Every so often one watches a film that simply must be accepted on its own terms if said viewer is to gain anything out of the experience. It has become all too facile to criticize a film for not being what the viewer wished it had been as opposed to analyzing what it is aspiring to and how.
Judgement of an Assassin Written by Ni Kuang Directed by Sun Chung Hong Kong, 1977 Vengeance, lust for power, bruised egos, noble desire to remain true to one’s better judgement, none of these carry any meaning in when people are the subject of a trial. In the court of law, justice is blind, or should …
Dead End Directed by Chang Cheh Written by Chiu Kang Chien Hong Kong, 1969 The name Chang Cheh should be recognizable to any self ascribed Shaw Brothers fan. The man was a true legend within the studio system, directing movies at such a rapid rate that even Woody Allen would blush. With a whopping total …
All Men Are Brothers Directed by Chang Cheh Written by Chang Cheh and Kuang Ni Hong Kong, 1975 In 1972, The Water Margin exploded onto the Hong Kong cinema scene, courtesy of acclaimed director Chang Cheh, an eclectic cast and impressive production values that clearly upped the ante in comparison to most Shaw films which …
The Water Margin Directed by Chang Cheh and Wu Ma Screenplay by Chang Cheh and Ni Kuang Hong Kong, 1972 However many qualities may be admired about the martial arts classics from the late 60s and early 70s, their scale is not one that frequently produces feelings of awe from within the viewer. In …
Shaolin Mantis Directed by Lau Kar-leung Screenplay by On Szeto Hong Kong, 1978 In the world of kung fu, so far as the movies go at least, there is a laundry list of various fighting styles which have adapted or directly imitated characteristics of certain animals and insects. Snakes, tigers, crabs, these creatures as well …
Blood Brothers Directed by Chang Cheh 1973, Hong Kong In the vast landscape of films that came out of this most famous of Hong Kong studios, far and few between are those which can be remembered for concentrating their efforts as much if not more so on developing a story which could stand on its …