time. When she’s not briefly getting doubled during acrobatic moves, Hsu belts out some wicked dual-wield, short stick fighting and open-handed group fighting moves. She sells them all with grace and intensity.

The direction on the feature is poor all around, but I would especially point out the finale. A bad decision is made to not only force Hsu Feng and David Chiang to fight two separate battles, but for viewers to have to watch both at the same time. Both contain a gimmick. Hsu’s fight against generic fighters involves a ring of fire while Chiang has to battle Choi Wang in his silly suit of armor. Neither fight is spectacular, but switching back and forth between them with choppy editing only diminishes the rhythm and momentum that each fight generates on its own.

THE LOST KUNG FU SECRETS is yet another example of the low-grade kung fu movies that have contributed to giving the genre a bad name. Low budgets and rudimentary scripts are negligible, but mediocre screen fighting is unforgivable. If not for a capable performance by Hsu Feng, I’d dismiss the movie altogether as a waste of time. David Chiang enthusiasts should stick with his performances while under the direction Chang Cheh. Films like ANONYMOUS HEROES AND DUEL OF FISTS come to mind. He’s rarely if ever performed better even though he’s remained active in martial arts film and television work for over 30 years.

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