Yet another in the now growing line of martial arts films being given spectacular treatment by 88 Films. This time a film that combines martial arts sequences, weapon skills and a combination of drama and humor that works in the best way possible.
Taking place during the Boxer Rebellion around 1899, a secret sect the Yi Ho Society, has learned of a technique using mysticism and martial arts combined that leaves them impervious to blades. When they try to use the same techniques against bullets they fail miserably. Seeing they are willing to sacrifice their men to these weapons Lei Kung (Liu Chia-Liang) disbands his men and leaves the sect. The Chief of the Yi Ho Society, insulted by his claims, orders his execution and puts a bounty on his head.
To assassins arrive in the same small town seeking out Lei. Tien Hau (Hsiao-Hou) is asking questions and finding few answers. Fang Shau-Ching (Kara Wai), the niece of the Chief and following clues to the same location. As they ask around and look to see any clues as to Lei’s secret identity they both come to the same conclusion as to who he is. Not knowing one another, both arrive to take him out but end up fighting with one another instead. In the end their guess as to who Kung is is wrong and they’ve found clan member Lei Ying (Lau Kar-Wing) instead.
Tien and Fang join forces to find Kung. The more the pair learn, the more they come to realize that they have been lied to. When they find out the members of the clan were willingly sacrificed for no reason they decide to join forces with Lei and put an end to the methods of their own clan, resulting in a final showdown between Lei Kung and Lei Ying who turns out to be his brother, the man who sent the assassins to kill him and weaken him to he can deal the death blow and raise his stature in the clan.
This description is the most basic one can give but there is so much more going on in this film. The persona Lei takes to hide his skills is a comedic one as is how he handles the much less skilled assassins sent to take him out. Voodoo dolls are used in portions of the film allowing non-skilled combatants to take part in fights as the dolls’ handler manipulates them about.
One of the most amazing aspects of the film is the use of the titled weapons in the film. While various items had been used in the past no film had actually focused on all of them and brought them to the forefront of any film. This one makes up for that. The film opens with an acrobatic display of each being used. This bookends with the final showdown in which Lei Kung arrives with them all and one by one the duo battle it out with each.
Once more 88 Films has brought this out with an amazing HD print that captures all the action and color magnificently. The extras on hand include an audio commentary track with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, and audio commentary track with Asian cinema experts Frank Dieng and actor/martial artists Michael Worth, an audio commentary track with Asian cinema expert Frank Dieng alone, “Eighteen Weapons” David West on THE LEGENDARY WEAPONS OF CHINA, “Gordon at Shaw” and interview with actor Gordon Lui by Frédéric Ambroisine, “Titus At Shaw” an interview with producer Titus Ho by Frédéric Ambroisine, the original trailer and a reversible sleeve with brand-new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien & Original Hong Kong poster artwork.
I keep saying this but it is simply the facts. If you are a fan of martial arts movies or action films in general then you need to add this film along with the other 88 Films offerings to your collection.
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