The Monster Matinee and Kung Fu Theater were integral to my evolution as a film nerd. Those Saturday afternoons watching those films would form the basis for my taste in film. The Shaw Brothers films were some of the first martial art movies I had ever seen, and I was fascinated by how these performers could move, kick, and punch. I remember how badly they were dubbed and how shoddy the picture quality could be, but I loved them anyway. I was very excited to see that 88 Films has begun to bring some of their classic pictures to Blu-ray and give them VIP treatment. One such title is the classic is Legendary Weapons of China, and this disc is packed with some amazing features.
Liu Gung (Lau Kar Leung) has disbanded his boxer clan, for that he’s now considered a traitor, and assassins from various disciplines are sent to find and kill him. First is Fang Shao-Ching (Kara Wei), who has disguised herself as a man to take out Liu. She’s taken aback by how tender and kind the man is and cannot complete her assignment. Similarly, Tieh A-hou (Hou Hsiao) shows up to kill him but catches a nasty flu bug only to be nursed back to health by him. These two would-be assassins have now found themselves on the side of their enemy, fighting to help him stay alive against the clans who want him dead for what they believe to be a betrayal. The betrayal was nothing more than Liu trying to save his students from falling prey to the idea of invincible powers that they thought could stop bullets. It’s a magical martial arts extravaganza filled with heart.
Legendary Weapons of China (1982) is filled with action, drama, and comedy, never slowing down during its 105-min runtime. What’s great about this release is that 88 Films have delivered a new HD remaster from the original 35mm negative, and the result is stunning, popping with color and clarity. Re-watching the film now is like seeing it all over again for the first time without the faded color and questionable quality on previous releases.
Of course, the film has the English dubbed version for those who prefer. Still, I’m partial to the original language with subtitles, which helped me better understand the picture and keep me from being distracted by the voices not matching the lips, as endearing as that may be.
As for the movie itself, it’s as exciting as the title might suggest. It moves along at a brisk pace, and the fight sequences show off the skills of the performers as one would hope. The best fight scene shows up after the halfway mark and is an extended sequence with the three leads fending off against the legendary Gordon Liu. They use fists, weapons, and magic while allegiances switch back and forth. It’s such an exciting sequence and one that’s highly memorable. You know you’re in for a wild ride when in the first five minutes of the picture, one man plucks his own eyes out while another rips off and throws his beanbag across the room (if you know what I mean, and I think you do).
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The 88 Asia Collection from 88 Films exceeds all expectations, preserving the Shaw Brothers classic for all to savor and enjoy. The disc is loaded with special features, including three commentary tracks, four featurettes, and the trailer. Inside is a booklet with an essay from Andrew Graves and a two-sided mini-poster featuring new and original artwork. The sleeve itself is reversible and comes with a limited slipcover.
