Review #7: THE TRAIL OF THE BROKEN BLADE (1967)

Review #7: THE TRAIL OF THE BROKEN BLADE (1967)

Released March 4, 1967, THE TRAIL OF THE BROKEN BLADE was produced by Sir Run Run Shaw. The prolific Chang Cheh directed, scripted and wrote the lyrics to the songs. Based on the title, I would say this production was influenced by the popular westerns of the day in the movies and on television. As far as I can tell, this is the first "eastern / western".  The skilled team of Liu Chia-Liang and Tang Chia did the fight choreography. Let’s get busy. 

Kiu Chong as Fung Jun Zhao

Planning the caper

The prize!

Fang Jun Zhao is one of the top, up and coming students of Wu Dang Mountain. While on his way back to Wu Dang, he stops at a very small in  Guandong Province for a rest. From the room next door he overhears a planned robbery of the household of retired Commander-in-Chief, Liu Xian. The bandits planning the robbery are persuading the younger son of the Flying Fish Island Clan Chief named Tu Hu, to help them because of the superior martial arts of the Liu family. The head bandit entices Tu Hu, not only with the promise of plenty of money but with a description of Liu Xian’s daughter, Liu Zhen’Er as the village beauty and how he could enjoy her thoroughly as she is “a perfect match for someone as bright as you.”

Later that same night, the bandits attempt the robbery but Fang Junzhao assists Liu Xian and his daughter the end result being all of the bandits dead and Tu Hu severely wounded by Fang’s dart and escaping back to Flying Fish Island. 

After the crisis, Liu Xian asks Fang Junzhao to stay a few days and instruct his daughter in the way of the sword. What Zhen’Er’s father really hopes is that Junzhao and Zhen’Er form a bond and then fall in love so that his daughter can forget her childhood love: Li Yue. 

Li Yue is the son of the former Commander-In-chief of Zhejiang, the great hero, Li Tian Cong. Tragically; this great hero was falsely convicted and imprisoned all for the benefit of a crooked Imperial Minister. After his father died in prison, Li Yue murdered the Imperial Minister and has been on the run ever since.

When Fang Jun Zhao hears this heartbreaking story from Zhen’ Er's lips his chivalry takes over and he swears a platonic friendship with her and vows to find Li Yue and unite the two lovers to prove his honor and their friendship. 

"I must find Li Yue of Jiangnan"

Meanwhile, Tu Hu has made it back to Flying Fish Island but his injury has taken the ultimate toll as he offers up the fatal dart to answer his family’s question of “who has done this to you?” His father orders his eldest son to take his four henchmen with him to find this Fang Jun Zhao.

So we have the two sets of travelers headed to their destinations fated to meet each other and provide us with this early tale of the Jiang Hu and the chivalry of heroic bloodshed.

Jimmy Wang Yu as Li Yue of  Jiangnan

CAST REPORT

the good: Jimmy Wang Yu as Li Yue / Jiang Qi. Kiu Chong as Fung Jun Zhao. Chin Ping as Liu Chen Erh. Lisa Chiao Chiao as Shi Xiao Mei. Wei Pin-Ao as Shi Gan. Fan Mei-Sheng as Hu Zi.

the bad: Tien Feng as Chief Tu Qian Qiu. Chen Hung-Lieh as Tu Long. Wang Kuang-Yu as Tu Hu, Leopard Skin.

SPOTTED: Liu Chia Liang, Tang Chia, Liu Chia Yung, Wu Ma, Cheng Lui,  Cliff Lok and Pang Pang.

HONORABLE MENTION: According to HKMDB and the release date of THE TRAIL OF THE BROKEN BLADE (1967) this is Yuen Shun Yi’s (of the Yuen Clan) first movie appearance.

Liu Chia-Liang

FIGHT TIME: THE TRAIL OF THE BROKEN BLADE (1967) features the fight choreography of Liu Chia Liang and Tang Chia. I counted 6 (six) fight scenes including its very long finale in the one hour and forty-four minute movie, which to be honest, is not quite as much as in past movies. With the genre being only 7 projects old in the span of two years, I am mindful to not be too harsh in my analysis of the techniques. Using a system of “pass” or “fail” this movie’s fights are definitely a “pass”.

HONORABLE MENTION: Jimmy Wang Yu looks excellent in his fight scenes and director Chang Cheh wisely gives him the majority of the screen time and stunts. 

RECOMMENDATION: THE TRAIL OF THE BROKEN BLADE (1967) has enough characterization, plot and action to entertain you and hold your interest. As the first “eastern / western”, and an early Shaw Brothers classic it is also certainly collectible. Therefore it should come as no surprise that I call for you to take out your cards or cash and pick this one up as a “must have”!  On a personal note I would love to discuss as a film group just what is it that motivates a writer / director to resolve a story in the controversial way that Chang Cheh does in this movie. That’s it for now, see you next time.

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NEXT UP: 

THE SWORD AND THE LUTE (1967)

THE EUNUCH (1971) #65

THE EUNUCH (1971)

Released May 12^th, THE EUNUCH (1971) is the creative work of prolific screenwriter Lo Wei who surprisingly did NOT direct this movie himself but instead works with brand new director Teddy Yip Wing-Cho. The action director is Simon Chui Yee-Ang and the man that put it all together is the great producer Runme Shaw. This is a very straightforward story of treachery and revenge somewhat based on historical fact. All right, let’s get busy!

Pai Ying is THE EUNUCH

From the middle of the Zhou Dynasty (6^th century B.C.) to the end of Imperial China in the Qing Dynasty (1912 A.D.) the Emperors of China did not trust men and their carnal desires and so used Eunuchs to work in the palace close to their concubines so there was no chance of sexual impropriety in the court. Unfortunately the Eunuchs found other ways to betray the trust and misuse the emperor’s power that was uniquely theirs. The eunuchs were hated with a passion that is often reserved for those that are "different" and so there are many such stories in Chinese history about their misdeeds. This is just one of them that is also one of revenge. Please enjoy it,... if you can. 

Chung Wah as the Imperial Crown Prince Zhu Jin

Yeung Chi-Hing as Prince Jin's teacher

CAST REPORT

the good: Lisa Chiao Chiao as Yan Yan. Chung Wah as Crown Prince Zhu Jin. Yeung Chi-Hing as Old man, Man Gongsun, Zhu Jin’s teacher. Yung Yuk-Yi as Old woman master, Yan Yan’s teacher.

the bad: Pai Ying as The Eunuch, Gui Dehai. Wang Hsieh as General Ye Zicong. James Tien as General’s guard. Yeung Chak-Lam as General’s guard. Little Unicorn as General’s guard.  

HONORABLE MENTION: Sammo Hung as first challenger in contest. 

Lisa Chiao Chiao as Yan Yan

Yung Yuk-Yi as Yan Yan's teacher

FIGHT TIME: THE EUNUCH (1971) was choreographed by Simon Chui Yee-Ang by himself (he often shares the chores with Sammo Hung) the last time he choreographed by himself was on A Taste Of Cold Steel (1970) and he once again does a great job and even improves on his previous work. I counted six (6) fight scenes including the extra long finale but I never felt bored at any time during the film. I loved his work most notably with the pole and Lisa Chiao Chiao’s solo fight at the temple was fierce!

HONORABLE MENTION: Not only was Simon Chui Yee-Ang’s choreography top quality but Lisa Chiao Chiao’s performance during her solo fight at the temple equally exceptional. I totally believed each killing technique and I also believed her taking on such a large number of men at one time with a combination of skill and rage!! Bravo!

Lisa Chiao Chiao after she realizes she has been played...

RECOMMENDATION: THE EUNUCH (1971) is an emotionally charged journey of Chinese history that is well worth watching. In addition, it is Teddy Yip Wing-Cho’s first directed movie and since he goes on to direct (and write) THE THUNDER KICK (1974), (direct only) SLEEPING FIST (1979) and (direct only) THE THUNDERING MANTIS (1980) it is, at least in my opinion a collectible conversation piece for kung fu flick lovers of all ages. So, overall I’m going to say it is a must-have and certainly a must-see as an interesting part of Shaw Brothers and karate / kung fu movie history. See you next time!

If you liked this review please comment on the blog, become a follower of the blog, join me on my Facebook account by sending me a message first and then a friend request so I know who I am friending (  https://www.facebook.com/Michael529P   ) and like my Facebook page: SHAW Brothers Kung Fu Movies 1965-1986. I thank you and would appreciate it very much!

NEXT UP: THE GOLDEN SEAL (1971)

HEADS FOR SALE (1970) #048

HEADS FOR SALE (1970)

This time Producer Runme Shaw teams up Director Walter Chung Chang-Hwa with the gifted Script writer Yip Yat-Fong for HEADS FOR SALE released May 6th, 1970. Wild and interesting, with plenty of action but no action director, I can't wait to get into this one, so --let's get busy!

Hua Chen-Fang had long turned over a new leaf. He had been a "successful" burglar to the extent that he was able to retire with his wife and daughter and live in a modest comfort. Everyone in the Jiang Hu knew of his past life but because he had never harmed anyone, everyone could tolerate his presence. However when his daughter, Hua Bi-Lian, became of the age to marry, no one would accept her hand. To Hua Pi-Lien, herself, this was not a problem until the one man she did fancy: Luo Hong-Xun, also refused to marry her. Hua Bi-Lian then set out to confront him. 

Luo Hong-Xun attempted to reason with Hua Bi-Lian but she was too enraged. So, during their fight, he pretended she struck him and she was suddenly taken aback and raced off on her horse. After a while, however, Hua Bi-Lian's parents came to the Luo's home demanding he return Hua Bi-Lian to them. She had gone missing and they thought she was with him. Hong-Xun's mother explains to Bi-Lian's mother what happened and the Hua's take off to find their daughter. Luo Hong-Xun decides to go after Hua Bi-Lian and bring her back to her family. 

After leaving Luo Hong-Xun's house, Hua Bi-Lian comes across a man attempting to commit suicide by hanging himself from a tree. She cuts him down and learns he is doing so because he was tricked into gambling and lost his wife away to the gambling hall manager, Wan San-Ju for ten taels of gold. Bi-Lian goes to the gambling house to win back the wife, she gambles and wins the wife back and (of course) is attacked by Wan San-Ju and his men after the fact. During their battle, Hong-Xun catches up to Bi-Lian and jumps in to assist her and together they chases away Wan San-Ju and the remaining attackers. 

Gambling hall manager Wan San-Ju goes to report this trouble to his boss, and he turns out to be none other than Huang Lun, an old neighborhood bully and nemesis of Luo Hong-Xun. Times has been very kind to Huang Lun, although he has a scar and the bad memories of his run in with Luo Hong-Xun to keep him company, he can hold his head up because since being forced out of their old neighborhood, prostitution and gambling has been very, very good to Huang Lun and poor Luo Hong-Xun is about to find out just how good. 

CAST REPORT

the good: Lisa Chiao Chiao as Hua Bi Lian (she has never looked so good! this was an EXCELLENT role for her!). Chan Leung as Luo Hong-Xin. Chen Miu as Hua Chen-Fang. Lai Cheuk-Cheuk as Madame Hua. Wang Hsieh as Hero Pao Tzu-An. Helen Ma Hoi-Lun as Pao Chin-Hua. 

the bad: Fan Mei-Sheng as Wan San-Chu. Kao Ming as Huang Lun. Hung Lau as Pai Hua-She.

HONORABLE MENTION: Cheng Lui, Tung Li, and Chen Sing play minor roles. 

FIGHT TIME: I counted nine (9) excellent fight scenes in HEADS FOR SALE (1970). Historically, I see "they" have achieved the lateral movement of the "light skill" in wuxia. It looks fantastic! I am very excited to see the future of this technique. Why do I say "they"? Because HEADS FOR SALE (1970) has no action director credited! This is remarkable because the action throughout the movie is so praiseworthy I can't imagine who would not want to take credit for it? I do have a suspect but I dare not say who it is --but the fights are worth the price of admission AND the story is very entertaining, no disappointments here. 

HEADS FOR SALE (1970) is a definite recommend for collectors because of the standard for the seventies wuxia fights is established here, in my opinion. Every movie produced after this one has to be at least as good as HEADS FOR SALE or I got problems with it, period. In addition, it is a fun and entertaining wuxia afternoon for all fans so buy or borrow it at all costs! See you next time!

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NEXT UP:  VENGEANCE! (1970)

THE TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS (1970)

THE TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS (1970)

Our first film of seventies is THE TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS (1970), released January 7th, and produced by Sir Run Run Shaw. It is a historical-drama, pursuit / wuxia film based on a story by I Kuang and Chen Tien-I. This all-star cast film is also Chin Ping's farewell film being the last film she was featured in. Scripted and directed by Cheng Kang, the action directing credits are Simon Chui Yee-Ang ( as Hsu Erh Niu) and Sammo Hung Kam-Bo (as Chu Yuan Ling). Let's get busy!

At the root of this film's plot is the history of General Yue Fei : In short, during the Song Dynasty in 1126 A.D., North China was over run by the nomadic Juchen (Jin) and the Song Capital at Kaifeng was taken. General Yue Fei assumed command of the Song forces and after first retreating south he took the offensive and although being greatly outnumbered he forced the Jin to retreat thereby recovering some of the Song's lost territory.  

Unfortunately, one Minister Qin Hui formed a peace coalition and influenced the Song Emperor to negotiate peace with the Jin and call General Yue Fei back from his military campaign, halting his progress. Not knowing the precise location of General Yue Fei, Minister Qin Hui sent out the twelve gold medallions with the emperor's seal on it ordering the general to return. Defying the imperial edit was a capital offense. Knowing the loyalty of General Yue Fei some martial patriots attempted to keep the general from receiving the order in the first place. This was also a capital offense but as true patriots they risked their lives to do it.   

Master Miao Lung was one such patriot. A former apprentice of Grand Master Jin Yan Tang, Chief of the Hua Shan Clan. Master Miao had learned the Wavering Sword technique from Grand Master Jin. Master Miao gained the attention of Minister Qin Hui by defeating Grand Master Ma Shan Ting's top disciple: Lei Ting,  known as the Golden Whip and preventing Lei Ting from delivering his medallion to General Yue Fei. Grand Master Ma Shan Ting (who himself was known as the Golden Fan), summoned Grand Master Jin to his headquarters at Juxian Hall to answer for Master Miao Lung's actions. 

Grand Master Jin Yan Tang arrives at Juxian Hall and ridicules Grand Master Ma Shan Ting for not being worthy of the Emperor's gold plaque and the gold medallion assignment. Grand Master Ma challenges Grand Master Jin and is defeated and killed. However Minister Qin Hui was watching the entire proceedings and is impressed by Grand Master Jin's skill and confidence. Minister Qin immediately promotes Grand Master Jin to the new Chief of Juxian Hall and puts him in charge of delivering the gold medallions to General Yue Fei. 

But Master Miao Lung has also been watching, albeit as a spy on the rooftop. He is discovered by Grand Master Jin but not captured. Master Miao waits for his former teacher by the road that leads to Grand Master Jin's home to confront him. In addition, Grand Master Jin has two daughters whom he must inform of his newly assigned tasks but has little concern how they will react to it. And so begins this heart-wrenching tale of trust, loyalty and  filial piety.

CAST REPORT

THE TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS (1970) certainly has an all-star cast: 

the good: Yueh Hua as Master Miao Lung, the hero of the story, Chin Ping as Jin Suo, youngest daughter of Grand Master Jin Yan Tang in her last major performance and as can be expected she is at her very best!   We also have Lisa Chiao Chiao as Jin Huan, elder daughter of Grand Master Jin Yan Tang, and Ku Wen-Chung as Grand Master Green Bamboo Cane Meng Dabei,

the bad: Cheng Miu as Grand Master Jin Yan Tang is the movie's big bad guy, Huang Chung-Hsin as Master Golden Whip Lei Ting, Wang Hsieh as Grand Master Golden Fan Ma Shan Ting, and 

Ku Feng as Ah gui 

HONORABLE MENTION: Fan Mei-Sheng, Lee Kwan, Wang Chung, and James Tien all have small roles as villains.

FIGHT TIME: THE TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS (1970) has two fight choreographers and 13 fights (including 3 fights in the grand finale). Simon Chui Yee-Ang and the great Sammo Hung Kam-Bo are the fight choreographers of record ...but still... -- the way I am going to put it is this: either the film editor and or the director obscures the technical aspects of the battles until they are non existent. In this way; it is a disappointment. Put another way: there is plenty of action, plenty of swordplay but no martial arts in this movie. So the question becomes: is it fair of me to expect more in terms of martial arts display in a movie made in 1970? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.  

THE TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS (1970) is a very important film especially for those that would be students of this genre or of Hong Kong movies in general. History and pop culture have always played heavily in the plots of many of these movies and sometimes without the basic knowledge of the source material it can burden one's enjoyment of the project. I hope I can add some information and encourage others to view and ultimately enjoy these movies as much as I do. So, if you are serious about watching Shaw Brothers or Hong Kong films or if you are a Chin Ping fan then this is a must have; if not you can pass on it. See you next time!

If you liked this review please comment on the blog, become a follower of the blog, join me on my Facebook account by sending me a message first and then a friend request so I know who I am friending (  https://www.facebook.com/Michael529P   ) and like my Facebook page: SHAW Brothers Kung Fu Movies 1965-1986. I thank you and would appreciate it very much!

UP NEXT: THE WANDERING SWORDSMAN (1970)