Comic book chopsocky flick from Hong Kong
This was the movie that broke the Asian martial arts craze in America in 1973, following the success of the “Kung Fu” pilot and ensuing television series the previous year. Roy Thomas was inspired to create Marvel Comics’ Iron Fist after watching both.
The story takes place in the early 20th century in rural Hong Kong (or bordering China). As such, there are no vehicles, but rather horse-drawn carriages, which gives the film a Western flair or something akin to “Planet of the Apes” & “Beneath the Planet of the Apes.” I like the simple Far East décor and backdrops. The fighting sequences are artistic, but not believable, resembling choreographed stage dances more than combat, sorta reminiscent of Michael Jackson's later "Thriller" video.
The film should be respected for its historical impact, and it is entertaining to a point if you can enter its fantasy world with people jumping seven feet into the air at the drop of a hat (Why Sure). Unfortunately, Lo Lieh as the protagonist lacks the charisma of Bruce Lee and was too old for the part of “the young man” at almost 33 during shooting. Then there’s the jarring theme from Ironside used as a leitmotif coupled with the equally jarring sound effects used for physical impact in the fight scenes.
It doesn’t help that it’s overlong by about 15-20 minutes and so the proceedings come across redundant. After the first 30-40 minutes, it’s just more of the same. The original 1972 “Kung Fu” movie with David Carradine (retitled “The Way of the Tiger, the Sign of the Dragon” after the success of the resultant series) is a masterpiece by comparison because it kept everything in the realm of plausibility and had the confidence to take its time with a moving, reverent tone.
Despite my criticisms, the highlights make it worth checking out for those interested.
It runs 1 hour, 44 minutes, and was shot in Hong Kong.
GRADE: C+
