Directed by: Chang Cheh
Choreographers: Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Robert Tai Chi-Hsien
Starring: Jason Pai Piao and the Venoms
I chose this movie for 3 reasons: The fight sequences are awesome, I like the storyline and Lu Feng won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor at the 25th Asian Film Festival in 1979.
Synopsis: Three friends who practice different styles of martial arts long to be famed heroes instead of working in their dead end jobs. One day the famous Hong Xiquan, badly injured and being pursued by Priest White Brow’s ruthless student Gao Jinzhong and his minions, passes out at the bean curd shop. The three friends nurse the hero back to health and aid him and Han Qi in ridding the world of part of the Wu Tang Clan.
My 3 Favorite Fights
Gao Jinzhong(Lu Feng) vs. Wang(Wong Li): Gao bare handily takes on Wang’s double swords after his minions cannot handle the Shaolin student. The choreography of this scene is very well executed by both men. Gao basically manhandles Wang not allowing him to land any strikes with his swords. Eventually, the stronger Gao reveals 2 hidden small trident/pitchfork type weapons from his boots and disarms the lesser man, and stabbing him with his own weapon. Gao uses the small pitchforks to slice and dice Wang’s chest open before allowing the minions to inflict more pain. When Gao tires of the shenanigans, he tosses the pitchforks into the air at a precise angle so that they land in Wang’s wounded abdomen, killing the man.
Gao Jinzhong(Lu Feng) vs. Wang(Wong Li): Gao bare handily takes on Wang’s double swords after his minions cannot handle the Shaolin student. The choreography of this scene is very well executed by both men. Gao basically manhandles Wang not allowing him to land any strikes with his swords. Eventually, the stronger Gao reveals 2 hidden small trident/pitchfork type weapons from his boots and disarms the lesser man, and stabbing him with his own weapon. Gao uses the small pitchforks to slice and dice Wang’s chest open before allowing the minions to inflict more pain. When Gao tires of the shenanigans, he tosses the pitchforks into the air at a precise angle so that they land in Wang’s wounded abdomen, killing the man.
The Friends “Fight” in the Restaurant: I like the fight scenes that occur in the restaurant as Chen Jin, Yang Dabao, and Zhu Cai(Lo Meng, Kuo Chui and Sun Chien respectively) each get to showcase their styles of fighting. Lo Meng’s Mantis style is strong and powerful with rock-solid punches. Kuo Chui’s Black Tiger is fun to watch as he is able to take anything and use it as a weapon. I enjoyed Kuo Choi vs. Lo Meng as Kuo used his bowl and chopsticks to fend off Lo Meng’s Mantis. Sun Chien’s effortless movements on the poles and strong accurate kicks are always a treat to watch. The chemistry and playfulness of the three also make their scenes together fun to watch.
The Final Fight: The final fight is well-choreographed mayhem with a bit of comedy thrown in that is pure joy to watch as Jason Pai Piao and Chiang Sheng are also part of the foray. It’s almost a weaponry feast with the different weapons being employed. Lo Meng uses a giant pitchfork against one of the minions. Chiang Sheng uses a pole, a spear and two hooked swords against Lu Feng and a Guan Dao(personally this is my favorite weapon to see Lu Feng use). The way Lu Feng twirls the Guan Dao around is mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Even Kuo Chui picks up a pair of swords to help Chiang Sheng battle Lu Feng. Ultimately it takes 4 members of Shaolin and all their weapons to bring down White Brow’s best student.
Although the fight sequences lack the typical acrobatics we see in later films, these are solid, well-grounded fight sequences. The movements are smooth, precise and well executed by all the actors.
The Storyline: This is not your typical revenge or overthrow the Qings story. This story is more about the friendship of three men who want to be more than what they what they are: poor citizens working every day in boring jobs. When the opportunity arises to do what is right, these men of character step forth and are willing to give up their lives for someone more important to the cause. This movie has heart, a sense of purpose and is entertaining with the right blend of comedy, seriousness and martial arts.
Award Winner: Lu Feng plays Gao Jinzhong with not only the icy calmness need for a ruthless man such as this but also with a bit of charisma only he can. One minute he is ferocious as he’s killing an enemy and the next moment, he is oozing charm as he tries to gather information on the whereabouts of Hong Xiquan. Coupled with his smooth acting is his awe-inspiring weaponry skills. Master Lu Feng should receive an award for the way he handles the weapons his characters use. He is graceful in his motions and he makes it look so easy. This is why he’s my favorite.
Shaolin Rescuers is available on Amazon Prime and iTunes.
All rights to pictures belong to Celestial Pictures.
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