Jackie Chan leaps out of the screen in Magnificent Bodyguards, the first Hong Kong movie shot in 3D! The icon joins a team of guards who are escorting an ill man across a land filled danger and possible death, a land known as Stormy Hills, but does the man hold a deadly secret? Directed by Wei Lo, the person who gave the world the Bruce Lee classics The Big Boss and Fist of Fury, this is prime mandarin madness with a score which will be familiar to lovers of a certain successful sci-fi saga.
Drunken Master is a film that, following Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978) (made with the same ensemble cast and director Yuen Woo Ping), consolidated Jackie Chan's position as the new Hong Kong kung fu action star of the late 1970s. Set in the late 19th century, Chan plays the great Chinese hero Wong Fei Hung as a loveable young rogue who is always getting into fights or embarrassing his family. Eventually his father decides the only way to make a man of Chan is to send him for training with an old drunken drifter played by Yuen Siu Tien. Just as they did in Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, the pair make a fine double-act, though this time there is much surreal entertainment to be had from the older man teaching the younger the fine art of drunken kung fu. Learning to fight like the Eight Drunken Gods before the final confrontation with Hwang Jang Lee causes Chan considerable problems, though Yuen Siu Tien simply fights better the more he drinks. Yuen Siu Tien would reprise the role in his final film, Magnificent Butcher (1979) yet with Chan he finds a perfect blend of slapstick comedy and creatively staged action which makes Drunken Master a genuine kung fu classic. On the DVD: The picture is generally strong though inevitably there is a fair amount of grain. Unfortunately the original 2.35-1 film has been reformatted to 1.77-1 widescreen TV ratio. This has been done more skilfully than usual but is still a misrepresentation of the original cinema release and does mar both the landscape photography and the fast moving action scenes. The sound is perfectly acceptable mono. Soundtrack options are the original Mandarin with English subtitles, or an English dub. Extras include the original English language theatrical trailer, Hong Kong Legends' own trailer, plus promos for further releases and a photo gallery. There is a detailed text biography and filmography of Jackie Chan, a biography of Yuen Woo Ping and a text interview with producer Ng See Yuen. Also included is a text biography of Hwang Jang Lee linked to a kicking showcase which is another short fight scene. Most of these features are identical to those on the Snake in the Eagle's Shadow DVD. --Gary S Dalkin
Snake in the Eagle's Shadow is the film that marks the beginnings of Jackie Chan as a Hong Kong action star. Set in early 20th century China, it is a traditional kung fu action picture invigorated by Chan's good humour and charm. The heart of the film is Jackie's surprisingly emotional relationship with the elderly Yuen Siu Tien, whom the star rescues and befriends. In return, the old man trains Chan in the art of Snake's Fist kung fu, which he later combines with the Cat's Claw to develop the technique of the title. The action, directed by Yuen Woo Ping, includes Chan in an exciting battle with a sword-wielding preacher and a striking showdown with arch-villain Hwang Jang Lee. The sequences in which Chan learns new fighting techniques are both inventive and humorous, with the charismatic Yuen Siu Tien (a veteran Chinese film star and father of the director) offering a sober version of the character he would play in Chan's follow-up Drunken Master (1978), and in Magnificent Butcher (1979). The film features a regular ensemble cast of classic Hong Kong kung fu film actors, and regardless of its obviously low budget mixes violence, comedy and emotion into an enduringly popular success. On the DVD: The image is variable, with some shots displaying considerable grain and print damage while the colours are weak throughout. Worse, the original 2.35:1 film has been reformated to 1.77:1 widescreen TV ratio. While this has been done with some care it inevitably damages the compositions and loses information in the dynamic fight scenes. The sound is functional mono. Soundtrack options are the original Mandarin with English subtitles, or an English dub. Extras include the original English language theatrical trailer, Hong Kong Legends' own trailer, plus promos for further releases and a photo gallery. There is a detailed text biography and filmography of Jackie Chan, and a text interview with producer Ng See Yuen. There is also a text biography of Hwang Jang Lee linked to a kicking showcase which is another short fight scene. Most of these features are identical to those on the Drunken Master DVD.--Gary S Dalkin
Jackie Chan pays tribute to the late great Bruce Lee in this follow up sequel to the 1972 blockbuster Fist Of Fury. Produced and directed by Lo Wei who masterminded the original Jackie chops and kicks his way through numerous assailants to bring justice to the oppressed Chinese. Released for the first time in the UK with the Nunchaku sequence reinstated.
Mel Gibson co-stars with Sam Neill in this action-packed World War II adventure story. An elite Australian military team is dispatched to rescue survivors of a shot-down plane stranded on a South Pacific island occupied by the Japanese. One of the castaways may hold the secret to ending the war and must be saved at all costs...
Jackie Chan stars as Ting Chung the man entrusted because of his martial arts skills to act as bodyguard by the beautiful Nan Nan to escort her seriously-ill brother to the home of the only doctor who can save his life.
A small time thief, Sing, aspires to be part of the ruthless gang in this martial arts comedy.
Jackie Chan pays tribute to the late great Bruce Lee in this follow up sequel to the 1972 blockbuster Fist Of Fury. Produced and directed by Lo Wei who masterminded the original Jackie chops and kicks his way through numerous assailants to bring justice to the oppressed Chinese.
Marvellous martial arts movie action! The master of the peaceful Tai Chi sect is badly beaten by the Yellow Lama a dastardly act which encourages two new disciples to learn the secrets of Tai Chi shadow boxing to avenge their master...
The Wandering Monk (Dir. Chang Hung Chi 1980):After a number of deathly mishaps Monk Lu bravely rescues the bewildered young orphan Cheng and teaches him the essence of martial arts. The two roam the countryside seeking the murderers of Cheng's father......in a series of spectacular martial arts displays they encounter the brutal killer and bring him to justice. Matching Escort (Dir. Ling Chang 1983):The unusual and exciting story that features a whole range of martial arts. This smashing box office hit unfolds right in front of your very eyes. Filmed in lavish studio settings with elaborate costumes and traditional weapons!! Of Cooks and Kung Fu (Dir. Ting Chun 1979):Ching Kai portrays a master chef who once served up culinary delights to the Empresses daughter. The banquet was sabotaged and the Master falsely accused of murder and treason. Now it is up to the youngster to avenge his family and take revenge on the Basket Hat Assassin!! The Guy with Secret Kung Fu (Dir. Joe Law 1981:A match of evil vs. good as the outlaw bandits attempt to destroy the only people able to protect a small village. Some astonishing fight sequences and major action in this Kung Fu classic. Miss this at your own peril!!
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