REVIEW #002: THE TWIN SWORDS (1965)

REVIEW #002: THE TWIN SWORDS (1965)

Released December 22^nd, 1965,  THE TWIN SWORDS (1965) was the sequel and continuation of the story started in TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965) an adaptation of the novel, Jiang Hu Qi Xia Chuan (Shang Xia) written by Ping Jiang Bu Xiao Sheng. San Kong repeated his duties as the scriptwriter and Hsu Tseng-Hung returns as director but the elder Shaw brother, Runme Shaw is the producer this time out. Also once again there is no action director or choreographer credited. So, let’s get busy!

We last left our newly wed couple after they were aided in their escape by The Scarlet Maiden from The White Dove Convent (where the evil Red Lotus Clan had their kidnapping and forced prostitution base of operations). The Scarlet Maiden instructed them to “mind their own business” and return to the Gan Family Fortress, practice their kung fu and for Gui Xiao Wu to focus on avenging his parents. Lian Zhu and Xiao Wu headed back to the fortress and had only traveled a short way when they witnessed an apparent kidnapping of four women. It looked very much like the work of The Red Lotus Clan. 

Lian Zhu immediately lunges forward to save the women but Xiao Wu pulls her back. Not only does he want to heed the words of the Scarlet Maiden but he still feels remorse because all that has befallen them has been because of his poor judgment, if only he had minded his own business then they would have never left the Gan Fortress. [See TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS(1965) for details] But what husband can resists his wife’s pleadings? Lian Zhu convinces him that rescuing people is not minding someone else’s business and she knows they must be heading to the Red Lotus Temple. So “just this once” they go off to rescue the women. 

But, wouldn’t you know it? It’s a trap and Lian Zhu is captured! Xiao Wu has no choice but to return to the Gan Fortress and face the family that now views him as a traitor and beg them to help him rescue the daughter he caused to be endangered. And as if that weren’t enough, The Red Lotus Temple monks will be prepared for their attack, the danger and risk is obvious yet, how can they not go? Prepared to be rocked by a 1965 state of the art blockbuster!

CAST REPORT

the good: Jimmy Wang Yu as Gui Xiao Wu. Chin Ping as Gan Lian Zhu. Lo Lieh as Du Chuang. Ivy Ling Po as Gui Qiu, The Scarlett Maiden. Petrina Fung Bo Bo as Gan Xiao Ling. Li Ming as Grand Madame Gan. Tien Feng as Master Dragon Gan. 

the bad: Wong Ching-Ho as Red Lotus Chief Fa Ben. Fung Ngai as Red Lotus Chief Hua Fu. Lee Wan-Chung as Red Lotus Chief elder. Special Guest Star: Cheng Miu as Red Lotus Chief Grand Master Chung Yen.

HONORABLE MENTION: Ku Feng, Kao Pao-Shu, Wu Ma, and Lin Jing veteran performers of the Hong Kong movie industry with over one hundred films each!

SPOTTED: Bruce Lee’s childhood friend “Little Unicorn” as a Red Lotus monk. 

FIGHT TIME: Just as in Temple of The Red Lotus, THE TWIN SWORDS has no fight choreographer credited. I counted eight fight scenes once you allow for the first four and a half minutes of THE TWIN SWORDS, which is actually the last four and a half minutes of Temple of The Red Lotus. This is nearly twice the amount of action as the previous movie! The quality of the fight scenes are upheld in the sequel with the techniques displayed being realistic and to the point with no flailing about of the arms and weapons to simulate action. (The sole departing from realistic martial arts comes when the two grand masters go at it head to head in the finale. My instinct tells me to not make too much of this because the creators are in totally uncharted territory here and still managed to express their ideas.  So I decided to give it a pass. )

Chin Ping as Gan Lian Zhu "Warrior Princess"

HONORABLE MENTION: Chin Ping has a solo performance against the entire Red Lotus gang and puts her heart and soul into it! Unlike the first movie, I could not spot a single substitution of a stunt double during this entire fight and I even caught a moment when her sword bent from her putting all her strength into her techniques! Bravo! 

Bent sword at 16:54  but quickly edited out, great performance!

RECOMMENDATION: THE TWIN SWORDS (1965) is only the second movie in our journey of the early Shaw Brothers wuxia classics and the standard is already very high. This two-part adaptation of Jiang Hu Qi Xia Chuan (Shang Xia) [TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS being the first part] is fantastic and I can easily recommend this classic for collectors and casual viewers of martial art movies alike. The story and the action both hold up even fifty years later, see you next time!

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NEXT UP: COME DRINK WITH ME (1966)

REVIEW #001: TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965)

REVIEW #001: TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965)

Released on October 1^st, 1965, TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965) was produced by Sir Run Run Shaw and was the first movie that showcased wuxia themes and action without being encased in Chinese Opera. The script was written by San Kong based on a series of wuxia stories written by Ping Jiang Bu Xiao Sheng called Jiang Hu Qi Xia Chuan (Shang Xia). Unfortunately not much else is available on the author or his series in English. The movie adaptation was directed by Hsu Tseng-Hung, a long time cinematographer, TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965) was the first time Mr. Hsu directed a movie! There is no action director or choreographer credited for this movie. Let’s get busy!

JIMMY WANG YU as Gui Xiao Wu

Central to the story of TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965) is the Jin (Gan) family Castle located in Dragon Valley and the “knights” of Jin Family that are known for bringing justice to others in the Jiang Hu even if it means challenging other martial artists. A young warrior (Gui Xiao Wu) with a military background has been betrothed to the Jin family and on his way to reunite with his bride-to-be stumbles upon an escort caravan being attacked by masked armed warriors. 

Gui Xiao Wu decides to get involved and defend the escort caravan. He is injured and knocked unconscious for his trouble by the masked attackers. When he wakes up, he discovers the great swordswoman; the Scarlet Maiden has treated his wound and they become acquainted. 

The Scarlet Maid seems very concerned with Gui Xiao Wu and advises him to stay focused on training to revenge his parents and go to Jin Castle to improve his kung fu. She tells him how to get to Dragon Valley and Jin Castle and sends him on his way. After Gui Xiao Wu gets to Jin Castle, in the middle of the night, the monks of the Temple of the Red Lotus attack Jin Castle.  After the battle, Gui Xiao Wu believes he knows the identity of the masked robbers, --the very family he is to be wed into! What is he going to do, now?!

IVY LING PO as The Scarlet Maiden

CAST REPORT: Sir Run Run Shaw assembled an all-star cast of some of the greatest actors Shaw Brother Studios had to offer!

the good: Introducing: Jimmy Wang Yu as Gui Xiao Wu. Introducing: Lo Lieh as Du Zhuang. Chin Ping as Jin Lian Zhu. Guest starring Ivy Ling Po as The Scarlet Maiden. Li Ming as Great-grand Madame Jin. Tien Feng as Master Dragon Jin. Lin Jing as Madame Jin (Lian Zhu’s mom). Petrina Fung Bo Bo as Jin Xiao Ling. 

Petrina Fung bo Bo as Jin Xiao Ling

The bad: Introducing: Chow Lung-Cheung as Monk Zhi Bao. Fung Ngai as Red Lotus Chief Fa Fu. Wong Ching-Ho as Red Lotus Chief Yan Zong. Lee Wam-Chung as Red Lotus Chief Zhang Yuan. Chen Hung-Lieh as Monk Zhi Yuan. Wu Ma as Monk Zhi Lai. 

SPOTTED!: Tang Chia, Liu Chia-Liang, and Yuen Wo-Ping are listed by Hong Kong Movie Database as cast members in the movie as Red Lotus members. While I did spot Tang Chia and Liu Chia-Liang, I was unable to spot Yuen Wo-Ping.  

Tang Chia

Liu Chia-Liang corner left

FIGHT TIME: TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965) has no action director credited. I counted five (5) fight scenes including the big finale at The White Dove Convent. There is almost no empty-handed combat. All combatants excel in throwing projectiles but it is particularly a specialty of the Jin Family. The fights at Jin Castle are the main battles of the movie. The Yuan-Yang Sword technique is a featured sword style that is very powerful but the young couple has yet to master it. 

Now, let's talk about the kung fu, because, let's face it, it is why I started watching these movies and got hooked on Shaw Brothers in the first place. I remember in the 1980's when wushu in America first became a big thing and there was a lot of discussion on what was the difference was between "kung fu" and "wushu" techniques. Well, as I am currently watching "The Journey of Flower" a Chinese drama from Chinese television on Youtube, the answer would be to watch any pair of fights one from " The Journey of Flower" and one from "Temple of The Red Lotus" and it would be obvious as to what the difference was, although to express it in words still might prove challenging. The words that came to mind as I watch the fights in Temple of The Red Lotus were "raw" and "realistic". The techniques displayed in Temple of The Red Lotus were also "to the point" and very practical. I really appreciated that even though I also like the fancy stuff as well. There is very little flailing and waving arms and weapons about pointlessly. The martial arts here are definitely worth looking at and every so once in a while someone throws in a nice stance. As far as the amount of action, I am going to say that five fight scenes is a fair amount of action and will use five battles as the standard by which to judge the amount of action in future movies. 

HONORABLE MENTION: Jimmy Wang Yu shows off his athleticism and seems skilled in martial arts. (Lo Lieh, not so much.) Chin Ping also does a good job when performing her stunts although she is still occasionally stunt doubled. The casting here is very balanced between male and female.

a technique from the Yuan Yang Sword Style

The Scarlet Maiden watches over them

RECOMMENDATION: TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965) is a great adaptation than makes me want to read the novel and learn more about The Scarlet Maiden and her previous adventures. But, as I said earlier, the novels are not available in English. These are all interesting characters and in addition to being a historical collector’s item, I recommend this movie because the story and action are worth-while, for any viewers of martial arts movies. I honestly did not think I would enjoy this movie because of its age. If the rest of the movies are this good then I can be very excited about all the work ahead of me. 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 TWIN SWORDS (1965)

COMMENTARY #001: TIGER BOY (1964 / 1966) THE FIRST WUXIA MOVIE EVER PRODUCED!

COMMENTARY #001: TIGER BOY (1964) THE FIRST WUXIA MOVIE EVER PRODUCED!

Filmed in 1964, TIGER BOY was not released until February 16^th, 1966. It was produced by Sir Run Run Shaw who chose Chang Cheh to write the screenplay and directed the film, which is based on a Chinese folk tale. Chang Cheh wrote about his experience filming this classic in his book: Chang Cheh: A Memoir. There were no fight choreographers used for the making of this film and it was filmed in black and white. 

DISCLAIMER: I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS MOVIE! Anything I write about the plot has come from reading advertisements for the movie. Period. 

It has been fifteen years since Tiger Boy’s father has been murdered. Tiger Boy has been on the trail to avenge his father’s death for some time when he comes across a damsel in distress, Jiang Xiao Qing and rescues her. It turns out the men that attacked the woman are led by the son of the man who murdered Tiger Boy’s father who is named Jin Peng.  Jiang Xiao Qing and Tiger Boy develop feelings for each other, which causes him to doubt his love for his childhood sweetheart (played by Chin Ping). When Jiang Xiao Qing  stumbles into the villain's lair,  Tiger Boy must rescue her again and hope to finally avenge his father's death. 

CAST REPORT

the good: Jimmy Wang Yu as Tiger Boy. Chin Ping as Tiger Boy’s childhood sweetheart and woman warrior. Cheng Lui as Jiang Xiao San. Margaret Tu Chuan as Jiang Xiao Qing.

the bad: Lo Lieh as Jin Peng. Tang Ti as Jin Ba-Wang

RECOMMENDATION:

By all means I wish that every person with any interest in the wuxia genre would do anything and everything to get their hands on this movie!!!

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NEXT UP: REVIEW #001:  TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS

THE GOLDEN SEAL (1971) #66

THE GOLDEN SEAL (1971)

Released June 23^rd, THE GOLDEN SEAL (1971) is directed by veteran actor Tien Feng, his first solo direction project. Working with Wong Yi-Wa (who?) writing the script and Leung Siu-Chung [THE LADY HERMIT (1971)] directing the action, Mr Feng gives us a typical tale of revenge with twists that seem awfully familiar but don’t quite mesh together in this story. Senior Shaw brother Runme Shaw gives Mr. Feng this opportunity as the producer, but I am not quite sure what the back story is. It is of record that Mr. Feng does some back and forth work between independent movie companies and Shaw Brothers in 1971 and 1972 before settling in with the rival company in 1973. All right, let’s get busy!

Ku Feng as Lei Zhentian

Ku Feng as Lei Zhentian   and   Cliff Lok as Xiao Bai Lung

Lei Zhentian is a power hungry bully who is determined to rule the Jiang Hu by force. His gang of thugs have become the Sun and Moon Clan and one by one they have challenged the other local clans until they have become rather powerful in their own right. Along the way they have done many misdeeds and have crushed any who have stood before them while having no regard for righteousness whatsoever. Therefore it stands to reason Lei Zhentian has many enemies and it is his fate that they band together one day, to end him for once and for all.  

Chung Wah as Dai Tianchou of the Green Dragon Clan

Wang Ping as Wu Dapeng of the Sun and Moon Clan

CAST REPORT:

the good: Chung Wah as Dai Tianchou. Wang Ping as Wu Dapeng / Xiao Yan. Yue Fung as Feng Jing Yi. Pai Lu as Ms. Shi.

the bad: Ku Feng as Lei Zhentian. Chan Shen as Wu Tianting. Cliff Lok as Xiao Bai Lung. 

HONORABLE MENTION: Pai Lu as the exotic cave-dwelling orphan keeps you interested in this movie that is less than totally original.  Tien Feng has a cameo as the Green Dragon Clan grand master in this movie he directed. 

Yue Fung as Feng Jing Yi

Pai Lu as Ms Shi

 FIGHT TIME: THE GOLDEN SEAL (1971) has Leung Siu-Chung as its action director and once again his choreography is crisp and easy to follow, however there is none of the creative under-cranking I loved so much in THE LADY HERMIT (1971). The under-cranking used for this picture is either rushed or lazy and is sometimes unintentionally comical. Mr. Leung also seems to not have as much confidence in the women fighters as they are often stunt doubled to a fault and in an obvious way no less. I counted seven (7) fight scenes in this movie, which is a bit less than Mr. Leung delivered in his past efforts. Over-all the fighting here is a middle of the road effort or a “5” on a scale of “1 to 10”.

HONORABLE MENTION: The three way women fight in the cave could have been longer and with less stunt doubles would have rocked the house!

Three-way girl fight!

RECOMMENDATION

While there are some faults with THE GOLDEN SEAL (1971) it was still an entertaining film that I can confidently recommend for entertainment. The direction by Tien Feng is too much of a patchwork to be of merit to this great actor and his career shows that directing was not his passion. If you can see it without buying it then that would be ideal in my opinion. It is collectible only if you need to have all of the wuxia films produced by Shaw Brothers. See you next time!

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NEXT UP: THE REBOOT OF THE PROJECT