Crazy Horse, Intelligent Monkey (1982) Review

Starring: Chi Kuan Chun, Hon Kwok-Choi, Candy Wen Xue-Erh

Directed by: Tony Liu Chun-Ku and Chan Hei

Action Directors: Chin Yuet-Sang, Alan Chui Chung-San and Max Lee Chiu-Chun

Summary:  Hou Hsiao Shan(Hon Kwok-Choi) is a conman who is saved by Ma Ta(Chi Kuan Chun), a kung fu expert after he is beaten in a casino.  The pair travel to find Ma’s mother who went to visit his uncle but never returned.  On their way, the men meet a mysterious Mr.(Miss) Lee(Candy Wen Xue-Erh).  When they arrive at the uncle’s house, Ma Ta discovers his mother has been murdered and his “uncle” is being blackmailed.  Unfortunately, Hou and Ma are no match for the murderers and are trained by Miss Lee and her teacher in order to take revenge.

I enjoy watching this movie because the story is excellent and told very well.  Even though the theme is the typical revenge movie, there is a bit of mystery. There are several plot twists that are not expected as the movie progresses.  The characters are well developed through their interactions with one another.  Hon and Chi are fun to watch as they change from acquaintances to friends and almost brothers.  Hon Kwok-Choi fills the mischievous little brother role which was usually played by Alexander Fu Sheng. Chi Kuan Chun plays the responsible older brother, looking out for his friend.

Candy Wen Xue-Erh plays to type in this movie.  She dresses as a man for the first part of the movie but when her true character is revealed she becomes at moments the bratty girl in previous Shaw Brothers films.  Her training scenes as a girl opposite of Hon Kwok-Choi provide comic relief. This pairing has a great chemistry.

I usually think the training scenes in some movies go on far too long but they were perfect in this one.  They served the purpose of watching our heroes progress and develop the titular styles in order to take their revenge.  My favorite part of the movie is watching Chi Kuan Chun develop the Crazy Horse technique.  His movements are so graceful and beautiful in every film.  He is mesmerizing to watch. His muscular physique and graceful movements make him the perfect Crazy Horse.

Hon Kwok-Choi makes the perfect Intelligent Monkey for the movie as his conman is very smart and able to outwit his adversaries.  His short and wiry body type is perfect to learn the monkey fighting style.

This is a great non-Shaw Brothers film if you are a Chi Kuan Chun fan like me.  The story is great and they chose the best actors for each part.  I couldn’t see anyone else in these roles. The training and fighting sequences are excellent, especially if you want to see shapes being performed by a master.  I watch this over and over again.


Crazy Horse, Intelligent Monkey is available on Youtube

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