Blog Archives

Dragon Lord (1982)

(from , dir: )
Posted on January 20, 2018 by Andrew

After the success of The Young Master, with its action stretching traditional kung fu choreography in unexpected directions, Jackie Chan pushed boundaries further in his follow-up film. Originally a sequel titled Young Master in Love, the experimental action maintains a thematic through-line with Jackie’s previous work, even as the narrative continuity is cast aside. After a long and difficult gestation of almost a year — forever by Hong Kong standards at the time — Dragon Lord was born.… (read more)

Comments Off on Dragon Lord (1982)

Project A: Part II (1987)

(from , dir: )
Posted on February 19, 2017 by Andrew

Project A is a highlight of Jackie Chan’s filmography, and the movie I use to introduce those unfamiliar with Hong Kong cinema to the many and varied delights it delivers. However, Project A: Part II is my favourite Jackie Chan movie. It is perhaps one of the purest displays of Jackie’s talent for creating intricate action and comedy scenes, displayed so clearly that the skill behind their construction is almost invisible.

As if as a reminder of the high bar … (read more)

Comments Off on Project A: Part II (1987)

Shaolin Hand Lock (1978)

(from , dir: )
Posted on March 12, 2007 by Justin

David Chiang (who seems to have become rather a staple of my DVD viewing of late, for some reason) returns to the martial arts genre with this film, from rather prolific Shaws director Ho Meng-hua. Also in the mix are Lo Lieh, perennial Shaws actor, and Michael Chan (Chen Hui-min), who’s still acting today, most recently in Enter the Phoenix, The Spy Dad and You Shoot, I Shoot.

Our story follows (naturally) David Chiang’s character, a young man … (read more)

Comments Off on Shaolin Hand Lock (1978)

Broken Oath (1977)

(from , dir: )
Posted on August 20, 2006 by Justin

I’ve never had much opportunity to see much of Angela Mao’s work on screen: her films have never been available on DVD (until now, anyway) and I think that all that I’ve seen of her work is her small role in Enter the Dragon and her part in King Hu’s Fate of Lee Khan, a film that I hope I’ll one day own a decent copy of.

The floodgates have opened, though, and decent DVD versions of many of … (read more)

Comments Off on Broken Oath (1977)

All Men Are Brothers (1973)

(from , dir: )
Posted on October 29, 2005 by Justin

All Men Are Brothers is another huge Chang Cheh-directed production from Shaws when they were at the height of their powers, with just about all their action stars and four of their action choreographers (including my favourite, Lau Kar Leung). It picks up its story from the same source as The Water Margin and doesn’t go to much trouble introducing the characters… so you’re advised to watch The Water Margin first, so you know why David Chiang has his own … (read more)

Comments Off on All Men Are Brothers (1973)