MARTIAL ARTS MOVIES

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Anyway, can anyone tell me about the Brave Archer movies? I've never seen them before, and I was wondering how good they are. I mean, I pretty much like everything I've seen by Shaw Brothers, but some are obviously better than others.

I quite like them. They have to condense the story a lot and make key changes to keep the movie intact in a short span (it is three movies but the story is huge). Alexander Fu Sheng works well as Guo Jing. Huang Rong is played by a different actress in the first movie than the second and third (but both actresses are good). I think if you are a fan of the story, the biggest let down is they breeze through the early part of the story. It is a chang cheh movie but he is definitely trying to do a proper wuxia movie in my opinion with this one. My suggestion is try the first movie, and if you like it watch the next two (I think it really picks up with 2 and 3). The fourth movie (Brave Archer and His Mate) is really the beginning of Return of Condor Heroes (and the actors get all swapped around for that now). You don't really need to see that one.
 
I quite like them. They have to condense the story a lot and make key changes to keep the movie intact in a short span (it is three movies but the story is huge). Alexander Fu Sheng works well as Guo Jing. Huang Rong is played by a different actress in the first movie than the second and third (but both actresses are good). I think if you are a fan of the story, the biggest let down is they breeze through the early part of the story. It is a chang cheh movie but he is definitely trying to do a proper wuxia movie in my opinion with this one. My suggestion is try the first movie, and if you like it watch the next two (I think it really picks up with 2 and 3). The fourth movie (Brave Archer and His Mate) is really the beginning of Return of Condor Heroes (and the actors get all swapped around for that now). You don't really need to see that one.

Thanks for the info. I'll probably go ahead and buy the first one this week and watch it. if I liked it, I'll get the next two. At least these seem to be all subtitled from the previews on Youtube (where as Five Venoms was dubbed). I hate the inconsistency they have of some being subbed, some dubbed, and not options for both. Especially for some of the better known films like Five Venoms.
 
Alexander Fu Sheng's character is really obnoxious, but maybe that's true of the literary source as well. Apart from that I felt the first movie was ok, but not great.
 
Thanks for the info. I'll probably go ahead and buy the first one this week and watch it. if I liked it, I'll get the next two. At least these seem to be all subtitled from the previews on Youtube (where as Five Venoms was dubbed). I hate the inconsistency they have of some being subbed, some dubbed, and not options for both. Especially for some of the better known films like Five Venoms.

One thing I will say, while this film stars most of the venoms I believe, I tend not to think of it as a venom movie (just in case that is your reason for wanting to see it). I think because it really is overshadowed by the story and the fact that the main characters are Guo Jing and Huang Rong (not played by venoms). They play great supporting roles though.
 
Alexander Fu Sheng's character is really obnoxious, but maybe that's true of the literary source as well. Apart from that I felt the first movie was ok, but not great.

It is hard to take the character over the course of three films like they do in the television shows. He is supposed to be a very simple minded, rather dim-witted, but virtuous character. But he is also supposed to grow more in reputation and stature as the story goes on. But even by the Return of Condor Heroes series, which takes place years later, he is still rather unintelligent and easily fooled by others. Huang Rong is the one who is clever and witty. They work well as a heroic couple. I think Alexander Fu Sheng has a particular way of playing that type of character, and it is possible you might like other presentations. The books are great. I think because it all plays out over a longer period of time, and you are imagining how he says what he says, that the character is more grounded. He has a pretty cool backstory too, being raised by Mongols and being part of Genghis Khan's court (there is a big plot thread in the book where he is torn because he is promised to marry the Khan's daughter, but wants to marry Huang Rong: but he is a man of his word and struggles to find a solution).
 
I will get around to read the stories one of these days, as they are on the shelf behind me, but I have Gu Long novels to read! ;)
 
One thing I will say, while this film stars most of the venoms I believe, I tend not to think of it as a venom movie (just in case that is your reason for wanting to see it). I think because it really is overshadowed by the story and the fact that the main characters are Guo Jing and Huang Rong (not played by venoms). They play great supporting roles though.

My main interest is because I honestly haven't seen many of the films Alexander Fu Shung made. I have a bad vhs copy of Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, but I can't think of any others I've seen with him (I'm sure if I check his listing on IMDB, I'll see others) at the moment. I've read good things about Brave Archer, and having members of the Venom Mob is always a plus (or Gordon Liu and/or Ti Lung). Mostly it's for Alexander though
 
My main interest is because I honestly haven't seen many of the films Alexander Fu Shung made. I have a bad vhs copy of Eight Diagram Pole Fighter, but I can't think of any others I've seen with him (I'm sure if I check his listing on IMDB, I'll see others) at the moment. I've read good things about Brave Archer, and having members of the Venom Mob is always a plus (or Gordon Liu and/or Ti Lung). Mostly it's for Alexander though

My favorite Alexander Fu Sheng movie is Heroes Shed No Tears (but I think that isn't a typical Alexander Fu Sheng movie). He is known for kind of getting into Jim Carey like territory but also being able to shift back from that to something dramatic and moving). Have you seen Disciples of Shaolin ? (that is a pretty good one). The Chinatown Kid is also a favorite. I love Eight Diagram Pole Fighter.
 
I hate to interrupt the movies chat, but I'm going to forget until tomorrow...

So, how about a weekly article? Everyone posts a clip that s/he found interesting for some reason, so the others can comment (or not). And of course, you don't have to post a clip every week!

Here's my contribution for this week:
 
So I just bought Brave Archer in HD on Youtube. I'll likely watch it over my four day weekend. I had a rough day yesterday, so I need a day or two to recover after my last shift tonight. But I'm looking forward to seeing it
 
I hate to interrupt the movies chat, but I'm going to forget until tomorrow...

So, how about a weekly article? Everyone posts a clip that s/he found interesting for some reason, so the others can comment (or not). And of course, you don't have to post a clip every week!

Here's my contribution for this week:

...and I managed to post that in the wrong martial arts related thread. Sorry, guys. I keep forgetting there's TWO of those:shade:!
 
While many of their martials movies are only for paid subscribers, the streaming service iQIYI does have ones you can watch with a free membership. There not one but two movies called Fist of Legend, neither of which are the Jet Li movie. Both take place in Japan, where Chen Zhen is going to school. They both feature a love interest, members of the Black Dragon Society being bad guys (even though the leader of the group is honorable), with the main bad guy Chen has to fight being one of them. They're always in collusion with the Japanese Army. Not that many fights in either (both run about an hour and 20 minutes). The fights in one were somewhat better than the other. One had a little bit of sci-fi involved (not overly so, but if you watch it, you'll get what I mean), while the other had the Americans get involved (as one character is American).

Neither are great films, but were ok time killers
 
Thanks Brendan. I'll need to bookmark that
 
Rewatched The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter, a classic, on Prime. Previously saw this as a rough print in a Kung Fu budget boxset a long time ago so it was great to see it in pristine condition and the proper aspect ratio although the English dub was a bit silly at time it wasn't the worse either.

Probably don't need me to recommend this one as it is one of the best known kung fu films of its era but I will note its Buddhist themes of non-violence are interesting to contrast and compare with The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. Also just not something that even comes up as an issue in any Western action film I can think of.

 
I haven't had time to continue the Condor Heroes, but I plan on getting back to it. I got some credit from Google, so I used it to buy Brave Archer 2 (so at least I have the complete story the two films tell). I checked out Brotherhood of Blades (which is free with ads on Youtube in the USA), and enjoyed it. I'm not watching two films: Raging Phoenix, a modern film from Thailand involving a Thai version of Drunken Boxing, and Sword of the Assassin, a period film from Vietnam. Enjoying both so far, and hope to finish them both this weekend
 
I haven't had time to continue the Condor Heroes, but I plan on getting back to it. I got some credit from Google, so I used it to buy Brave Archer 2 (so at least I have the complete story the two films tell). I checked out Brotherhood of Blades (which is free with ads on Youtube in the USA), and enjoyed it. I'm not watching two films: Raging Phoenix, a modern film from Thailand involving a Thai version of Drunken Boxing, and Sword of the Assassin, a period film from Vietnam. Enjoying both so far, and hope to finish them both this weekend

Jeeja's first two films were quite good.

I really liked Brotherhood of Blades and the sequel
 
Rewatched The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter, a classic, on Prime. Previously saw this as a rough print in a Kung Fu budget boxset a long time ago so it was great to see it in pristine condition and the proper aspect ratio although the English dub was a bit silly at time it wasn't the worse either.

Probably don't need me to recommend this one as it is one of the best known kung fu films of its era but I will note its Buddhist themes of non-violence are interesting to contrast and compare with The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. Also just not something that even comes up as an issue in any Western action film I can think of.



What is interesting is how violent the movie still is. It has this theme of non-violence, but it feels like Lau Kar-Leung's most violent movie in a lot of ways to me (even the teeth smashing scene at the end). Also I like how emotional the fight scenes are in that movie
 
Jeeja's first two films were quite good.

I really liked Brotherhood of Blades and the sequel
I didn't realize it was the same actress from Chocolate! It's been so long since I've seen that one. I love that movie.
 
What is interesting is how violent the movie still is. It has this theme of non-violence, but it feels like Lau Kar-Leung's most violent movie in a lot of ways to me (even the teeth smashing scene at the end). Also I like how emotional the fight scenes are in that movie
Yeah that is what I meant to a degree but it is interesting it is even discussed! Ironically the teeth smashing ends up feeling even more violent in its way.
 
With such a name, I suppose it might be an inspiration for Enter the Zombie. No matter, I tend to avoid all movies that are "Kung Fu (Something Unrelated)".
One Kung-Fu Soccer is too much in my book:devil:!
This isn't a sideways disrespect of the wonderful Shaolin Soccer I hope :smile:
 
With such a name, I suppose it might be an inspiration for Enter the Zombie. No matter, I tend to avoid all movies that are "Kung Fu (Something Unrelated)".
One Kung-Fu Soccer is too much in my book:devil:!

Well, you're missing out. It was one of my faves on Black Belt Theatre in the day.

 
Well, you're missing out. It was one of my faves on Black Belt Theatre in the day.


No matter what we choose to watch, we're missing out on something else:devil:.
So given that, why would I choose to watch something that actually doesn't fit my preferences:thumbsup:?
 
No matter what we choose to watch, we're missing out on something else:devil:.
So given that, why would I choose to watch something that actually doesn't fit my preferences:thumbsup:?
I'd posit if you're chossing to watch or not based on the name, your preferences have little to do with it as much as your prejudices :devil:
 
I'd posit if you're chossing to watch or not based on the name, your preferences have little to do with it as much as your prejudices :devil:
But since I'm choosing to not watch based on watching the first 6-15 minutes and then deleting the thing in disgust, it's not my prejudices that are at fault, as much as you jumping to conclusions & judging people without having the relevant information:thumbsup:!
 
But since I'm choosing to not watch based on watching the first 6-15 minutes and then deleting the thing in disgust, it's not my prejudices that are at fault, as much as you jumping to conclusions & judging people without having the relevant information:thumbsup:!

No matter, I tend to avoid all movies that are "Kung Fu (Something Unrelated)".
One Kung-Fu Soccer is too much in my book

Wow... wondered were I got that information from? Doesn't really look like jumping to conclusions in that context, y'know what I'm saying? :thumbsup:

(And as an aside, any judgements are purely on your part... I just said you're missing out... so yeah...)
 
Wow... wondered were I got that information from?
I still don't know. I avoid "kung-fu something" movies these days, as the present tense shows. Being disappointed in Shaolin Soccer and some similar movies at around the same time was a major fact in reaching that decision, though:thumbsup:.

Doesn't really look like jumping to conclusions in that context, y'know what I'm saying? :thumbsup:

(And as an aside, any judgements are purely on your part... I just said you're missing out... so yeah...)
Nope, no idea what you're saying. That starting to watch a movie and leaving after it goes from bad to worse is a wrong decision that's taken on a whim, I guess:shade:? That I can't judge a movie based on how that same movie begins?

If that is the case, I'd like to inform you that this is 15-20 minutes more than I've given to many, many other movies. And afterwards, I often get people who said "I'm going to watch it nonetheless" telling me "it was shit". The best part is when they start complaining about wasting their time...:evil:
So Shaolin Soccer actually got a prime chance in my book. And I definitely don't feel like I'm missing on anything - "I want those ~20 minutes back" was more like what I felt.
And yes, I'm fine with judging movies harshly:gunslinger:.
 
I still don't know. I avoid "kung-fu something" movies these days, as the present tense shows. Being disappointed in Shaolin Soccer and some similar movies at around the same time was a major fact in reaching that decision, though:thumbsup:.


Nope, no idea what you're saying. That starting to watch a movie and leaving after it goes from bad to worse is a wrong decision that's taken on a whim, I guess:shade:? That I can't judge a movie based on how that same movie begins?

If that is the case, I'd like to inform you that this is 15-20 minutes more than I've given to many, many other movies. And afterwards, I often get people who said "I'm going to watch it nonetheless" telling me "it was shit". The best part is when they start complaining about wasting their time...:evil:
So Shaolin Soccer actually got a prime chance in my book. And I definitely don't feel like I'm missing on anything - "I want those ~20 minutes back" was more like what I felt.
And yes, I'm fine with judging movies harshly:gunslinger:.
Just as a matter of interest and curiousity, what was your take on Kung Fu Hustle? Or did it fall foul of your 'no movies with Kung Fu in the title' ?

Seeing it is what lead to me watching (and enjoying) Shaolin Soccer. Obviously tastes vary. Kung Fu Hustle is a comedy inspired by Martial arts, and has it rated as one of the best ever comedies by Bill Murray no less.
 
Nope, no idea what you're saying. That starting to watch a movie and leaving after it goes from bad to worse is a wrong decision that's taken on a whim, I guess:shade:? That I can't judge a movie based on how that same movie begins?
It was a throwaway statement based on the statement that I posted. It's not worth this much, and with that... I'm done. If you can't see how your statement about it in general without any other information could be taken that way, I'm not sure what to say, it's definitely not worth continuing. Onward!:thumbsup:
 
I still don't know. I avoid "kung-fu something" movies these days, as the present tense shows. Being disappointed in Shaolin Soccer and some similar movies at around the same time was a major fact in reaching that decision, though:thumbsup:.


Nope, no idea what you're saying. That starting to watch a movie and leaving after it goes from bad to worse is a wrong decision that's taken on a whim, I guess:shade:? That I can't judge a movie based on how that same movie begins?

If that is the case, I'd like to inform you that this is 15-20 minutes more than I've given to many, many other movies. And afterwards, I often get people who said "I'm going to watch it nonetheless" telling me "it was shit". The best part is when they start complaining about wasting their time...:evil:
So Shaolin Soccer actually got a prime chance in my book. And I definitely don't feel like I'm missing on anything - "I want those ~20 minutes back" was more like what I felt.
And yes, I'm fine with judging movies harshly:gunslinger:.
Onwards! It's probably for the best, too, indeed:thumbsup:.

Just as a matter of interest and curiousity, what was your take on Kung Fu Hustle? Or did it fall foul of your 'no movies with Kung Fu in the title' ?

Seeing it is what lead to me watching (and enjoying) Shaolin Soccer. Obviously tastes vary. Kung Fu Hustle is a comedy inspired by Martial arts, and has it rated as one of the best ever comedies by Bill Murray no less.
No, Kung-fu Hustle is fine, though I didn't enjoy it as much as many other people. But my rule isn't about the title, it's about the subject matter: no "kung-fu+unrelated stuff".
Hustling is a criminal activity, so it's not exactly unrelated to a method.of inflicting violence:shade:.
 
Watched Sammo Hung's Pedicab Driver.






This was a huge hit for Golden Harvest who started to outperform Shaw Bros at this point in HK. It is as much a low brow comedy and tragic romance as it is a martial arts movie. It even has a surprisingly sympathetic if ham-fisted viewpoint of sex workers.

That collision of tones often confuse Western viewers unfamiliar with this era of HK film. The combo was box office gold in Asia but often feels odd to outside audiences.

I've adjusted to it over the years and now even enjoy the whiplash craziness of it in some films.

You see the same strange mix of low brow humour, sexploitation, gritty crime drama and extreme horror in the CAT III films from HK in the 80s. There the mix is even more dizzying.

Anyway: this reinforced that I need to see more Golden Harvest films, they are not as available o the usual streaming services as Shaw Bros but if anyone knows if they are streamed somewhere let me know. I own a few on DVD but that is slow and a bit expensive to explore widely via.
 
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