Rating:

Stars: Lee Yi Min, Jack Long, Mark Long, Choy Chung Ahun, Yuen Kwai

Director: Joseph Kuo

Fight Choreography: Yuen Kwai, Yuen Cheung Yan

1978, Taiwan, Hong Hwa Film Co.

 

On the day of retirement, Pak Mei (White Brow) master, Shang Kuan Cheng (Jack Long), gets a letter from someone who doubts his power. To prove himself the grandmaster of all China before he retires, he travels trough the country too challenge the masters of each province with his incredible 9 strikes of Pak Mei.

Along the way he meets a young man by the name of Hsia Hsiao Ying (Li Yi Min), who wants to become his student. But a student stole ones three secret techniques from Shang's master so he is now careful when taking students. Hsiao Ying joins the master his students and his daughter, and is later taught the style of Pak Mei. But the young fellow has a secret; after mastering the invincible style he returns to his town and reveals the truth.

 

Awesome!!! This is the kind of films I like. No goofing around no silly stuff, just a non-confusing plot, some outstanding kung fu, great acting and a cool and little scary soundtrack that fits in perfectly.

It's one of those adventures that makes you enter the world of kung fu films and for a while after the film your mind is still in that world. This movie really deserves a widescreen/remastered subs release and a DVD release wouldn't be bad. This one is regarded as a favorite among kung fu fans around the world, and it's really awesome. It's very entertaining with a great ending and an old kung fu feeling that keeps you wanting more Joseph Kuo.

This is my first and only Joseph Kuo movie and was my first Jack Long movie as well. Kuo was famous for his amazing fight scenes and his simple but not at all dumb plots. And for making masterpieces out of a tiny budget.

This is the Eastern Heroes version I'm reviewing and they have a couple of other Kuo titles as well. These are: "Shaolin Kids aka Shaolin death Squad" (with Polly Shang Kwan), "Mystery of Chess Boxing" (same stars as this one), "Shadow Boxin" (Hwang Jang Lee, Jack Long, Mark Long, Woow!!!), "War of the Shaolin Temple" and soon to come "Born Invincible" (Carter Wong, the Yuens, Jack Long and Lo Lieh) which I can't wait to get my hands on. Unfortunately all the movies except for "Born Invincible" are dubbed and in full-screen.

 

Anyway, to the film. Choy Chung Ahun (Choy Chung Sun) is very good here playing a mysterious guy that is... (you'll have to find out the truth for yourself). If you don't know this dude make sure you pick up some of his movies because he's a guy every old school fan should know.

Jack Long is excellent as the old Pak Mei master and does his excellent and entertaining acrobatics. But it ain't really Pak Mei as that is a southern kung fu style with low stances and has some Wing Chun looking techniques. Anyway, although it would've been nice if they've used another style-name (that looks more like the stuff they're doing) it doesn't really matter as this is top notch stuff anyway and probably more entertaining than real Pak Mei.

Li Yi Min shows some amazing acrobatics too, and some kicks as well. But, of course, his acting ain't up to Long's.

For those who want to know, Ma Chiu Ku cameos at the middle of the movie when Jack Long is sick and lets Li Yi Min fight for him. Also Chien Yueh Sheng ("3 horned beetle" from "Warriors Two") cameos as the monkey king. I love this guy especially here doing some highly entertaining monkey and some comedic moves.

Bottom line: Joseph Kuo, for making a masterpiece basically out of a zero budget, I sincerely thank you.

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