In Swift Sword, popular director Ho Meng-hua exposes a whole cast of established talent to create a searing martial arts extravaganza that reeks of steel-slashing bewitchment worthy of any swordplay epic.
Although director Chu Yuan's collaboration with famed novelist Ku Lung is the stuff of legend, what is often missed was his titanic teaming with equally respected, equally inspired author Chin Yung – creator of this unforgettable saga. Set during the Yuan Dynasty, it tells the fascinating story of the "Sacred Fire" sect, the Wu Tang swordsmanship clan, the disciples of the O Mei group, The Book of Chu Yang (which can make the reader immortal), and the destruction of Shaolin. And that's just the start of the fascinating intrigues and ingratiating characters found here. Eminent martial arts instructor Tang Chia led a cast of screen idols, lovely starlets, and such veteran kung-fu artists as Lo Lieh on an incredible adventure that ranks as a favorite from Asia to America. And it's just the beginning. Someone is wiping out all of Shaolin and the seven sects. Can they be stopped? Only the sequel knows for sure...
No list compiled of all the screen's comic geniuses would be complete without Michael Hui. He created a hilarious and lovable comic persona that was both uniquely Asian and universally beloved. The Warlord, his first film, not only showcased his incomparable sense of humour but also a revolutionized Hong Kong comedy. Evoking Chaplin, he plays a warlord in early 20th century China, but makes the role his own with comedy. Some of the sexiest ladies on the Shaw Brothers lot add on to the ingenuity of the movie.
In the story, defeated villain Sung Ching-shu (Alex Man Chi-leung) restarts his reign of terror, trapping a beautiful Mongolian Princess and mastering the "yin and yang combination" to become almost invincible. Only two swords held by two great swordsmen can stand in his way!
In the finale of this action-packed trilogy, Liu Chia-hui reprises his famous role, Monk San Te, as he tries to support Shaolin hero Fang Shih-yu who purposely attacks corrupt Ching officials.
This delightful action comedy featuring international favourite Alexander Fu Sheng premiered two years before the American hit Ghostbusters was released. Is it a coincidence? You be the judge as you enjoy this amazing showcase of wushu and wizardry.
The retelling of China's most popular romance story became the fourth highest box-office in 1969. Superstar Ivy Ling Po plays a Don Juan scholar who tries to seduce a sprite-like servant, played by "Baby Movie Queen" Li Ching, known as the youngest star ever to be crowned Best Actress.
Celebrated scriptwriter Shen Chiang (Heroes of Sung) continues to spread his magic touch to directing with this tale surrounding the end of the Song dynasty. Threatened by the Yuan who are closing in to rule the whole of China, a band of Song survivors band together to save their prime minister. This bold and fearless heroes fighting for their cause are led by international star, Lo Lieh (Glass Tears, Killer Clans) and Shi Szu ( Lovers Destiny), who must fight their way out of trap after trap. But they can't escape them all, and eventually the two end up in prison... it is either death or a fight to the end!
In the arsenal of classic martial arts secret weapons, there is none more lethal than the Buddha's Palm, a technique by which an ordinary hand is transformed into a formidable force. Ku, a blind recluse living in a cave, knows its secret, which proves to be as much a blessing as a curse as it attracts all manner of mayhem...
One great movie deserves another, and this is one of those rare sequels that many feel is superior to the original. The audience certainly seemed to think so, making this one of Shaw Studio's highest grossing movies ever. And why not? Ti Lung is back as Li Chin Huan, the renowned, charming, elegant, majestic, and yes, sentimental swordsman who must face the Chief of the Money Clan and his legion of assassins for the fate of the "Martial Arts World".
David Chiang plays the all-new-one-armed hero - a man who chops off his right arm rather than live with dishonor. But when the love of his life is kidnapped and his best friend is murdered at a gang's stronghold on Tiger Mountain, it's time to battle.
Three of the most famous Miss Hong Kong contestants, Maggie Cheung, Chingmy Yau and Elizabeth Lee star in this wacky Wong Jing-directed comedy about love and amusement in 1980s Hong Kong. Wong Jing himself plays Xin, a hapless loser in love. Xin calls in to radio DJ Tsang (Eric Tsang) the "Love Pain Killer", for desperate help. Tsang, a self-proclaimed love expert takes it upon himself to make sure Xin meets girls, and leads him on a series of loopy excursions into the wild and dangerous world of modern love.
"Godfather of the kung-fu film" Chang Cheh, is famous for introducing the revolutionary concept of "yanggang" (macho) martial arts movies – paving the way for Bruce Lee, among many others. Until then, female stars (often in male swordsmen roles) ruled the screens. So collaboration between writer/director Chang and swordswoman supreme Cheng Pei-pei (now famous for CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) is exceptional indeed. Here she plays a righteous woman warrior who incurs the wrath of a "flying knife" master after she kills his rapist son. Lucky for her that an honorable dagger master played by Lo Lieh (the star of Shaw Brothers' first international kung-fu hit KING BOXER) is on her side. Although extremely attractive when she only played heroes, Cheng could hold her own with any man, freeing Chang to create the best of all possible martial arts worlds.
Made at the peak of the martial arts film craze, BLOOD BROTHERS stands out against the run-of-the-mill kung-fu flicks that flooded the market in the 1970s. It would be hard to find more legendary names in front of and behind the camera: director Chang Cheh, who virtually reinvented the genre; the brilliant martial arts choreography by Liu Chia-liang, before he himself embarked on a directorial career; and the number one buddy team in kung-fu, Ti Lung and David Chiang, joined by Shaw Brothers newest superstar, Chen Kuan-tai. Set in the waning years of the Ching Dynasty, Blood Brothers tells of one of the most sensational scandals in Chinese history, the assassination of a provincial governor (Ti Lung) by his lieutenant and sworn brother (David Chiang). Ti Lung, in a complex role that allowed him to flex his thespian muscles, was honored with Golden Horse Award of Outstanding Performance.
