The Naval Commandos Review

Director: Cheng Cheh, Wu Ma

Action Directors: Hsieh Hsing, Lee Ka-Ting, Robert Tai Chi-Hsien

Starring: David Chiang, Ti Lungi, Chi Kuan Chun, Fu Sheng, Lau Wing, Shih Szu

The Naval Commandos is the story of The Chinese Navy, led by Ti Lung, defending the coastline against the Japanese.  Chi Kuan Chun is the captain of a small torpedo boat who devises a plan to sink the Japanese’s largest ship, the Izuma.  When the plan fails, Chi and the surviving members of Torpedo Boat 102 go ashore to continue their mission and seek the aid of David Chiang and Fu Sheng.

For a change, this movie centers around Chi Kuan Chun’s character even though David Chiang, Ti Lung, and Fu Sheng are his co-stars.    His character is the most important as it is his mission to sink the Izuma.  The story is told in a flashback by Lau Wing to Chi’s grown son, also a Navy captain, who has never met his father.   This is an unconventional way of telling a story but it works.  We get the entire story sandwiched between “present day scenes”.  Even though Chi’s character again is the strong silent type, you get a clear sense of the kind of leader he is and what makes him tick.

Another interesting part of the story is you do not know if David Chiang and Fu Sheng’s characters are good guys right away.  You see them fraternizing with the enemy for most of the movie making them appear to be Japanese sympathizers.  Also, Fu Sheng and Chi Kuan Chun don’t like each other causing them to fight each other on several occasions.  I love when these two fight each other.  Usually, they play brothers having friendly spats and Fu learns from Master Chi.  This movie stretches their acting chops pitting the friends against each other.

Seeing 4 of the 5 Venom’s in this film is also a bonus for me.  Lu Feng, Chiang Shiang, and Kuo Chui are crew members on Torpedo Boat 102.  They ultimately help complete the mission.  Lo Meng works for David Chiang and can be spotted with a few second tier Venoms at Chiang’s home.

I enjoy watching this movie more that 7-Man Army.  There is much less battle with firearms.  There is also less martial arts which is mostly found at the end of the movie. But the best fights are between Chi Kuan Chun and Fu Sheng as enemies. The story was more important in this film than the fighting.  I loved the cast and couldn’t see anyone else playing these roles. Overall, this is a good war based film.

Much Love,

~Lady Cao Feng

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