Rickshaw puller and resident Champion of Martial Arts, “Iron Bridge” Sam (Do Siu Chun) protects a government official sent by the Emperor to put a stop to the opium trade in a Chinese coastal city, while the local governor secretly plots to kill the official.

Sam the Iron Bridge is the second wire-fu film in the Martial Arts Trilogy beginning with White Lotus Cult and concluding with One Arm Hero. The principle cast remains intact, having defeated an evil cult and moved on to tackling opium smuggling. There are a number of “wired” fights that match the quality and style of the previous film, but uninspiring acting and a lethargic, derivative story makes this sequel less appealing.

The film starts off on the right foot with a fun teahouse brawl featuring Fennie Yuen as Keke, parading as a man. She pulls off a series of eye-catching moves with apparent ease. But then, the camera work sells the scene in a boldly kinetic fashion that could make just about any action novice look invincible. Fennie plays Keke, the daughter of Master Mu, who defies the emperor’s latest decree by continuing to participate in the trading of opium. Opium, of course, was a highly addictive drug that plagued China in the 18th and 19th century. British traders bled the country of natural resources as demand for the drug grew.

In response, the emperor sends a “Secret Officer” named Lin Tse-hsu to enforce the country’s ban on opium. He initially receives strong opposition from Admiral Kuan (Yue Hoi) who has been duped by Master Mu into believing that the drug, also called “Longlife Plaster” in what appears to be a slightly mangled translation, is beneficial. Lin proves the opposite with a company of soldiers as guinea pigs and Kuan has a change of heart.

It’s interesting to note at this point that no one in the film seems to care so much about what the emperor’s wishes are, but rather what their conscience tells them. It’s a moral issue and one that our hero Sam Liang (Do Siu Chun), nicknamed the “Iron Bridge” feels strongly about. Having earned the title of “Champion of Martial Arts” after winning a competition, Sam comes to the aid of Lin who is being attacked by Mu’s men. Sam is secretly recruited as Lin’s bodyguard so as not to openly oppose his master, a woman who despises the Qing government as played by former kung fu leading lady Lily Li. Her role is somewhat smaller in this film which is a shame since she is such a great actress.

As political intrigue heats up over the topic of opium, a love triangle is woven into the mix. After several combative encounters, Keke falls for Sam, but alas he is destined to marry his sweetheart Tieh (Yip Chuen Chan). In a rather ridiculous use of kung fu lore, Sam ends up on the receiving end of a poisonous palm blow that can only be cured by having intercourse with a virgin. Keke gladly seduces the semi-conscious Sam, but gives him up after he remains loyal to Tieh. All of this nonsense is wasted screen time for our stars. Do Siu Chun is devoid of personality and thoroughly unable to carry the leading role, except when he’s fighting.

Despite great costumes and period sets, Sam the Iron Bridge looks and feels like the weaker rehash of Once Upon a Time in China and Iron Monkey that it is. With virtually no humor, dry performances from all, and too much gabbing between action scenes, it is difficult to maintain interest in the story. (Miserable subtitles on Tai Seng’s edition doesn’t help.) In contrast, the martial arts action is expertly choreographed and uniformly entertaining. Had so many other superior wire-fu films with bigger stars not been released before or about the same time, this film might have stood out more prominently. As it is, this is a mildly diverting effort suitable for those who cannot get enough queue-wagging, semi-flying, wonder powder action.

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