Language: Chinese Audio
Subtitles: English and Chinese

Genre: Action
Director: Lau Kar Leung
Starring: Jet Lee, Huang Qiu-yan
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins
Rating: PG
Year Made: 1985
Features: VCD

Distributor: Videovan Entertainment Industries Pte Ltd

Review:

A famous Chinese saying goes: ”All martial arts originated from Shaolin.” In this concluding chapter of the Shaolin Trilogy (Shaolin Temple, Kids from Shaolin), Jet Lee starred as Zhi Ming, a Shaolin monk who works hard to perfect his martial art skills so that he is capable to assassinate a
corrupt and powerful Qing’s Lord, He Sou, to avenge his parent’s death. Joining his alliance is Sima yan (Huang Qiu-yan), who coincidentally wanted to kill He Sou to revenge for her parents, and Zhao Wei, a South Shaolin student.

The awfully familiar and simple plot, which has nothing to do with the two Shaolin prequels, could be well forgotten. The love triangle between Zhi Ming, Sima Yan and Zhao Wei are also pathetic and unnecessary. Fortunately, these shortcomings do not disrupt the viewing pleasure of the
spectacular battle sequences in the movie, which sees the deployment of over hundred extras, mostly well versed in martial arts.

Legendary Kungfu movie director, Lau Kar Leung had crafted this Shaolin finale to a glorious finishing. Bringing his HongKong crew to film in China, something which was rarely done by HongKong filmmaker in that era, the excellent choice of venues had left memorable impression especially the battles between the assassins and the Qing soldiers and seeing them fought on famous Chinese landmarks like the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, and the Yangtze River is a blast!

The set, props and costume were also fantastic! The lavish display of colours at He Sou’s birthday celebration in the Forbidden City was spectacular with a nice number of lion and dragon dance plus many acrobatic stunts and performances. The final showdown was equally amazing,
with the casts fighting the Qing’s villain and his countless numbers of bodyguards on board a narrow but magnificent looking double-decker boat floating on the Yangtze river.

Throughout the movie, there were also a wide array of martial arts skills spotted, including the Shaolin’s pole, Drunken sword fighting, chain daggers, triple chain poles, Praying Mantis fist, and South Shaolin horse etc. All these, which were done with minimal wire works and no CG
special effects, were enough to put most contemporary kungfu movies filmmakers to shame.

It is a pity that this is the only collaboration between Lau Kar Leung and Jet Lee. While Jet Lee proceed to make his mark in the international entertainment scene, Lau Kar Leung, who insisted on the old school of kungfu film making, have been heading downhill, producing numerous
dismissal releases like “Operation Scorpio” (1992) and “The Drunken Master 3” (1994). As a result, Martial Arts of Shaolin, which marks the peak of Lau Kar Leung’s career and the birth of International KungFu superstar, Jet Lee had made it a must-see and must-have collection for kungfu movie fans.

Overall Rating: B+

Review by Leosen Teo

Language: Chinese Audio
Subtitles: English and Chinese

Genre: Drama
Director: Yuen Feng
Starring: Ivy Ling Po, Chin Han, Yang Chi-Ching, Chen Yen-yen, Ching Miao, Wu Ma
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins
Rating: PG
Year Made: 1964
Features: VCD

Distributor: Videovan Entertainment Industries Pte Ltd

Review:

The younger generation of today will know the story of Hua Mulan from recent adaptation works such as the famous Disney's cartoon feature "Mulan". Though it might not exactly depict the actual events and characters, the main theme and plotline is in some ways similar to this 1964 production which starred the legendary actress, Ivy Ling Po.

Ivy Ling Po plays a filial daughter, Hua Mulan who substitutes her ailing father into going to war. Disguised as a man, it is mandatory for her to learn how to establish rapport with fellow "buddies" before her guise is discovered. As the war stretches on for 12 long years, Mulan realised she has fallen for her instructor, General Li. To complicate matters, the Marshal in charge decides to marry her daughter to Mulan for her contributions to the country.

The movie itself is peppered with song routines throughout. And the lyrics are poetic and emotionally inspiring and witty at times. Ivy Ling Po does a tremendously good job in portraying a women in man robes, competent in both martial arts as well as not neglecting the feminine side of her character. You can say that Ivy Ling Po has already tackled the dual roles so well that Anita Yuen pales in comparision in "He's a woman. She's a man". Though the productions in the sixties and seventies are shot mostly indoors. The sets, props, costumes and greenery are beautifully constructed and created surpassing even the standards of today production values in Hong Kong.

"Lady General Hua Mu-lan" plotlines flows predictably with competent supporting roles such as Mulan's loyal cousin and General Li. On the whole, it's more operatic than martial arts. What truly makes you applaud at the end of the movie still lies in Ivy's performance (She won the Best Actress in the 11th Asian Film Festival) and the no-nonsense production values at that time.

Overall Rating: B

Review by Linus.T.

Language: Chinese Audio
Subtitles: English and Chinese

Genre: Action/Thriller
Director: Ho Meng-Hua
Starring: Cheng Pei-Pei, Lo Lieh, Shih Szu, Wang Hsia
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins
Rating: NC-16
Year Made: 1971
Features: VCD

Distributor: Videovan Entertainment Industries Pte Ltd

Review:

Cheng Pei-pei, the KungFu maiden of the 60s, returned as a formidable swordswoman, nicknamed: “Chung Kuei”, which was also the name of an ancient Taoist deity that protects people from the evil spirits.

In an attempt to relieve the people from the tyranny of Black Demon (Wang Hsia) three years ago, Chung Kuei sustained a near fatal injury that forced her to retreat to a secluded life as a cook in Da An Security Company while recuperating. However, along came the arrogant and ambitious Tsui-ping (Shih Szu) who hopes to learn kungfu skills from Chung Kuei, but only to invite unwanted attention of Chung Kuei’s hideout to her old foes.

After many battles, fighting together against the henchmen of Black Demon, love-triangle soon develop between Chung Kuei, Chang Chun (Lo Lieh), a well-mannered gentleman working in Da An Security Company, and Tsui-ping, who had became Chung Kuei’s disciple. Although it was good intention to sprinkle some romance to cool off the mindless atrocities, it had somehow drag down the pace of the movie, making the runtime seem lengthy. Screen villain Lo Lieh as the center of attraction was rather awkward throughout as audiences may be expecting some unscrupulous act from him. But this time, he can be trusted.

The fighting sequences in this 70s movie were surprisingly well choreographed. The slaughtering were quick and sharp, unlike most other kungfu movies of that era, which always have challengers starring endlessly at each other before crossing blows. Audience may be pleased with the endless numbers of enemies surrounding the heroes, only to be brutally slain one after another. Somehow along the way, there may be careless editing, as the body count in many scenes were incorrect. Nevertheless, the finale was exciting enough with a battle in the middle of a flimsy-looking bridge, and also on a tall pagoda tower.

The movie, in spite of it being made in the 70s, still offers much gruesome bloodshed that may please many kungfu film followers. In the CG heavy World now, this is still a reasonable entertaining alternative with its genuine sparring actions.

Overall Rating: B

Review by Leosen Teo

Language: Chinese Audio
Subtitles: English and Chinese

Genre: Drama/Romance
Director: Li Han-Shiang
Starring: Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia, Slivia Chang, Deborah, Michelle Mei Suet
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins
Rating: PG
Features: VCD

Distributor: Videovan Entertainment Industries Pte Ltd

Review:

The tragic romance between Chia Pao-yu and Lin Tai-yu has always been touted as the Chinese version of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. Directed by the father of Huangmei movies, Li Han-hsiang, this timeless classic was given a total makeover from the 1961 version (also directed by Li Han-hsiang) with better music scores, nicer costume, and stronger casts.

It is obvious that the Yue opera style songs and melodies were now played by western keyboard. The wayang movements were at this point minimized so that the focus was, like contemporary movies, more onto the facial expression of the actresses (Yes! The main casts are all actress!).

The incredibly beautiful Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia starred as Chia Pao-yu, a frivolous and ultra-rich brat changing for the better when his cousin Lin Tai-yu (Silva Chang) came to stay with his family. Called that puppy love, romance between them soon blossom but only to meet with opposition
from Pao-yu’s family, as Tai-yu’s health was way too fragile. When Pao-yu’s family tricked him to marry another cousin, Pao-Chai (Michelle Mei Suet), Tai-yu was so devastated that she soon falls sick and ultimately passes away, heart broken. Overcome by her death, Pao-yu chooses the way of a monk in the bid to relieve his pain.

Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia is outstanding as Chia Pao-yu, portraying many facets like cheerfulness, defiance, grievous and even madness. Her looks were unsurpassed till today as the most handsome Chia Pao-yu on screen. On the other hand, Silvia Chang as the heavenly beauty Lin Tai-yu was rather unconvincing. Her strength however is that she able to pull the emotion chords with her hauntingly sorrowful performance in the final half an hour. Finally, it was a pleasant surprise to spot young Michelle Mei Suet, Hui Ying-Hon, and Tien Niu who are now renowned veteran actresses, in the movie.

The movie was crowned the Best Picture and Best Production Design in the 15th Golden Horse awards as well as Best Costume Design and Best Production Design in the 24th Asian Film Festival.

Overall Rating: B

Review by Leosen Teo

Language: Chinese Audio
Subtitles: English and Chinese

Genre: Action
Director: Jimmy Wang Yu
Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lo Lieh, Wang Ping, Chao Hsiung, Cheng Lei
Runtime: 1 hr 26 mins
Rating: M18 (For Sexual Violence)
Features: VCD

Distributor: Videovan Entertainment Industries Pte Ltd

Review:

Set in a small Chinese village during the pre-war period, the once peaceful street were terrorized by Karate expert, Kitashima (Lo Lieh) and the despicable Tiao Erh, who was earlier ousted by the villagers for misconduct. First was the wipe out of the master and disciples in Zhong Yi Chinese Martial Art Clan. Next, the village was disintegrated with gambling den, gangsters and loan sharks.

Outraged by the forlorn state of the village, Lei Ming (Jimmy Wang Yu), the surviving disciple of the Zhong Yi Clan, left his hide out, seeking revenge and restoring peace back to the streets after perfecting the Iron Palm and Light Leaping skills – the only known technique capable of defeating the Japanese Karate. However, being outnumbered by equally highly skilled and cunning villains, he needs more than just formidable craft.

Directed, written and acted by Jimmy Wang Yu, who can be considered as a mega celebrity in the 70s, the movie is a no fuss, blood-spattering treat with a predictable plot. The acting of the casts looks forced and pretentious, which were understandable for a movie made during the infancy
stage of Hong Kong movie industry. Nevertheless, the nostalgic feel of yesteryears and the chuck-able “looks-like-using-tons-of-strength” sparring moves were the main draw. And Yes! Not forgetting that obviously fake blood-pack hiding in the pocket of the casts.

It seem that the immortality of this movie was made possible with present day technology. The screen colour and sound clarity of this digitally restored and remastered movie is simply superb although there were negligible jumps and audio distortion spotted in a few scenes. Finally, there were really some good amount of gore and unexpectedly, nudity in the movie which rendered it with a M18 rating on its disc cover to protect our minor.

Overall Rating: B-

Review by Leosen Teo