Reviews written by al lipesky
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The Five Venoms
July 30, 2009 CHANNEL 5 CLASSICA film that by many does not need an introduction. A fan favorite for so many people, and the amazing channel 5 Drive In Movie, saturdays at 1pm in the mid-eighties. This film has a lot going for it. The story and the character development make this film really stand out. Although this film is considered the first Venoms film, i would have to say Invincible Shaolin is where everything really kicks off for the team. Not to discredit any of the earlier work which featured the Venoms and Fu Sheng. The only negative in an almost perfect film would be the fact that the fighting is limited...as compared to later films. The intro training sequences in the beginning when the clan are wearing the masks is worth every penny!
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Ninja In The Deadly Trap (DVD) (English Dubbed) (US Version)
Ninja In The Deadly Trap (DVD) (English Dubbed) (US Version) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$10.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:July 25, 2009 THE VENOM'S RETURNThis film was made right after Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng and Kuo Choi left Shaw Brothers in 1982 and went back to Taiwan. Although Kuo Choi would return to Shaw's after this film, the other two stayed behind and made a couple of films togther in Taiwan. This film has a lot going for it. All of the fight scenes are Venoms choreography that usually has you rewinding to watch again. The plot keeps you interested and to see the three of them together you are always in for a real treat. Chiang Sheng acts very well in this and kuo Choi actually directed this film. Do not miss.
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Masked Avengers (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
Masked Avengers (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:November 6, 2008 MASKED AVENGERSThis film is yet another indication of the magic that the "Venoms" portray on screen. The story flows nicely here and character development is very evenly paced. Masked Avengers was filmed in 1981, a point in the "Venoms" career where their choreography was at its peak of being so intricate and precise. Kuo Choi plays the lead role as usual here, but this film is yet another Chang Cheh film where almost all of the characters get a chance to shine.Chu Ker, Wang Li and of course Lu Feng get to play members of the evil gang. Do not miss Chiang Shengs weaponry skills in this one! Chiang gets a chance to use a couple of different weapons in this film and his fighting scenes with Lu Feng are worth seeing the film for if nothing else.The finale of the film is really the shining moment, the sets are brilliant and the choreography is something everyone who sees this will have to go back and watch again and again.
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The Brave Archer 3
The Brave Archer 3 DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:October 31, 2008 BLAST OF THE IRON PALMThis film is an incredible installment into the Brave Archer series.The story flows nicely and continues on where part 2 left off.Ching Li provides a great performance as auntie, and Niu Niu actually does a much better job acting in this film as opposed to her performance in part 2.The appearance of Ti Lung is a treat as well,but of course I must speak about the incredible finale of this film.This movie was filmed in 1981,right in the middle of the Venoms reign at Shaws, and as usual the fight choreography is absolutley amazing.Besides House of Traps and Ode to Gallantry,this is the only other time you get to see the talented Ricky Tien Chen Chi with the Venoms.Their choreography is always so precise, and the undercrancking is never ridiculous as in other films.A film that is a must see, for the cast,choreography and great story.This is also the last film ever to have all five venoms on screen fighting at the same time.
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The Shadow Boxing
October 31, 2008 Shadow BoxingNot a bad film at all.This story is a little much for me,i never really enjoyed the combination of kung fu and horror, but there are other things in the film that make it good.Wang Yu gives a very nice performance here, and Gordon Liu gets to shine in a few fights scenes with Wang Yu.My biggest complaint is how underused the amazing Cecilia Wong is in this film.She doesnt even get to fight once, and she did such a good job in "Shaolin Mantis" as well as "Legend of the Condor Heroes" TVB series in the early 80's.
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Little Dragon Maiden
Little Dragon Maiden DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
October 28, 2008 Little Dragon MaidenThis film has a lot going for it.The story, although taken from a novel flows nicely throughout the film.The characters are given enough screen time to provide adequate character development.Yung Ching Ching a.k.a. Mary Jean Reimer) really steals the movie.Lau Suet(Lady Assassin) makes an appearance in a few scenes and Tanny Tien plays Yung's sister.The choreography is not bad here, and the Shaw sets and costumes are eye opening as always.Although Yung Chin Chin's career at Shaw is limited,this film is worth seeing.
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The Lizard (1972) (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
The Lizard (1972) (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$14.99Related promotions:October 28, 2008 Chen Po ChuThe Lizard is yet another gem from Shaw Brothers.The story is very entertaining, and keeps you interested throughout the film.Connie Chen Po Chu is amazing in this film.She gets the chance to show off just how talented an actress she is.Her acting capability is equal to many of the other fine players here, but it is her fighting techniques that will really catch your eye.As usual, the Shaw sets and costumes are beautiful.It is a shame that this was Connie's only appearance in a Shaw martial arts film, but she really does deliver.
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The Rebel Intruders (Hong Kong Version)
The Rebel Intruders (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$14.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 11, 2007 VENOMS AT IT AGAINThis film was the first to be made by this incredible team for 1980.Although this films holds similar themes to two previous films(Daredevils,Magnificent Ruffians)this one has its moments as well.The casino fight scene is amazingly choreographed,and the slow motion used during the finale fight scenes is done very tastefully.Kuo Chue represents the three section staff here with flawless effort,and do not miss Chiang Sheng flying at Sun Chien toward the end.Not my favorite,but still a great Venoms film.
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The Brave Archer 2
November 11, 2007 WHATS MISSING ?The second installement to the Brave Archer series is a mystery.Although the story, beautiful sets and the Venoms choreography is represented,there is still something missing from making this film have the same magical feel as Brave Archer 1 or even other 1978 vehicles made by this team such as Life Gamble and Invincible Shaolin.Almost all of the same actors come back to reprise their original roles, with the addition of Shirley Yu,Wei Pai,Sun Chien,Lin Chen chi and of course Lo meng in a bigger role in probably the films best fight scene against Fu Sheng.One of the most unfortunate events in the film is the abscence of Tien Niu,she broke her arm in pre production to this film and was replaced by Niu Niu, who in my opinion,acting wise,does not hold a candle to Tien's acting capabilities.But the film still has its moments,it just doesnt grab you the way the first one does.
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Swordsman And Enchantress
October 26, 2007 SHAW MASTERPIECEThis film has a lot going for it.The entire cast get a chance to play memorable characters and the acting is really quite good.Candy Wen is a standout,and looking as pretty as she always does playing the part of Little Lord.Lily Li Li is also another standout,such a sexy and charismatic actress.The story flows well and Ti Ling,Li Ching and Anthony Lau are in top form.Also look carefully for a quick Kara Hui Ying Hung cameo.A great film with great sets as usual from Shaw.
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Two Champions Of Shaolin
October 26, 2007 SOMETHING IS MISSING ?Being an obsessed Venoms fan for many years I have always had trouble with this film in particular.This is the only film out of all the Venoms films that I could never really get interested in.Although Kuo Chue is absent, you would think that with the Venoms and including rare treats such as Yeung Jing Jing and Candy Wen it would still be a great film,but it isnt.The choreography is Venoms perfection as always,but something about this one just doesnt give it that special touch as the rest.
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Song Of Tomorrow (Hong Kong Version)
Song Of Tomorrow (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$15.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
October 26, 2007 IVY LING PO SHINESIvy Ling Po is such a rare talent, catching her phenomenal acting is always a treat. The story moves so well and the acting by everyone is inspiring.The songs are magical and the Shaw sets are as beautiful as ever, not to mention the outside locations as well.Doe Chin did a nice job directing this talented cast.Ivy Ling Po is breathtaking throughout the film.Do not miss this Shaw jem.
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The Daredevils (Hong Kong Version)
October 26, 2007 OPERA TEAM IN FULL EFFECTThis film was the first for the Venoms in 1979.Although at the theaters this did not do as well as Magnificent Ruffians (it would follow Daredevils),this film still has a lot going for it.The chemistry of this team is always mesmerizing.Daredevils is also the only venom film where every one of them is good(even Lu Feng).The finale is pure venoms bliss,the choreography is intricate and fluid and doesnt let up.Sun Chien and Wang Li give great performances in this film.Daredevils is another great kung fu film that features some amazing acrobats.
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Life Gamble (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
October 26, 2007 LIFE GAMBLE: MASTERPIECEThis is without question one of my favorite Shaw films.The picture looks incredible, and the intro was worth the wait after all these years.The all star cast represented here get a chance to play some really memorable characters, and act alongside a quality script.The first time viewing this film I could not believe that Chiang Sheng,Kuo Chue,Fu Sheng,Lo Meng,Lu Feng,Wang Lung wei,Lau Wai ling,Hui Ying hung,Shirley Yu,Lin Chen chi,Lee Yi min, and other familiar faces were all in the same film.Around this time(77-78) there were a few other films that featured almost this entire large cast; Brave Archer 1 and 2,10 Tigers of Kwangtung and Heaven and Hell.The film also contains some great representation of early Venom work, choreography at its finest.Chiang Sheng(Chao Kao sheng) is assistant director for the first time on this film, and would be for the rest of his Shaw career (in all of the Venoms films).A film where every actor gives a quality performance,Life Gamble is a Chang Cheh masterpiece.
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The Water Margin
August 7, 2006 Not BadThe intro is fantastic,as well are the actors,costumes and story...but entirley not enough Lily Ho for me.Her battle at the end of ther film is rather nice,but too short.I just wish she had more screen time,even this is chapters 64-67 taken from a novel.
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Cat VS Rat (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
August 6, 2006 LEAST FAVORITEThis film really disappointed me.This film was made in 1982, at that time this team was of course coming out with some of the best films at Shaws(along with the Venoms of course).This film is the only one from this team that doesnt have the magic that the rest of them do.Kara Hui and Hsai Ho are reduced to silly roles, and they both are two of the most talented of this team.No disrespect to Fu Sheng, but his silliness can really grate your nerves after a while.Gordon Liu gets the same respect as Kara and Hsai in this one.Not sure what Liu Chia Liang was thinking, but this one is a miss for me.
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Long Road To Gallantry (Hong Kong Version)
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August 6, 2006 BETTER THAN YOU WOULD THINKThis film honestly surprised me.I really wanted to see it, due to the fact that Kara Hui Ying Hung was starring in it, but i was hoping she was going to be a main part of the film and not in it for five minutes.This movie really flows well,and yes Kara does have a decent amount of screen time.In fact, two memorable scenes that come to mind are the fight between Kara and Lily Li, and the fight where Kara decides against to use the poison to kill the girl and a wonderful display of Karas swordplay technique is shown.Honestly do not miss this film if you are as big of a Kara fan as myself.
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Holy Flame Of The Martial World
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August 6, 2006 A VERY FUN FILMI have to say that at first I was hesitant by some of the silliness of the film,especially with some of my favorite Shaw stars(Kuo Choi, Yeung Jing Jing, and Candy Wen).The fight scenes,although much like "Lady Assassin" are sped up ridiculously fast, the movie is quite entertaining.I really enjoyed the fact you get to see Yeung Jing Jing and Candy Wen fight each other,which is a Shaw first, and Lau Suet plays a villian convincingly well here.Kuo Choi's Ghostly Laughter is also rather entertaining.The camera work during the fight scene where Candy and Yeung are battling shows some really wonderful shots of Yeung and her amazing sword work.This one is worth checking out.
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My Dream Boat
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August 5, 2006 Lily Ho MasterpieceThis movie starts out with one of the most pretty songs i have ever heard.An old man crafting a boat that will later symbolize the meaning of the film.Although this film was made in 1967, and Lily had only been in a few films prior to this(Hong Kong Nocturne...etc.)her acting here is superb.In fact, the entire cast really sucks you into the film and all of the tragedies surrounding Lily, Chia Wen and of course the always talented Ching Li.The story flows really well and the 125 minute running time is actually perfect.All of the stories set out in this film get resolved whether in a positive way, or for some end in tragedy.In my opinion this is one of Lily's best representations of how skillfull she is as an actress.
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The Flag Of Iron (Hong Kong Version)
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August 5, 2006 Opera Team Have Done It AgainCelestial has done a wonderful job cleaning this picture up,and supplying scenes that on my old bootleg copy did not exist.The intro for me really sets off how good of a movie this is going to be.Although Chiang Sheng doesnt get a lot of screen time,this movie is yet another example of how Kuo,Lu and Chiang can really do no wrong.Not to dismiss Lo or Sun, but the talent that these three have in a film together is incredible.Kuo gets most of the screen time,playing the hero as usual,but the fight scenes are so well choreographed and precise.The finale is(as always) true Venoms magic.It astonishes me that in 1980(when this film was made)this team also released five other films that are just as incredible as this one.Their use of the flags was shown briefly in Magnificent Ruffians, but here you get to see what skill they really have with whatever weapon they pick up.
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