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)

THE LADY HERMIT (1971) #59

THE LADY HERMIT (1971)

The elder Shaw Brother, Runme Shaw produces another hit with THE LADY HERMIT (1971) released January 22nd, directed by Ho Meng Hua, written by Yip Yat-Fong (The Jade Raksha and Heads For Sale), with action directed by Leung Siu-Chung. An action filled revenge tale introducing a brand new female action star: Shih Szu!. Let's get busy!

Cui Ping has traveled all the way to Dugan Town with a letter of recommendation for Chief Wang Cheng En of Da An Security Service from her father. Cui Ping is determined to learn martial arts at the foot of a real martial arts master, in particular, the one known as "The Lady Hermit". She heard rumors of The Lady Hermit being sighted in and around Baijiang Town near a Chung Kuei Temple and is determined to go there to ask The Lady Hermit to be her master. Cui Ping has already learned "all the basics" and literally cracks a mean whip. She is confident The Lady Hermit will accept her as a student.

What Cui Ping does not know is that Chung Kuei Temple is a trap for The Lady Hermit set up by her nemesis, Black Demon. When Black Demon and The Lady Hermit last fought three years ago she was severely injured during the battle and has been hiding out recovering from her wounds and developing a counter for the Black Demon's deadly technique "shadow-less claw". If Cui Ping is not careful, instead of just becoming the disciple of The Lady Hermit she may also become the cause of her death! Game on!

Yes, that is SAMMO HUNG third person from the left

CAST REPORT

the good: Introducing Shih Szu in her first movie as Cui Ping. Cheng Pei-Pei as Leng Yushuang / The Lady Hermit. Lo Lieh as Chang Chun. Fang Mien as Chief Wang Cheng En.

the bad: Wang Hsieh as Black Demon.

HONORABLE MENTION: Black Demon disciples -- Sammo Hung, Chiu Hung, Chuen Yuen, Tong Tin-Hei, Lee Siu-Chung, Law Hon, Woo Ka-Kei, Siu Wa, Cliff Lok, Yeung Chak-Lam, Suen Lam, Ng Ming-Choi, Bruce Leung Siu-Lung, and Bruce Tong Yim-Chaam.

FIGHT TIME: THE LADY HERMIT (1971) has Leung Siu-Chung (Lady of Steel) as its action director and just as he did in his last work, his choreography is still crisp and easy to follow while he ups the ante with more fights: I counted ten (10) fight scenes including the finale while Lady of Steel had eight (8) and a creative under-cranking that spiced up the fight in spots. I would love to see more of this style because it adds some suspense to the fight. Action-packed and creative fight scenes, need I say more?

RECOMMENDATION

THE LADY HERMIT (1971) features the return of Cheng Pei-Pei and Lo Lieh together in a love triangle but unlike GOLDEN SWALLOW, this movie's third wheel is a woman, the newcomer Shih Szu. There is a saying: "Hindsight is 20/20". and looking at the future of Cheng Pei-Pei this movie could have been her swan song and would have been perfectly fitting as such. The truth is, she did make two more movies for Shaw Brothers one more wuxia and one comedy (released in 1972) before leaving for the rival studio Golden Harvest. The drama of the love triangle added texture and interest to THE LADY HERMIT (1971) and the action was top notch making my recommendation for this movie a must-see and collectible for all audiences. Cheng Pei-Pei's star presence is undeniable but this is definitely Shih Szu's movie and they don't debut better than this! 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 NEW ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1971)

THE SECRET OF THE DIRK (1970) #054

THE SECRET OF THE DIRK (1970)

Runme Shaw produces Hsu Tseng-Hung's last directed movie for Shaw Brothers Studios: THE SECRET OF THE DIRK (1970). Hsu Tseng-Hung is the most famous director you do not know: he directed the very first movie in the wuxia genre, the wonderful BUT underrated classic, Temple of the Red Lotus (1965) [as well as the two sequels: The Twin Swords (1965) and The Sword and the Lute (1967)]. THE SECRET OF THE DIRK (1970) was released on October 24th, Yat Fong is the script writer and Tang Chia does the fight choreography all by his lonesome. The movie is told in an complex manner but it is really a simple two-party treasure hunt. Let's get busy!

A large army of robbers lead by one, Pa Tien Wang laid siege to the City of Liu for three months forcing its citizens to flee but not before pooling their most precious valuables together in single lock-box. The Liu City treasure's location was kept secret and try as they might neither the robbers nor Pa Tien Wang was able to get their hands on the treasure. 

Twenty years later, Madame Liu returns to the village where a group of the former citizens of Liu City have hidden out. She is mortally wounded by members of The Black Tiger Gang. The Black Tiger Gang are a band of notorious robbers that have learned about the Liu City Treasure Lock-Box and wants it for themselves. Madame Liu had been out searching for some of the missing citizens of Liu City especially a female child named Liu Ching Ching who is the rightful heir of the City of Liu and true custodian of the treasure. Madame Liu had gotten a lead on the child's whereabouts when she was ambushed. On her deathbed, Madame Liu assigns her four students the task of finding the heir Liu Ching Ching and restoring the treasure to the survivors of Liu City. 

Meanwhile The Black Tiger Gang locate and kidnap Liu Ching Ching with the hopes of discovering the location of the Liu Treasure but are coincidentally discovered by Da Law School senior member Zhou Ying Long, who is the sole wielder of the deadly Da Law Sword. Zhou Ying Long is a true knight errant of China and rescues Liu Ching Ching and takes the responsibility to escort her home. 

On the way to bringing Liu Ching Ching back to her home, Zhou Ying Long and Ching Ching both pass by Madame Liu's four students' camp and the students overhear Liu Ching Ching identify herself. Madame Liu's four students decide to acquire Liu Ching Ching but without her permission. By doing so, they become in direct competition with The Black Tiger Gang but with Zhou Ying Long and the Da Law School sitting smack in the middle of the conflict for the Liu City Treasure. The story continues with twists and turns and red herrings but only at the very end do we learn THE SECRET OF THE DIRK. 

Liu Chai-Yung, David Chiang, and Wang Chung starting second from left going left

CAST REPORT

the good: Ching Li as Ming Chu. Chang Yi as Zhou Ying Long. Shu Pei-Pei as Liu Ching Ching. Lin Jing as Madame Liu. Helen Ma Hoi-Lun as Xiao Lan. Cliff Lok as Xiao Ying. Fang Mian as General Liu Tsing. 

the bad: Tien Feng as Wang Shan Hu. Chiu Hung as Wan Tai Zhi.

HONORABLE MENTION: Tang Chia, Chen Kuan-Tai, David Chiang, Liu Chia-Yung and Wang Chung all have minor roles as members of the Black Tiger Gang. 

FIGHT TIME: THE SECRET OF THE DIRK (1970) was fight choreographed solo by Tang Chia. I counted eight (8) fight scenes, most of them were very short but exciting. Some of them seemed pretty chaotic but they were few in number. The movie's finale was excellent, even though it stopped just a little sudden for me there was plenty of tension and excitement as the fights went back and forth from one on one to one versus many from Ching Li's fights to Chang Yi's fights and some shots showing both at the same time. Kudos!

HONORABLE MENTION: There were two honorable mentions, one was the Da Law Sword, a fantastic weapon and the other was Ching Li's performance in the finale when she took a double-handed grip on the sword and went to town you just knew it was about to get bloody!

RECOMMENDATION

Based on the small roles of some prominent stars of the time, I am going to conclude that this is one of the many films that sat a while on a shelf a minute before being released, which in and of itself is not at all a rare practice. Nevertheless, THE SECRET OF THE DIRK (1970) is an entertaining film, flaws and all so I am going to recommend it for general viewers but not necessarily a must have for collectors. The plot twists and red herrings will make you want to watch it a couple of times to figure out what you (or they) missed. Have fun with 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!

NEXT UP: THE IRON BUDDHA (1970)

THE GOLDEN KNIGHT (1970) #047

THE GOLDEN KNIGHT (1970)

Producer Runme Shaw gives us THE GOLDEN KNIGHT (1970) a wuxia, suspenseful who-done-it with an complex script by Liang Yen (Yip Yat-Fong) [Black Butterfly 1968)] and [The Jade Raksha (1968)] co-written by Huang Feng (Wong Fung). It released April 17th and was directed by Yueh Feng [Rape of the Sword (1967)] and [The Bells of Death (1968)] with action direction by Han Kuo.  (A word about the title: in Chinese there is no such convention as adding an "s" to indicate plural nouns so the title in English could have been translated: THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS and as such would have been much more accurate considering the events of the movie. )

It is a solemn day for the Jiang Hu. The Supreme Grand Master, having been very ill and recognizing his time on earth is nearing an end, has written manuals of his six martial skills to give to six of the major heads of the martial clans. The Poison Palm, the Zen Finger, the Azura Sword, the Deadly Sabre, the Jingang Palm and the Iron Body manuals are all ready to be given to the grand masters of the six major clans on the appointed day at the appointed hour.  

On the appointed day at the appointed hour however only five of the six grand masters had arrived. Grand Master Yu Yun-Yang of Huang Shan Clan had not yet arrived so the Supreme Grand Master reserved the Poison Palm manual for Grand Master Yu Yun-Yang since it was the Huang Shan Clan's specialty and gave the remaining five manuals to the attending five grand masters and bid them to return to their clans. 

On their way back to their clans the five grand masters ran into Grand Master Yu Yun-Yang on his way to their meeting with the Supreme Grand Master and told him of the Supreme Grand Master's intention. The five grand masters then continued on their way back to their clans and Grand Master Yu continued on to see the Supreme Grand Master. But when Grand Master Yu arrived at the Supreme Grand Master's home he found the Supreme Grand Master and his servant had been murdered. Grand Master Yu immediately called out to the five grand masters to return to the Supreme Grand Master's house. 

Hearing Grand Master Yu's cries, the five grand masters ran back to the Supreme Grand Master's house as quickly as they could. When they arrived back at the Supreme Grand Master's house, they found the Supreme Grand Master and his servant dead and Grand Master Yu's bloodied belonging but not Grand Master Yu's body. The five grand masters assumed that Grand Master Yu had been murdered and carried off and could do nothing else but return to their clans and report their experience to The Tongxin Clan, Golden Knights, the clan of justice in the Jiang Hu. 

The Tongxin Clan Golden Knights are the court of justice for the Jiang Hu and all matters of law are brought before them. Shortly after the murder and disappearance of the Supreme Grand Master and Grand Master Yu, the Iron Body Manual was stolen from the Huashan Clan and the Deadly Sabre manual was stolen from the Kongdong Clan with members of both clans being killed in the process. There were two attempts made on the Zen Finger manual at Shaolin Temple but they were both unsuccessful, no one was killed and the manual was not stolen. Circumstantial evidence points to the daughter of the missing, Grand Master Yu Yun-Yang, Yu Fei-Xia --but did she commit these crimes of murder and theft, or did someone else? 

CAST REPORT

the good: Lily Ho Li-Li as Yu Fei-Xia / Jiang Yi-Ming. Kao Yuen as Lu Yi-Nan, a Golden Knight. Wang Hsieh as Master Jing Zheng-Lun, a Golden Knight.  Fan Mei-Sheng as Guan Xi-Yang, a Golden Knight. Wong Ching-Ho as Shaolin Abbot Yi-Shu. Ku Feng as Monk Tieh Teng, a Golden Knight.  Chuen Yuen as Chief of Tongxin Clan Golden Knights. 

the bad: Yeung Yip-Wang as Master Bao. Shu Pei-Pei as Ai Qing. Hsu Yu as the Censor's wife. Lan Wei-Lieh as a fake Imperial Guard.

HONORABLE MENTION: Cheng Miu and Sammo Hung Kam-Bo guest star in small roles.

FIGHT TIME: THE GOLDEN KNIGHT (1970) credits Han Kuo with the action direction of the movie but director (Griffin) Yueh Feng has too much of a heavy hand with his hand held shaky cam that readers of my past reviews know I am not a fan of. There were only six (6) fight scenes in the entire movie and they were not too bad for what I could see of them but the constant movement of the camera really robbed me of a clear view in many of those scenes and it was very annoying. That said, Han Kuo kept the movie's pace fast and exciting and I hardly noticed that there could have been another fight or two just for good measure. An acceptable performance. 

THE GOLDEN KNIGHT (1970) is a movie that, as I think about it, is probably easier to experience by Mandarin Chinese speakers than by English subtitle readers. The double flash-back one third in the movie that is actually the movie's beginning along with the lack of detail in the subtitles about just who The Golden Knights were leaves one playing catch-up quite a bit on the first viewing. If that wasn't challenging enough if the viewer has no knowledge of the Jiang Hu then the viewer really needs to watch the movie a second time before it feels like a smooth story-telling.   

If the viewer does bother to view the movie a second time and think along the lines of an episode of Law And Order Criminal Intent then they have a much better chance to discover the well crafted (but hard to translate) "who done it" scripted by Yip Yat-Fong and Wong Fung. This is one of those movies I believe would do well as a modern remake with jacked-up martial arts scenes. As it is, I can still in good conscious recommend it for ones casual viewing pleasure but as a collectible, maybe not so much. 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: HEADS FOR SALE (1970)