Philip and Simon Rhee grew to stardom in the action world with the release of Best of the Best (1989), a film they starred in alongside such powerhouse performers like James Earl Jones, Eric Roberts, Sally Kirkland, and Chris Penn. It immediately received critical and fan acclaim and spawned three sequels, which Philip starred in. Before they hit big with the series, the brothers starred in a film called Furious (1984) from filmmakers Tim Everitt and Tom Sartori. It is rather infamous and has, in recent years, grown into a bona fide cult classic. Thanks to Visual Vengeance, we now have a loaded special edition on next-generation physical media.
Simon (Simon Rhee) is a fighter living in the woods, training in kung fu with some kids. A mountain man is looking for a piece of an amulet that forms a powerful talisman when reunited with the rest. After a loss, he heads out into the world to learn more about himself and the secrets of what this man is after. He meets Spiritual Master (Philip Rhee) who helps to train him for his journey, but what are his real intentions? A spiritual battle between good and evil will decide his fate and that of the ancient magic held within the relic.
Furious may sound like a regular, fantastical martial arts film, but in reality, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Any movie with a character shooting chickens from his fingertips will have my undivided attention. That’s not all of it either. Did I mention there’s a talking human/pig hybrid man? It’s super low-budget and, in a sense, forgotten. Thankfully, cult film fans are slowly discovering it, but I feel that this Blu-ray will help speed up that process. It’s a curiosity and a chance to see the Rhee Brothers in early roles (with Simon in the lead).
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Since this is a Visual Vengeance title, they never skimp on bonus features. In addition to the new director-approved SD master from the original tape elements, there’s an archival commentary by Tim Everitt, a commentary from Justin Decloux and Peter Kuplowsky, an interview with Tom Sartori, an interview with Everitt, video essays on the Rhee brother’s career and no-budget martial arts films, archival podcast with Everitt, behind-the-scenes Super 8 footage, a six-song EP, the band Cinema Face live in concert from 1986, music videos, and more. There’s also a slip, reversible sleeve, folded mini poster, and a 2-sided insert.
Furious (1984) is a completely whacked-out, insane, martial-arts fantasy unlike anything you’ve seen before. There’s a reason it’s earned a rabid fan base, so I suggest you watch it and find out for yourself.
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