Seriously weird as only the best, completely-barking-mad kung fu flicks can be, The Thundering Mantis is the story of Ah Chi, a martial artist who hooks up with a kid sidekick. However, an old grudge resurfaces, with the result that the boy's uncle is murdered and the boy himself kidnapped. So far so Arnie-in-Commando, but it's at this point we're reminded that indigenous martial arts movies are something else again, as Ah Chi's rescue attempt goes disastrously wrong and the boy is tortured to death before his eyes. Apparently driven to insanity by this experience, Ah Chi goes berserk, breaking free and systematically trashing everything and everyone in sight. End of movie. Devotees will absolutely want this in their collections, but those who have yet to progress beyond the Jackie Chan/Jet Li school of Americanised martial arts films will need to leave their preconceptions at the door. There's a nice touch to the dubbed English soundtrack, where the voiceover artists seem to have taken it upon themselves to imitate various British character actors: listen out for Wilfred Brambell, Kenneth Connor and so on. On the DVD: The Thundering Mantis has no extras on the widescreen DVD other than a one-screen guide to other titles in the Kung Fu Connection series. --Roger Thomas
Jet Li teams up with Michelle Yeoh in Twin Warriors, a period martial-arts tale of revenge and retribution filmed in 1993. Directed by Yuen Woo Ping (who also directed Jackie Chan's popular Drunken Master and Yeoh's Wing Chun), it matches over-the-top melodrama with fantastical fight scenes. Li and Chin Sui Hou play Junbao and Tienbao, two misfit monks who have been getting into trouble at their Shaolin temple since childhood. Tienbao's volatile temper and ego get them banished from the monastery, and the pair try to make a new life for themselves in a nearby village. From here they take decidedly different paths. Tienbao joins the military regime of a ruthless eunuch ruler while Junbao joins a group of political rebels that includes Yeoh. Tienbao's violent quest for power erases his friendship with Junbao, his betrayal causing Junbao to go temporarily insane. During this period Junbao discovers tai chi, which prepares him for a final confrontation with Tienbao. The action scenes include a memorable match-up of Li and Chin against the entire monastery, where in the non-stop action Junbao escapes attack by riding one of his foes like a snowboard out of the fray. Yeoh's fight scenes include a complicated orchestration involving tables and chairs; her scenes are so impressive that it's a shame she wasn't given more screen time. --Shannon Gee, Amazon.com
Twin Warriors: An action-packed high-octane tale of two boys who grew up together but whose lives took very different directions and are in later life brought back together on a collision course! Fist Of Legend: When Chen (Li) discovers that his beloved teacher and mentor has been murdered he swears to avenge his death! Then with an unwavering commitment to vengeance Chen puts everything on the line to settle the score! International superstar Jer Li explodes on the screen in this thrilling martial arts action story about courage honour and revenge! The must see modern remake of a Bruce Lee classic 'Fist Of Fury' Fist Of Legend packs hard hitting excitement and incredible hand to hand combat into one unstoppable adrenaline rush! The Legend: Hard-hitting international superstar Jet Li (Romeo Must Die Lethal Weapon4) delivers nonstop action in this thrilling story of a young martial arts expert fighting to save his father's life! A ruthless emperor is targeting members of an underground revolutionary group that is attempting to overthrow his powerful regime. When Fong Sai Yuk (Li) learns that his father is part of the resistance movement and has been marked for retribution he boldly seeks a head-on confrontation with the might of this evil empire!
Superstar John Liu stars in this kung fu classic where deceit and greed and non-stop leg to leg action are the order of the day.
3 hours of the best old skool martial arts movie action! Woo Tang Magic Kick: All star cast headed by master kicker himself John Lui better known as 'Rubber Legs' in the film world due to his zfast and furious flexible leg movements. A fast paced epic with some full on fight scenes. Raiders Of Wu Tang: World kung fu champion Sonny Yue is a cross between Jackie Chan and Billy Chong. Enormous screen presence great hand techniques and superb leg kicking skills have ensured him a place in the Black Belt Hall Of Fame.
Chinese Heroes: At first they were blood brothers. In vengeance they were sworn enemies. Together they became heroes! Undiscovered Tomb: When the power of the Stone Warriors is coming back everyone will be crushed unless all unite! An expedition is embarked upon to uncover the tablets of Eternity which bear the promise of abnormally long lifespan. However with a prize as great as this many will fight and indeed kill for the treasure... Kingboxer: Two rival
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