Adapted from the novel by Jin Yong, havoc breaks out when a warrior on the run uncovers a sword, training manual, treasure map & a secret message on the body of a deceased martial arts master.
This is widely regarded as one of the most controversial and erotic films in Hong Kong cinema. Chu Yuan helmed this 1972 cult classic featuring Lily Ho in her most audacious role as a beautiful and mysterious courtesan caught in a web of sex and murder with her powerful and ruthless madam (Pei Ti). The film's unprecedented genre crossover of lesbian-themed period thriller with eye-popping martial arts is a real screen gem for generations of movie aficionados.
Yueh Hua, co-star of Clan Of Amazons and Clans Of Intrigue, tears up the screen as a corrupt magistrate, so obsessed with finding a hidden treasure that he not only jails and tortures his daughter's lover, but buries his daughter alive as well! Ironically, it is in her coffin that the secret to the hidden treasure is revealed, setting off a frenzy of destruction. Kung-fu choreographers Chen Ti-ke and Hsu Hsia have their hands full with this tale of martial arts masochism.
Rarely has a title been more accurate, but considering the action which fills this film, it also could have been called THE BRUTAL FIVE or THE CRUEL FIVE or THE VICIOUS FIVE.... if the title referred to the villains, that is. In any case, the heroes are certainly outnumbered as gang after gang of robbing rapists invade this poor town. At first the fiends just want a village locksmith to help them open a stolen safe, but soon the entire community is being held hostage, threatened, and tortured. Although reminiscent of THE SEVEN SAMURAI, the director and his revered action choreographers, Liu Chia-liang and Tang Chia, design each of the many struggles with gritty depravity and desperate power. The result is an especially realistic, even grueling, exercise in suspense.
David Chiang, Ti Lung, Wang Chung, Chen Kuan-tai, Danny Lee
In the mid-1980's Chu Yuan became internationally famous for starring as the nasty villain in Jackie Chan's groundbreaking worldwide hit, POLICE STORY. But for more than twenty-five years, he was famous as one of Hong Kong’s most respected directors of "Martial-art World" epics — often conceived by his remarkable collaborator, novelist Ku Lung. This was one of their last together for the Shaw Brothers Studio, but it's another revenge and mystery-tinged winner. Liu Yung and Sun Chien (the Korean kicking THE FIVE VENOM from Chang Cheh's internationally popular series) team to investigate the martial-art murders of a supposedly mortally wounded swordsman, only to find deception, double-dealings, imposters, and one deadly duel after another. No less than three choreographers are on hand to handle the multitude of martial arts, making this one of Chu Yuan's most involving and exciting efforts ever.
Two of Hong Kong's finest stars, Maggie Cheung and Jacky Cheung, are so versatile and capable in virtually any genre that it is cause for celebration for this production, Mother VS Mother. What is more, these 2 talents are combined with the magnificent 40-year veteran actress Teng Pi-yun and hilarious comedian Lydia Shum; a comedy triumph is presented to all who appreciates great acting.
It all started with THE FIVE VENOMS, the internationally loved kung-fu thriller which introduced director Chang Cheh's recurring cast of martial arts masters. It continued through more than a dozen high-flying, bloody good entertainments featuring the same action actors in pairs, trios, quartets, and, most memorably, quintets. While this is considered the last official "Venoms" movie, what a film it is. The title does not lie: an evil prince has secreted stolen imperial treasures in a building that practically bristles with booby-trapped blades. Bodies are pierced, limbs are cut off, and there's one plasma-spurting attack after another as heroes and rogues alike try to solve the secrets of the hell house. The core Venoms themselves choreograph the gory fun in this fond farewell to their worldwide film series sensation.
Lu Feng, Wang Li, Lung Hien-Chiang, Chien Hsiao-Hou
After beating several famous swordsmen, Chin Wu-hsin (Pai Piao) of the Mo Shan clan challenges Supreme Swordsman (Wang Jung) to a duel, hoping to win his title, and is beaten and humiliated. The winner taunts him to find a Supreme Sword made by Old Eagle, a famous sword-maker (Ku Feng). When his offer to buy a sword from Old Eagle, is turned down, he challenges Old Eagle to a duel, and snatches his sword in a foul play. Old Eagle's own son Shih Yen-peh (Derek Yee) vows to avenge for his father...
Award-winning drama featuring a passionate performance by Lisa Lu, enhanced by sumptuous costumes and sets, produces a powerful, fascinating story. In five thousand years of Chinese history, there was never a more fascinating woman than the dragon lady of the Ching Dynasty, also the Empress Dowager, who was the power behind the throne for the last half of the 19th century. The vast tapestry of palace intrigues is vividly brought to the screen.
This bizarre adaptation of the Chinese literary classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” by famous director Chang Cheh’s is about a heroic “swords-ghost” who wreaks havoc against one of the corrupt kingdoms.
Film lovers and critics went out of their way to praise this Liu Chia-liang version of the Shaolin destruction and revenge epic. Many called it the preeminent kung-fu director's best and certainly his greatest on the theme of history, martial arts, and family. Little wonder, since, beyond the Shaolin story, it also shows how Liu's own family style of kung-fu, Hung Fist, was created. There are unforgettable sequences throughout, highlighted by Hung Hsi-kuan (the mighty Chen Kuan-tai) and Fang Yung-chun's (the wonderful Lily Li) wedding night... where the lovers inexorably test their Tiger and Crane kung-fu styles in a symbolic treatment of a couple's power struggles. Almost equally unforgettable are the training sequences and a full three titanic confrontations with the White-Browed Hermit (the impressive Lo Lieh), betrayer of the Temple. The critics were right: Liu has out-done himself...as usual!
Tu Ku (Alex Man Chi-leung), having mastered the fatal skill, leads his eight section chiefs to Wu Tang to challenge Yun Fei-yang (Hsu Shao-chiang). But Yun has already gone into seclusion with his lover Lun Wan-erh (Liu Hsueh-hua). At this moment Tu receives a challenge from Chief Mochitsuki Soryu Han (Chen Kuan-tai) of the Japanese Ega clan.
Tsui Siu-keung, Liu Hsueh-hua, Chen Kuan-tai, Alex Man
After getting into trouble with a local gangster, Chui Ho (Wang Lung Wei), a young man, Tam Dong (Fu Sheng) flees to San Francisco and managed to get a job in a restaurant in Chinatown. Tam Dong finds himself embroiled with the gang again while in San Francisco, and has to fight Chui Ho when the two meet again...
This romantic comedy set against the posh environment of an upper-class Hong Kong elite is about the love that blossoms between a bumbling young man (Leslie Chung) and an attractive woman he meets on the subway (Maggie Cheung). Both would-be lovers are pursued by others; an heiress chases after the likeable klutz, and his subway lady-love has an ex-boyfriend who wants her back again.
