Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Kung Fu Manchu and The Faces of Fu!

(And Shaw Brothers Studios!)

Buddha bless you...

New DVD Releases: 5/11/10

On May 11th, 2010, Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock are releasing the following titles:

First off, "The Kid with the Golden Arm," a classic movie featuring the Venom clan, gets it's long awaited release on DVD. With Chang Cheh at the helm, you know what to expect... Good vs Bad, lots of gimmicks, and top notch fighting! Basic story, a large shipment of gold has to make it from point A to point B... with the good guys protecting it, and the bad guys trying to steal it. Well... as you can imagine this sets the stage for many confrontations involving a lot of crazy gimmicks and weapons. This is definitely one to check out!

Also dropping today from Tokyo Shock is "Deadly Duo" on the Blu-ray format (previously available on standard definition DVD). Classic Shaw mainstays David Chiang and Ti Lung star in this old-schooler also directed by Chang Cheh.

From the Media Blasters description:

"When a handsome prince is taken captive and guarded by a martial arts master, it's up to two powerful patriots to fight overwhelming odds. From the first fascinating minute to the final desperate battle to the death culminating in an unforgettably evocative conclusion - this duo is dynamic as well as deadly."

Kid with the Golden Arm opening


"You can take the gold now, I am going to get drunk..."

New DVD Releases: 4/27/10

A couple long awaited releases are hitting the shelves today, April 27th, 2010, both from Funimation.

First off, we have one of the most popular and sought after triad movies of all time, "Hong Kong Godfather." This brutal Shaw Brothers actioner stars good ol' Beardy (Leung Kar-Yan) as a triad who leaves the biz after his wife dies, so he can care for his daughter. Well, a few years later the triad gang boss is murdered by a power-hungry traitor among the ranks, and Beardy grabs his trusty old machete and heads out for revenge. What follows is a bunch of brutal and hard-hitting fun as Beardy cleans up one mess by making a very bloody other! The finale is pure chaos. GET IT!

Also released today is another Shaw flick, this time starring Ti Lung. "Opium and the Kung Fu Master" sees Lung as one of the Ten Tigers of Kwangtung. He gets a little too hooked on the chinaman's nightcap, and can no longer defend the town. As Ti Lung spirals into addiction, his rivals take over the town, and his young student is killed trying to defend his honor. Lung snaps out of it, cleans himself up, and then cleans up the town. The action and fights are classic in this late era Shaw production.

Hong Kong Godfather finale

"Buddha bless you..."

Kung Fu Time Capsule: One-Sheets

As an addendum of sorts to my last Time Capsule post on admats, I shuffled through my one-sheet collection and took pics of the posters I have for those fu flicks. So here I present to you "Kung Fu Warlords" and "Masked Avengers." Enjoy!

(click to enlarge)


(click to enlarge)

“Showing off is the fool's idea of glory...”

Kung Fu Time Capsule: Admats

Here's an admat for a Shaw Brothers double feature that played at the Lyric Theatre on the Deuce back in the early 1980's... The first film, "Kung Fu Warlords" is better known under it's actual title of "The Brave Archer." This classic starring Alexander Fu Sheng and directed by Chang Cheh spawned three sequels. The second film, "Masked Avengers," was another feature directed by Chang Cheh, this time starring three of the famous Venoms.

Overall I'd say it's a pretty cool double feature!

Scenes from Masked Avengers

“As you think, so shall you become...”

New DVD Releases: 4/06/10

Just a quick update on releases for April 6th, 2010. Well Go USA is releasing a few titles on Blu-ray. These titles are "Delightful Forest," "Brothers Five," and "The Heroic Ones." These classic Shaw Brothers films have all previously been available from Well Go USA in standard DVD, and now they're finally going the high definition route. Check out a previous review of "Delightful Forest" here.

Trailer for "The Heroic Ones"

"Amitabha Buddha..."

New DVD Releases: 3/23/10

Wow. A whole bunch of martial arts and asian cinema releases for Tuesday the 23rd! Let's start with the old and move up to the newer films...

First, coming to Blu-Ray from Criterion, we have Yojimbo and Sanjuro, two classic Kurasawa films. Here's a little run down from amazon.com:

Thanks to perhaps the most indelible character in Akira Kurosawa’s oeuvre, Yojimbo surpassed even Seven Samurai in popularity when it was released. The masterless samurai Sanjuro, who slyly manipulates two warring clans to his own advantage in a small, dusty village, was so entertainingly embodied by the brilliant Toshiro Mifune, that it was only a matter of time before he returned in a sequel. Made just one year later, Sanjuro matches Yojimbo’s storytelling dexterity, yet adds a layer of world-weary pragmatism that brings the duo to a thrilling and unforgettable conclusion.

Yojimbo (1961): To rid a terror-stricken village of corruption, wily masterless samurai Sanjuro turns a range war between two evil clans to his own advantage in Akira Kurosawa’s visually stunning and darkly comic Yojimbo.

Sanjuro (1962): In Kurosawa’s sly companion piece to Yojimbo, the jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan’s evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper, samurai on its ear.

Available individually, or together in a 2-disc Blu-Ray set!


Trailer for Yojimbo...



Next up we have the Red Ninja 3 Film Collection. This includes the movies "Ninjascope," (1966) "Watari the Conqueror," (1967) and "Watari and the Fantastiks" (1970). These three stories follow the fantastic adventures of Watari the Ninja Boy as he battles a bevy of evil ninjas and crazy monsters with his mystical weapons and unearthly powers! If you like it trippy, wacky, and campy, then this is for you. At the retail price of only $9.98, it's a must grab! Check out the trailer...

Trailer for Ninjascope...




Next up, from FUNimation Entertainment, is the Shaw Brothers film "14 Amazons" (1972). Long before "feminism" made it to Hong Kong, women proved themselves more than equal to men in this martial arts classic. The cast is a veritable "who's who" of the golden age of Shaw Brothers swordplay adventures, and was not only a major box office hit (ranking fourth for 1972), but also a top prize winner, including Best Supporting Actress for Lisa Lu, a special citation for outstanding lead female performance for Lily Ho, Best Director for Cheng Kang, and an award for Honourable Mention For Drama.

Also releasing from FUNimation, another Shaw production, "Shaolin Hand Lock" (1978). From the director who gave Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung early breaks in film, Ho Meng-Hua teams up with Mr. Kung Fu Hero, David Chiang, in a funky, over the top martial arts chiller based upon a secret kung fu technique that is also the film's English title, "Shaolin Hand Lock". Fans and non-fans of the genre will elate to again see Chiang match fists with Shaw's number one villain, Lo Lieh.






And finally, from Magnolia Home Entertainment, is the release of "Red Cliff" (2008). Directed by John Woo, Red Cliff follows the epic historical drama based on a legendary 208 A.D. battle that heralded the end of the Han Dynasty. A power-hungry Prime Minister-turned-General Cao Cao seeks permission from the Han Dynasty Emperor to organize a southward-bound mission designed to crush the two troublesome warlords who stand in his way, Liu Bei and Sun Quan. Vastly outnumbered by Cao Cao's brutal, fast-approaching army, the warlords band together to mount a heroic campaign - unrivaled in history - that changes the face of China forever. Red Cliff (Theatrical Version) is available in standard definition as well as Blu-Ray. Also available in SD or Blu-Ray is the Red Cliff (International version) Parts I and II.

Trailer for "Red Cliff"...



"Buddha bless you..."

New DVD Releases: 3/2/10

A couple great martial arts DVDs are hitting the shelves tomorrow...

Hitting Blu-ray tomorrow is the Shaw Brothers classic "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin" starring the Master Killer himself, Gordon Liu. Liu plays the role of San Te, a young rebel who's family was slaughtered by General Tien (Lo Lieh), the local Manchu head. San Te ends up at Shaolin, where he goes through rigorous training in the 35 Chambers of Shaolin. San Te becomes an accomplished fighter and returns to his hometown to get his hard worked for revenge on the Manchus. This is one of the top classic martial arts films of all time. Not your standard revenge flick, but a real movie that has heart and a real message. A must see. Released by Vivendi/Dragon Dynasty.

Also releasing on 3/2/10 by Vivendi/Dragon Dynasty is "Return To the 36th Chamber" again starring Gordon Liu. This, a sequel of sorts to the previous mentioned film, sees Liu in a more comedic light playing the role of a young man, who again, trying to keep the Manchus off the working man's back, attempts to con them into thinking he's the Shaolin master San Te! Of course this doesn't work out and he once again ends up at Shaolin and meets the real San Te, who puts him to work doing various maintenance jobs around the temple. Unbeknownst to him, he's actually learning kung fu at the same time, and finally returns to town to get his revenge. Another Master Killer classic!

"The 36th Chamber of Shaolin" opening...

"What style of Kung Fu is this? Rooftop Kung Fu!"

Kung Fu Time Capsule: Admats

Here's an old admat for an interesting double feature. First off we have "Duel of the Iron Fist" (AKA The Duel - 1971). This was a Shaw Brothers production, directed by Chang Cheh and starring Ti Lung and David Chiang. Many consider it to be the first of the Hong Kong style ganster type movies. Knife fights galore in this one!

The second feature isn't actually a Kung Fu flick at all, but a Euro-Western. Cut-Throats Nine was a Spanish western released in 1972. It follows the story of a soldier and his young daughter who have to transport a chain-gang of seven vicious criminals across some treacherous mountain terrain. It's known to be one of the most bloody and violent westerns to come out of the early 70's Europe. Definitely worth checking out!

Special thanks to Fred for this admat scan, and probably some others you'll see in the future! Check out his great review site Critical Condition: Obscure & Bizarre Films on Video & DVD!

"Blackbelt killers on the loose!"



...and...

Cut-Throats Nine

New DVD Releases: 2/2/10

Pretty good week for martial arts releases!

"Ong Bak 2: The Beginning" (2008) - Tony Jaa stars and co-directs this prequel of sorts to his hit film "Ong Bak: Thai Warrior." High impact stunts and fights galore in this one, as Jaa utilizes a variety of styles (Muay Thai, Wing Chun, Drunken Boxing!!) and weapons. From Magnolia Home Entertainment, available in Single Disc, Two-Disc Collectors Edition, and on Blu-ray.

"Delightful Forest" (1972) - Ti Lung stars in this blood soaked Shaw Brothers classic. Well Go USA gives this one an individual release, as it has been previously available in their Epic Heroes 4 DVD Metal Tin Collectors Set. See a review here: Review: The Delightful Forest (1972).

"Heroes Shed No Tears" (1980) - Alexander Fu Sheng stars in this Shaw Brothers wuxia fantasy. Well Go USA also gives this one an individual release, as it was also previously available in their Epic Heroes 4 DVD Metal Tin Collectors Set.

And in other good news, I got a shipment notification yesterday that my pre-order of "Five Element Ninja" has shipped! Only a one week delay, not that bad. Hopefully it will be popping up on store shelves soon. Most online retailers are still listing it as backordered, possibly there was a much higher demand than expected, which would be a great sign for future classic kung fu DVD releases!

Ong Bak 2 trailer.

"Buddha bless you..."

Review: The Delightful Forest (1972)

Most of my Shaw Brothers viewing has been of films involving the Venoms, Alexander Fu Sheng, or Gordon Liu. Last night I decided to watch "Delightful Forest", a Chang Cheh film starring Ti Lung, one of biggest Shaw Brothers superstars to grace the films of the 70's. If I knew what I was missing, I would have sought out this movie a long, long time ago. I found it to be an excellent film!

"Delightful Forest" tells part of the story of Wu Song (Ti Lung) from the classic Chinese novel "Outlaws of the Marsh." Wu Song is a heroic, no-nonsense guy with strong moralistic ideals and a penchant for getting hammered on strong wine! He once slayed a tiger with his bare hands, which he makes sure to let everyone know whenever he gets the chance. The story starts with an intense fight between Wu Song and Ximen Qing, with Wu Song avenging his brother's death by killing Ximen Qing. Ximen Qing was an adulterer who poisoned and killed Wu Song's brother. Once getting his vengeance, Wu Song turns himself in to the authorities and is escorted to prison, befriending a couple at an inn on the way. Once at the prison, he meets Shi En (the son of the prison head). Wu Song earns a very short and pampered prison stay by agreeing to help Shi En take down Chiang Chung, who is feared by the people and has taken control of all the businesses in the town of Delightful Forest. Wu Song heads out to confront Chiang Chung, drinking three bowls of wine at every inn on the way, and proceeds to drunkenly demolish him. After the battle, Chiang Chung's allies scheme together to frame Wu Song and have him put away for good. While practically at death's door, Wu Song is saved once again, and sets out to put an end to Chiang Chung and everyone else that framed him. This leads to a super intense bloody battle ending with Wu Song covered pretty much head to toe in blood, victoriously standing amongst the bodies of Chiang Chung and his many cronies. Wu Song marks the spot by writing "Wu Song killed all these men" on the wall in his own blood, then leaves Delightful Forest. He then goes on the run disguised as a priest with the help of the couple he befriended while being escorted to the prison.



This was an awesome movie! Ti Lung's portrayal of Wu Song was classic. His fighting, acting, and presence was incredible and I really got absorbed in the character. The movie also started with a bang with the great opening fight against Ximen Qing and ended in a flood of blood after the epic ending battle. This movie has certainly made me take notice of Ti Lung, and I'm going to make sure to watch a lot of his other work, especially "The Water Margin" and "All Men Are Brothers," both movie adaptations of parts of the "Outlaws of the Marsh." novel. Anyway, do yourself a favor and check out this classic Fu flick! You won't regret it!

RATING:
4½ out of 5 Venoms

Trailer

"Buddha's name be praised..."

Happy Birthday Sun Chien!

Another day, another birthday for another famous Face of Fu! Today, January 26th, is the 55th birthday of Sun Chien, one of the Five Deadly Venoms!

Sun Chien got his start in martial arts movies in 1977 when he was chosen for the supporting role in Chang Cheh's "Chinatown Kid." Soon after, he signed a contract with Shaw Brothers and started appearing in many more films. His place in kung fu cult history was cemented when he got the part of the Scorpion in "The Five Venoms." Sun Chien went on to act in many more Shaw Brothers films throughout the rest of the 70's and 80's. Happy birthday Sun Chien!

RECOMMENDED VIEWING

The Five Venoms (1978)
Invincible Shaolin (1978)
Crippled Avengers (1978)
Magnificent Ruffians (1979)
House of Traps (1982)



Meet the Five Venoms


"Poison Clan Rocks the world!"

New DVD Release: Five Element Ninjas (1982)

As you've probably noticed, I've had ninjas on the brain recently. It's probably subconsciously due to the fact that today marks the long awaited release of "Five Element Ninjas" (Chinese Super Ninja) from Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock. This is one of the bloodiest, most violent kung fu epics ever. Many Fu fans have been waiting for this, as our bootleg VHS and DVDs can't take much more! I'm hoping it actually shows up on shelves today. I've had it pre-ordered for a long time and am still waiting for a shipment notification. I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

Original trailer


"Loss of a fight means loss of one's life to a Samurai..."

Review: Challenge of the Masters (1976)

"Challenge of the Masters" is the story of young Wong Fei-Hung (Gordon Liu, in his first starring role). Wong Fei-Hung is a brash young man who wants nothing more than to learn kung fu. His father, Wong Chi-Ying, runs a kung fu school but will not train Wong Fei-Hung because he feels his son is too hasty and not yet mature enough. Of course this makes Wong Fei-Hung angry, as he feels he's ready and able. He spends his time practicing his own shoddy kung fu in his father's courtyard, which embarrasses him.


Officer Yuan Ching (Lau Kar-Wing) comes into town seeking to arrest Ho Fu (Lau Kar-Leung), a wanted killer. Ho Fu has been holed up at the rival school of Master Pang, although they are unaware that he is a killer. Yuan Ching arrives at the school of Master Lu Ah Tsai (Chen Kwan-Tai) and sees Wong Fei-Hung outside, mistaking him as a student, which of course annoys him and he runs off to town. All the while, the killer Ho Fu has been trailing Officer Yuan to see what he's up to. As Yuan Ching enters Master Lu's school, Ho Fu follows Wong Fei-Hung to town. While this is going on, Officer Yuan asks if Master Lu has any info on Ho Fu, and also mentions that he saw a lot of potential in the young man he saw out front (Wong Fei-Hung). In town, Ho Fu confronts Wong Fei-Hung and asks him why Officer Yuan was talking to him. Wong Fei-Hung, still agitated, tells him to go to hell, and Ho Fu tries to beat it out of him. The fight is broken up by the townspeople, Ho Fu heads off, and Wong Fei-Hung returns home more determined than ever to teach himself kung fu!

Now at the school of Wong Chi-Ying, Officer Yuan meets Wong Fei-Hung's father (who had the same master, Lu Ah Tsai) to catch up on old times. During this time he sees Wong Fei-Hung wildly swinging around and knocking things over, as some form of training, and asks his father who he is. Wong Chi-Ying, embarrassed, explains that it is his son. Officer Yuan again mentions the potential he sees in Wong Fei-Hung, surprising his father!

Next up is the yearly Pao Competition, where all the local schools compete to see who is the best. Wong Fei-Hung sneaks into the competition, and is partly responsible for his father's school losing to Master Pang's school. By the way, Ho Fu has been training Master Pang's students to use uncouth tactics to win the event! Wong Fei-Hung, angry because of the loss, finally has had enough, and goes to Lu Ah Tsai's school where he runs into Officer Yuan. Yuan takes him inside and convinces Master Lu to train him! "That's good! Father and son, both learning from the same teacher! That should make history!" says Officer Yuan. Wong Fei-Hung also tells Officer Yuan about his run in with Ho Fu. Yuan then goes after Ho Fu and they duel it out in the forest. Ho Fu wins the duel, killing Officer Yuan with his Death Kick technique.

Master Lu and Wong Fei-Hung are now isolated out on the countryside, beginning training. Three months pass before Master Lu informs Wong Fei-Hung that Officer Yuan has been killed. Wong Fei-Hung, saddened at the death of his friend, vows revenge and kicks his training into overdrive! Wong Fei-Hung trains with Master Lu for over 2 years and becomes proficient in kung fu and the use of the Shaolin Long Pole weapon. He is also taught the importance of discipline, forgiveness, humility, and kindness...

Wong Fei-Hung then returns to town to seek out Ho Fu. They meet in the same bamboo grove where Ho Fu previously defeated Officer Yuan. This time Wong Fei-Hung is the victor, but instead of killing Ho Fu, he remembers Master Lu's teachings of forgiveness, and spares his life, but does get him sent to jail.

There is also another Pao Competition coming up, and this time Master Pang instructs his students to illegally use hidden iron bars as weapons to gain the upper hand in the Competition. The day of the Competition comes, and Master Pang's school is cheating to win. Wong Fei-Hung has the competition won, but shows mercy on one of Pang's students, displaying the kindness and discipline taught to him by Lu Ah Tsai. The rest of the competitors take hold of the lesson shown by Wong Fei-Hung, and call a truce, making the Pao Competition a draw, and they all celebrate together. The next day, Master Pang and his students meet Wong Chi-Ying and his students at Chi-Ying's school. Master Pang shows humility and admits that he instructed his students to break the rules of the Pao Competition. Pang decides he must punish himself, but just as he's about to strike himself with one of the illegal iron bars, Wong Fei-Hung jumps in and stops him, FREEZE FRAME, THE END!

This movie falls into the category I like to call the "Classic Kung Fu Story." It's not chock full of violence, blood, and action, but what fights it does have are quality. The stand out fights are Officer Yuan vs. Ho Fu (great sword vs. spear & hand to hand) and then Wong Fei-Hung vs. Ho Fu (Pole vs. spear). The training sequences with Lu Ah Tsai and Wong Fei-Hung are excellent. While getting revenge is part of the story, the main point of this movie is the moral of having discipline, forgiveness, and humility. It is summed up best by these lines, spoken by Master Lu Ah Tsai: "Forgive and forebear, Wong Fei-Hung, never forget... humility and kindness." and "When you fight and beat your opponent, you've only won a physical match. But then, if you can show kindness, that man may surrender his heart to you. Wong Fei-Hung, don't you ever forget that." So, if you're looking for a great old school "Classic Kung Fu Story," look no further than "Challenge of the Masters."

RATING:

4 out of 5 Venoms

"Challenge of the Masters" Trailer


"Buddha's name be praised..."

Profile: Chiang Sheng

Chiang Sheng, affectionately referred to as "Cutie Pie" by his fans, is primarily known for his work in the Shaw Brothers "Venoms" films. He was born into a large family in 1951, and due to the size of his family, they were unable to give him the proper care and attention he needed. Therefore, he was sent off to Fu Sheng Opera School in Taipei, Taiwan where he learned martial arts and acrobatics. Upon his departure from Opera School, Chiang Sheng worked as a stuntman in Taiwan.

In 1974, director Chang Cheh formed his own production company and went to Taiwan to scout for talent. There he met Chiang Sheng. Impressed by his abilities, he invited him to go to mainland China to work. In 1976, he joined Shaw Brothers and got his first big role in Chang Cheh's "Shaolin Temple." Two years later, he landed his first starring role in the classic "The Five Venoms." This led to the formation of the "Venom Mob" (Chiang Sheng, Lo Meng, Kuo Chui, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, and occasionally Wai Pak) who would go on to star in a string of majorly successful martial arts films for Shaw Brothers Studios. These films were action packed with excellent hand-to-hand fighting, weapons, acrobatics, blood and violence!

In the Venom films, Chiang Sheng primarily played a supporting hero role, usually acting as comic relief. Don't let the comedy fool you though, as his skills were top notch! Being smaller and lithe, his acrobatic skills were uncanny, and a major focal point of many of his characters. His weapons work was also amazing, especially working with dual weapons such as swords or blades. Kuo Chui once stated in an interview that he & Chiang Sheng could perform fighting routines that contained over 200 moves! That's a fitting testament to Chiang Sheng's skills & abilities. Not only was Chiang Sheng active in front of the camera, but he played a big role behind the scenes as well. Besides performing in the Venoms films, Chiang Sheng acted as Chang Cheh's Assistant Director AND Action Director in many of them as well!

After the Venom Mob disbanded in 1982, Chiang Sheng left Shaw Brothers and returned to Taiwan. After appearing in a few more films, he became disheartened as it became harder for him to find work. He drowned his sorrows with alcohol, which took a toll on his body and led to his divorce. Sadly, in 1991, Chiang Sheng died from a heart attack. His memory lives on to this day in his unforgetable films.

RECOMMENDED VIEWING

The Five Venoms (1978)
Invincible Shaolin (1978)
Crippled Avengers (1978)
Shaolin Rescuers (1979)
Ninja In the Deadly Trap (1985)

Chiang Sheng tribute

"Buddha bless you..."