Where to start? This is a list for all you guys and gals out there who have seen the shiny metal discs taking up space in the martial arts section of your local Media Play or Suncoast and said, "What the hell is Shaolin Thundering Sword Fist of Blood?!??!" What follows is a collection of mini-reviews of all the old school kung fu DVDs on the market with an eye for fights and image quality, as well as previous rarity of the film. And for you collectors out there, I'll also mention if anything has been cut, maimed, or otherwise torn out of your favorite films! These may be jumping off points for full reviews later on in The Cave or not, we'll see. This list will be updated as often as possible and will continue to grow over
time. So let's get started!!

Notes: This list is for the undecided fan. Some of the DVDs I have in the for fanatics only list, even though the film is a classic, BUT the DVD is crap. I mention in the review if you should seek out another version of
this because it's a good film. You are expected to know a little in the
Cave, but if you are someone who's just starting out in kung fu, ANY film I
give a rating of Must Buy will be worth it to pick up. All Shaw Brothers DVD
releases on this list are now out of print, so grab them if you want them!
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Cave at :
kungkidAThotmail.com

The Players:

Tai Seng's Martial Arts Theater
The largest distributor of HK films in America has gotten into the old
school DVD game by purchasing the rights to the Ocean Shores video catalog.
With the "commentaries" of Ric Myers as a selling point, these releases are
simply okay. The image presented is fullscreen (with the exception of
EAGLE'S CLAWS), and they are generally not as good as the letterboxed
releases of Crash Cinema. With that being said, these may well be the best
versions of these titles we'll ever see. The ones featuring Myers with Bobby
Samuels are the ones to look for if you want to learn about the films, as
Samuels actually knows his stuff. The less said about Meyers, the better.
:-P

Ground Zero
They have the largest amount of old school DVD's out there, with their
Hidden Chambers collection being the one to beat. Often the quality on their
releases is spotty.

Xenon video
Like Ground Zero, their quality is nearly non-existent and always copies
from VHS sources. In both cases, please be aware of that when buying their DVDs.

Pan Media
A cheap DVD maker if ever there was one. They make Groundzero's stuff look
awesome. Known for one thing, crappy DVDs made from VHS tapes! Too bad
they're making them outta good films! They also have a need to make
everything a Shaw Brother's film, by adding the SB logo to their
releases. Man, just like the good ol' days of kung fu bootleggers!!

Steeplechase
They disappeared after putting out only a pair of DVDs, but the ones they
put out were of high quality and worth looking for.

CAV/World Video
One of the worst legit DVD makers on the market. They own the rights to a
lot of great films, but they insist on producing DVDs which pause at the
chapter points as you're watching the film, making their VHS releases
preferable to their DVDs! In all cases below, I bought the DVD, only to go
back and return it for the VHS version.

Venom Mob Films
These guys are part of Crash Cinema, but don't expect the same quality as
their releases! These releases are now out of print.

Crash Cinema
One of the best companies for the fan. These guys always use real film
masters and their DVD are nearly always letterboxed. Their new Pagoda label
is a step up with trailers (self-made) and other extras on them. Warning: On
their early releases, the audio was VERY low, but they have since corrected
that problem on future releases.

The films

Must buy: These are the best films to buy, any kung fu man MUST have these
films in their collection.

Avenging Eagle (Ground Zero)- -One of the quintessential Shaw films. In a
list of the top ten Shaw Brothers epics, this is ALWAYS there. The tale of
Ti Lung out to destroy his family, teaming up with Fu Sheng who's looking
for his wife's killer, is one of the greatest Shaw films ever. The story is
unusual and the action is fast. There's a FAR superior letterboxed VHS copy
of this I'd say pick up if you're a big fan of the film.

Bloody Fists (Crash Cinema)- The first in the Pagoda line of remastered
films from CC is very telling, as they've gone and released the first major
independent kung fu film ever made. Chen Sing plays a fugitive from the law
who's come to hide out in a town were the Japanese are trying to take over
and there's hell to pay!! The greatest kung fu film with a soundtrack by
Black Sabbath, this was the first of the sub-genre of ¡§Bloody Finger¡¨
films that featured the Chinese hero fighting the Japanese in the wake of
Bruce Lee. The film is rough, with some brutal fights choreographed by Yuen
Woo Ping. Chen Kuan Tai plays the villain for only about 15 minutes, yet
he's on screen for about an hour! The deal is Kuan Tai was still under
contract with the Shaw Brothers while making this film and they threatened
to sue, so he returned to the SB. The DVD is the best this film will ever
look, with some bad spots, but mostly looking like it was filmed just a few
years ago. This is an early kung fu film that has long been a Cave fave, so
it's nice to see it get the attention it deserves with this release in
letterboxed form.

Born Invincible (Xenon)-One of the pentacle independent films, this is a
Joseph Ko directed slice of kung fu heaven. Carter Wong redeems himself in
one of the greatest villain roles in the history of the genre, as the
ultimate white haired badass. With nearly non-stop fights directed by Yuen
Woo Ping, you have a film that is a classic.

Boxer From Shantung (Pan Media)-One of the all time great knife n'
gangsters films that were popular in the early seventies. This film made a
star of Chen Kuan Tai and caused a trend of gangster films that would
continue on in HK until today. The ending is among the bloodiest extended
fights you'll ever see. The DVD is full screen and dubbed, and is the best
Pan Media has released so far. There is a letterboxed VHS version out there
that's dubbed and slightly cut for violence.

Buddha Assassinator (Xenon)-One of the classic Hwang Jang Li films, and this
time he doesn't really play a bad guy!! Meng Hoi plays a young man who is
taken in by a kung fu master, who then finds out his new friend, played by
Whang, is the master's enemy. So what does he do?!?! Tries to kill his
friend! What kinda of hero is that?? Enjoy the film for the fights, which
are GREAT, and hate Meng Hoi for trying to kill his friend! Please note, a
version of this film came out from CAV/World video, with pauses! So if you
like you kung fu films pausing every 15 minutes or so, seek that version
out! ;)

Challenge of Death(Tai Seng)-- Incredibly fun sequel to The Hot, Cool, and
the Vicious starring Tan Tao Liang and Wong Tao against the spider style of
master villain Chang Yi. If you have the first film (and who doesn't!), you
need this one!

Dirty Ho (Ground Zero)-A good release of the Liu Chia Liang classic starring
Wong Yue and Gordon Liu,. The film is about a young prince out to reclaim
his kingdom with the help of a scamp. The fights are great and some of the
most influential ever devised by Liang. The DVD is letterboxed and has a
good picture taken from a VHS source.

Eagle's Claws(Tai Seng)--One of the earliest of the martial arts theater
line and the only one that's letterboxed!?!!? Why!?!?! The teacher's of
The Eagle's Claw and Praying Mantis have been going after each other for
years, until the master at the Eagle's Claw school is killed. Now it's up
to his students to find a way to take out the Mantis master AND the head
Eagle Claw student(Chi Kuan Chun) that's fighting on his side!! An all star
cast of independent kung fu actors, including Wong Tao and Leung Kar Yan,
take on the great Chang Yi(decked out with a staff, wizard hat, and elven
boots!!)in one of the best independent kung fu films ever made.

The Executioner (Crash Cinema)- If you like Sonny Chiba, and we at the cave
love us some sonny!!! (So much so, you'll see a super special Sonny
surprise sometime in the coming weeks!) This is the film for you if you've
wanted to see one the best ass-kickers in the biz continue on his flesh
ripping path of destruction. Though the film does have some comic scenes
that plagued a few of Chiba's later works, this also has some fights that
would do a Street Fighter proud. The DVD is letterboxed and dubbed and is
the best the film has ever looked. For you Chiba fanatics out there, this
DVD does have one brief scene of violence missing that was in the Japanese
version. This appears to be due to print damage and not a cut in the film.

Executioner From Shaolin (Ground Zero)- When Chen Kuan Tai can't defeat Pai
Mei, the white haired betrayer of Shaolin (Lo Lieh in a classic
performance), he goes off to perfect his kung fu. But it may take his son to
avenge the destruction of Shaolin! One of the best films ever by Shaw
Brothers and director Liu Chia Liang, this is required viewing for a kung fu
fan. The DVD is the longer cut of this film, with the original intro intact.

Fists of the White Lotus (Ground Zero)-An above average film starring Gordon
Liu and Lo Lieh as the villainous Pai Mei. Basically a remake of the film
Executioners of Shaolin, Lo Lieh also directed this film and made quite a
good showing. The fight scenes directed by Liu Chia Liang are particularly
interesting in this film. This DVD is letterboxed and uncut, but has a
SLIGHT tracking line near the bottom of the screen through the first half of
the film.

Five Deadly Venoms(Steeplechase)-¡§Certainly one of the best known of the
martial arts films, FIVE DEADLY VENOMS contains one of the best openings of
any of the Shaw Brothers films, but on a second (or tenth viewing as the
case may be) WHOOPS!! That's not my review! ;) (heeeyyyy :)-ed)
This is the classic story of five masters of kung fu who wear masks and
specialize in unusual forms of kung fu. When their master is dying, he sends
out his last student to track down his former pupils to restore the Poison
Clan's treasure, but what they didn't count on was some of the students
have decided to keep the treasure for themselves. A classic, not to be
missed film that has more plot and a much darker aspect to it than most kung
fu films. What's sure to shock the fan that hasn't seen this, the film is
far more interested in story development than the action elements. It would
not be until Mortal Combat (Return of the Five Deadly Venoms) that the
comicbook aspect of the characters and fights would be pushed to the level
the Venoms are known for. Though not the greatest of the venom films, this
is required viewing for cave dwellers. This version of the film is
letterboxed and superior to the UK print that was floating around for
years(at least on NTSC TVs), but both have a slightly grainy look to them.
Poison Clan rocks the world!!

Five Fingers of Death (Steeplechase)-Also known as King Boxer, this was the
first English dubbed kung fu film hit. Lo Lieh plays a master of the iron
palm technique who must defeat the evil Japanese fighters who've destroyed
his school. A classic upon which many films are based and all time Cave
fave. The DVD is letterboxed, dubbed, and good quality.

Five Super Fighters (Ground Zero)- In this film, director Lo Mar takes a
group of Shaw Brothers back up players and turns them into superstars. When
a group of martial artists and their teacher are beaten by a master out to
correct bad kung fu, it's up to them to improve to defeat him! One in a
line of classic kung fu films from the all but unknown Shaw Brothers
director that focused on solid, unusual stories and amazing fights.

The Heroes(Tai Seng)- -One of the best ¡§epic¡¨ independent productions of
them all starring the great Ti Lung and a cast of former Shaw Brothers
greats. After the burning of the Shaolin Temple, a former monk (Ti Lung)
betrays his comrades to the Ching Emperor and starts to hunt them down. But
all is not as it seems. One in a handful of good films directed by Wu Ma,
this is one of the few films made independently (so they say) of Shaw
Brothers Studios that captured the feel of their Shaolin films. And BTW,
for fanatics, there is a letterboxed, uncut German release of this film
worth tracking down.

Worth a watch: This is not a bad film, but not so good it's a classic. This
is level that many releases will fall under.

Avenging Warriors of Shaolin (Venom Mob)-One of the more obscure of the
Venom films, this features them as warriors out to avenge Shaolin! Who'd
have thunk it! This DVD uses the TV edit of the film, as is every version
I've ever come across. There is a letterboxed version of this floating
around, but it is a matted version of this TV print!! Oh, the horror!!
Anyway, one of the more interesting Venom films, that focuses less on plot
and more on action. Worth a watch and very near a must buy. There is a
Ground Zero release of this same film under the title Shaolin Rescuers
though neither version is great quality, this DVD appears to edge out the GZ
release.

Bloody Fight (Crash Cinema)-- Interesting Alan Tang film that plays very
much like an Italian Spaghetti Western complete with a Good, The Bad, and
The Ugly type intro. Part of the Bloody Fingers genre featuring the
hero (in this case, heroes) taking on the Japanese that's a fave of the
Cave. The DVD is letterboxed and good quality. Throw in an early Chen Kuan
Tai appearance and some gore, and you've got a film worth a watch!

Blooded Treasury Fight (CAV/World Video)-An enjoyable film starring David
Chiang and Tan Tao Liang, this was from the short-lived kung fu treasure
hunt sub-genre. The story is good and the action is better than average,
especially the ending which has a bit of gore. As always, you have to deal
with the pauses on CAV DVDs.

Bone Crushing Kid(Tai Seng)-Give it up for Chin Long!! One of the kung fu
actors that always seems to play sidekicks got a starring role as the hero
for once in this film. Sung (Chin Long) wants to join a theatrical troupe,
but the group's leader won't allow him. When a villain shows up, Sung is
the only one that can take him on by using the skills Peking Opera skills.
This is basically a Jackie Chan rip-off film, but it's a good rip-off! Also
known as Monkey in the Master's Eye, Long is so good in this film, he makes
up for most of the shortcomings. A Must Buy though if you are interested in
Peking Opera, as it shows many of the major skills used in real Opera
performances.

Cantonen Iron Kung Fu (Crash Cinema)-Yet another in Crash's great new
Pagoda line of re-mastered films, this is a pretty run of the mill film
starring Lueng Kar Yan. If you liked Thundering Mantis, this is like Mantis
lite. There's a lot to enjoy here, like yet another great turn by Phillip
Ko as a bad guy, but the film just misses classic status. If you like Lueng
Kar Yan though, you have to have it. This DVD is letterboxed and dubbed, the
best that this film will EVER look

Chinatown Kid (Ground Zero)-The classic tale of a loner struggling to become
a big time crime boss mixes with the talent of Fu Sheng, in this slice of
kung fu n' slacks that featured the first major roles by the Five Venoms.
Though slightly dated, the film still holds up today. This DVD is full
screen and cut, making the earlier, letterboxed and uncut DVD (released by
Pan Media!!!), the one to get.

Choy Lay Fut/Tiger's Claw (Ground Zero) -Choy Lay Fut is a very good film
detailing pretty accurately the story of the martial art. This features a
quality role by Philip Ko as a white haired kung fu master. The film is
letterboxed and rare. If you're looking for a good kung fu film, look no
further. Tiger's Claw is a ¡§swinging arm¡¨ film starring Cliff Lok that
like most films with Lok, is just irritating. There's something about the
guy with his Jimmy Wang Yu looks and good kung fu that just makes you not
want to watch him! Oh, sorry...

Crack Shadow Boxers (Crash Cinema)--Character actor Ku Feng takes a break
from the Shaw Brothers to make this kung fu comedy. Ku Feng and bald idiot,
Han Kuo Tsai play two con men mistaken for martial arts masters by the
people of a town being bullied by a gang. Sound familiar? Yep, it's the
plot for many a kung fu comedy! This was made when the idea was fresh, so we
at the Cave can overlook that. What's important is this is one of the
goofiest films you'll ever see, with Bruce Lee references, sight gags, etc.
that still work! This is a real rarity for kung fu comedies. Though the
fights are nothing to write home about, the film is a good time killer. The
DVD is letterboxed and dubbed.

Dance of Death (Crash Cinema)Without a doubt, Angela Mao in a kung fu film
with fights directed by Jackie Chan is a match made in Heaven. If you like
old Jackie Chan films, this one is right up your alley. Maybe the best
Angela Mao ever looked in a film, as she appeared a bit stiff in some of the
Golden Harvest films. The DVD is letterboxed and subtitled.

Death Duel of Kung Fu (Tai Seng)- -Those Secret Rivals, John Liu and Wong
Tao, are back and they ain't takin' no lip from no one, even super kicker
and all around bad guy Eagle Han. Though the story ain't much, this is one
of John Liu's best films and he's against a BAD man in Eagle Han!

Dirty Kung Fu (Tai Seng)--This is an above average kung fu comedy directed
by Liu Chia Yung and starring Wang Yue as the "Rubberball Kid." He's a
small time thief who's out to bring in a couple of local criminals to get
the reward money. But he runs into an assassin and a master of spiritual
boxing played by Wilson Tong, who's also after the criminals. This wouldn't
be all that great a film, if it didn't have a stellar chop-socky cast
including Norman Tsui of DUEL TO THE DEATH fame and some excellent fights.
The last twenty minutes turns into straight out comedy, preventing it from
being a more than worth a watch. The Tai Seng DVD is cut by about 2 minutes
of footage at the very beginning that was present in the original Ocean
Shores release.

Drunken Tai Chi/Dynamo (Ground Zero) -Donnie Yen's first starring role, and
the last of the Yuen Clan fantasy films, this version of Drunken Tai Chi is
letterboxed and a great looking port from the UK DVD. The Bruce Li title
Dynamo is taken from a bad, cut print and would be nice in an uncut,
letterboxed version(Coming soon from Crash Cinema). This is one to get for
Drunken Tai Chi, as it's the best this title will ever look.

Eagle's Killer (Tai Seng)- This is an okay Jackie Chan clone starring Hwang
Jang Li and John Chang. Though this is something that's been seen before,
the fights in this are what really pulls it out in the end. And we loved the
intro scene of Hwang destroying a medical skeleton with his kicks! There is
a letterboxed, uncut version of this one floating around also.

Eight Escorts (CAV/World Video)-Another Tan Tao Liang film, this time
co-starring all around badass Chan Wai Man in a film about 8 Escorts hand
picked to protect a treasure. The fights are well put together, but the
intro (which is great) is better than the film. It's worth a watch for the
fights though! The CAV DVD pause is in full effect here.

Enter the Fat Dragon (Crash Cinema)- This Sammo Hung film where he plays a
pig farmer out to defend the honor of Bruce Lee is one of his most famous
roles. Hung gives one of the most unusual performances of his career as a
exact, fat clone of Lee!! With great fights and a spot on Bruce Lee
imitation, this is a near classic! The DVD is letterboxed and Subtitled.

Fatal Needles Vs. Fatal Fists(Tai Seng)- Wong Tao stars as a police officer
in old China who kills his partner(a Lo Lieh cameo) by accident in a fight
with a opium dealer. The death affects him so much, he nearly goes insane.
He becomes a mute, until years later when the man behind the opium trade
shows up to finish the fight!! Featuring a better than average story dealing
with drugs, some good direction by Lee Tso Nam, and yet another GREAT role
by Chang Yi as a spider fighting, needle throwing villain!

Fighting Ace (Xenon) -One of John Liu's more popular films. Though the
fights are good, but the villain in this is substandard, making the film
overall seem run of the mill. Worth a watch for John Liu in a little better
acting role than he's usually given. This DVD is letterboxed.

Fists and Guts (Tai Seng)--Decent Gordon Liu film from the ¡§Liu Brothers¡¨
era. When a Shaolin Monk(Lo Lieh) steals a holy relic, Gordon Liu is sent to
bring the treasure back. This features an excellent final fight in a trapped
up temple and a few others spread throughout. In its original release,
titled Carry on Wise Guys, this was graced with a mini-movie by the Liu
Brothers on kung fu styles, that was cut from all English language prints.

Five Fingers of Steel (Pan Media)-Not a Shaw Brothers film, though it says
so on the package. The film is one of Hwang Jang Li's best and most
unusual. For one of three times in his career, he plays a good guy. Anything
can happen in this film. Hell, Hwang is first shown in a valley kicking down
trees!!! It's combination of some good kung fu and some CRAZY plot turns.
The DVD itself is passable at best. Also known as The Blood Child.

Flash Future Kung Fu(Tai Seng)-- Starring Shaw vet Wang Lung Wei as a kung
fu master in the future fighting against a group of neo-nazis that killed
his master, this is one unusual kung fu flick! Director Kirk Wong tried to
take a cheap kung fu film budget and make a kung fu/science fiction film,
but although I like this film for what it tries to do, it's just not a
good film. This movie is the only one of it's kind really, so it's
definitely worth a watch at least once.

Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon (Crash Cinema)-- This is the Sonny Chiba
adaptation of the famous manga character, master assassin and all around
badass, Duke Togo. The unfortunate thing is the film is pretty bad, with
some so-so action scenes (one stolen by John Woo for the Killer). This DVD
is also the worst that Crash ever produced, with a English or Japanese
option that was a horrible idea. When you want to watch the Japanese
version, the print plays in Japanese and slightly letterboxed with a VERY
low soundtrack. To play it in English, the bottom of the picture with the
permanent English subtitles is simply matted to cover them up!! Cave Dweller
and all around film guru, Bruce Holecheck has produced the info that this
print is cut when compared to the original VHS release, so you're warned.
If you're a Chiba fan though you'll want to see this even in this form.

He Has Nothing But Kung Fu (Tai Seng)--Another production from Gordon Liu's
¡§Liu Brothers¡¨ period, this is maybe their best all around film. This
re-teams Gordon Liu and Wang Yue, the stars of the Shaw Brothers film
¡§Dirty Ho,¡¨ for more kung fu antics. Wang Yue plays a beggar who runs
into Hoi (Gordon Liu) and discovers Hoi has amnesia and is a master of kung
fu. Kung fu havoc ensues, as the beggar uses Hoi's talents to take on some
local thugs. Though the stars try REALLY hard to get that Shaw Bros. feel
to the movie, something is missing from the film. The stars and the overall
quality of the film make up for a lot.

Holy Robe of the Shaolin Temple (Crash Cinema)--A prequel of sorts to Jet
Li's Shaolin Temple films, this is a solid Mainland China film that
delivers the goods and stars (as the villain!) Yu Rong Guang, the star that
should've been bigger had he came before Jet hit. And if you're a sucker
for the Mainland stuff, like I am, you'll like this one! This DVD is
letterboxed and subtitled.

Incredible Kung Fu Mission (Crash Cinema)-One of the more interesting John
Liu films. This stars Liu as the leader of a ragtag group of¡Kokay, no point
beating around the bush, this is a HK version of the Dirty Dozen. The film
is a lot of fun featuring yet another nutty villianous portral by Tommy Lee
of Hot, Cool, and the Viscous fame, as a villian who can stick his fingers
through people ala Fist of Northstar. The DVD is letterboxed and the best
looking release from Crash's new Pagoda line.

The Invincible Kung Fu Trio (Tai Seng)¡XThis doesn't star Chen Kuan Tai as
advertised, but does star high kicker John Liu and Meng Fei in a likeable
kung fu film set after the fall of the Shaolin Temple. This film doesn't
try hard to be anything other than entertaining. There is a letterboxed,
subtitled copy of this out there, but still no Chen Kuan Tai!!!

Iron Monkey 2 (Xenon)-No, this is not the piece of crap sequel to the Donnie
Yen wire fu experience. This also has nothing to do with the original film
titled Iron Monkey, but is a re-titling of the Chen Kuan Tai film Tough
Guy (also known as Duel at Tiger Village). The film features Chen Sing at
his typical tiger claw fighting best as the bad guy and Chen Kuan Tai plays
a captain looking to take him down. The film itself is average and the DVD
is letterboxed. Though not a great film, but at one point it was EXTREMLY
rare.

Invincible Armor (Ground Zero)-A kung fu classic starring Hwang Jang Li as
an invincible fighter and John Liu as the man who must bring him in.
Featuring great fights co-directed by Yuen Biao and a kickass score stolen
from a Italian western, this is a great film. This version is letterboxed
and slightly cut. There is a Pan Media DVD of this that looks bad and is pan
and scan. This should be avoided at all cost! Rumor has it a UK DVD will be
coming soon that is uncut.

Jade Claw (Xenon)- An excellent Yuen clan attempt to make a Jackie Chan film
without the man himself, this is Billy Chong's chance to shine. The fights
are good, the story is what you'd expect, and Chong looks good as always.
The DVD is letterboxed and good quality, so go and get it!!!

Killer From Above (Tai Seng)--When a killer starts taking out martial
artists one by one, a group of fighters band together to destroy the threat.
A sort of kung fu/mystery that serves itself well by giving a much
larger(and smarter) role to kung fu staple villain Lo Lieh to move about in.
A good story and acting pull this a little above the average for this
collection. Worth a watch, especially if you tire of the typical kung fu
film.

Kung Fu Genius (Xenon)-A Wilson Tong directed film is almost always better
than average, BUT this has Cliff Lok as the star. When your star is less
interesting than any other person in the film, it doesn't help things at
all. Worth a watch for the Wilson Tong directed fights, the one with the fan
is very good.

The Last Duel (Tai Seng)-A fantasy swordplay film whose fights aren't that
great, but the unusual story where the hero must rely on his enemy for help
to save the greatest martial artists in the world, some fantasy elements,
and Nora Miao, make it worth a watch. And the subject of the only run on
sentence film review in history!!

The Leg Fighters (Tai Seng)--Great fun! This is a Lee Tso Nam directed film
from his period where he made films based around fighting styles or weapons
ala Shaolin Invincible Sticks. Starring the great Tan Tao Liang of The Hot,
Cool, and the Vicious, this is based around kickers and it delivers the
goods! Though it has some comedy elements that slow it down a bit, the
performances make up for it. There's a letterboxed copy of this out there,
if you collectors can find it.

The Legendary Strike (Tai Seng)-- From the director of classics such as
Broken Oath, Lady Kung fu, etc., comes this film. When a Buddhist relic is
being transported, all the fighters in the martial world must have¡KTHE
LEGENDARY STRIKE!!! One of the few times he directed outside Golden Harvest,
Huang Feng delivers a decent movie with a cast of Cave faves like Angela Mao
and Carter Wong.!?!?! But this is a good film! Well...it's an okay film. In
comparison to most of his other films, it's very minor, but in comparison to
others in the Tai Seng series, it's up there in the top.

The Magnificent (Crash Cinema)-A Godfrey Ho film (sorry, no ninjas!). It's
Carter Wong out to save the world from those pesky Chings again being led by
Chen Sing, with a little Casanova Wong thrown in. This film is letterboxed
and subtitled. For a Godfrey Ho film, this one's okay, with a few good
fights. This was the first film put out by IFD, the company that later went
on to make all the ninja movies cave dwellers know and love. Of special note
is the ending with Wong taking on Sing, who's a master of the iron armor
technique, with a tree!! The DVD is letterboxed and subtitled.

Master Of Death(Tai Seng)-- Shaw Brother veterans Chi Kwan Chun, Chen Sing,
and Lo Lieh go at each other in this tale of non-stop kung fu revenge as
Chun searches for the men who killed his father. Chun tended to act in
films that were just okay, this one is no different. And by the way, this
film original title is Revenge of the Shaolin Kid, no matter what Meyers
says on the commentary!

The Massive(Xenon)-A weird combination of a murder mystery/kung fu film make
this of some small interest, though this Chi Kuan Chun film is pretty
average other than that.

Mask of Death (Crash Cinema)--A.K.A. Shaolin Devil and Angel, this is one of
the middle level Wong Tao (co-star of the Hot, Cool and the Vicious) films.
The movie tries desperately to be a Shaw Brothers type epic, but falls flat
with a lot of the running time devoted to complex plot twists. The DVD is
letterboxed. Worth a watch if you have to see every Wong Tao film (like
me!).

Masked Avengers (Ground Zero)-One of the more unusual venom films that
appears to be a reimagining of the original Five Deadly Venoms film.
The movie takes a while to get going, but last 30 minutes makes it worth the
wait with all the crazy fights and characters you've come to expect. The
DVD is just average, taken from a VHS tape.

Moonlight Sword and Jade Lion (Crash Cinema)--Angela Mao and Wong Tao in a
film together, sounds like a match made in Heaven? Nope, just makes for an
okay time waster. Though you can tell they were trying for a Shaw Brother's
style swordplay film, it just all sorta falls flat. Worth a watch if you a
fan of the stars, otherwise, move along little grasshopper.

My Kung Fu 12 Kicks(Tai Seng)- Bruce Liang, great kicker and all-round nice
guy, stars in this Jackie Chan wannabe film also known as ¡§Incredible
Master Beggars. Not a bad flick, but it's no classic. Also one of the few
ultra low budget films to have a sequel entitled Ruthless Revenge. Worth
watching for the fights.

Prodigal Boxer (Crash Cinema)--In reality, one of the most important
independent kung fu films ever, this film has been released on video and DVD
more times than I can count! This was originally titled Fong Si Yuk and is
indeed a film about the famous Shaolin master and his mother, later played
by Jet Li. It's Meng Fei as the title character in this film. For the time
this was made, this has some surprisingly well directed fights. The superior
sequel, Prodigal Boxer 2, with the same cast, is worth seeking out. This
was also the first of MANY times Meng Fei would play the Fong Si Yuk role
over his career. This DVD is letterboxed and dubbed.

Return to the 36th Chamber(Ground Zero)- This is more of a kung fu comedy
starring Gordon Liu who plays a man impersonating the great monk San Te from
the first film. Not a true sequel to the film The 36th Chamber, but does
feature some good fights and is an enjoyable film, if you know it's not a
continuation of that classic.

The Revenger (CAV/World Video)-One of a handful of films Shaw Brothers star
Ti Lung made in Taiwan, this is a decent film. With a particularly good
beginning, they tried for a Shaw look in this film about a son out to avenge
his father's death and nearly succeeded. If this were out in a letterboxed
version, it would be more enjoyable. At the moment, this is best we have. As
always, this has the pause problem inherent in nearly all of CAV's
DVDs.

Revengeful Swordswoman (Tai Seng)--A good film starring the wonderful Chia
Ling takin' care of business as only she can. She stars as a daughter out
for revenge for the death of her father. Sound like something you've heard
before? Well it is, but it features just enough unusual fights and weapons
to make it worth a watch. Note: This release may be the worst pan and scan
job ever. There is a letterboxed, subbed print out there if you can find it!

Secret of Tai Chi (Tai Seng)-- A good mainland China film with better than
average fights, this still plays a bit like a Shaolin Temple Jet Li rip,
but a good one. The ending gets special mention also for inventiveness, but
not camerawork. Worth a watch.

Shaolin Brothers (Tai Seng)- Another of those great Mainland China Shaolin
films, this one tries to be a little more original. When a drought destroys
the Shaolin Temple's crops, two monks go to perform for money to buy food.
But when a former Shaolin monk kills one of the brothers, the other must
seek vengeance!! Good martial arts, acting, and locations, make this
definitely worth a watch!

Shaolin Ex-Monk (CAV/World Video) ¡VOne of John Liu's best films and also
one of the only films where he has wire help with his kicks, making for some
strange looking fights. The story is good and the fights are not too bad for
a later Liu film. Be warned that the CAV DVD has the pause problem
mentioned above.

Shaolin Martial Arts (Pan Media)- Maybe the best looking of all Pan Media
DVDs (and that's not saying much), this is yet another in a long line of
Shaw Brothers Shaolin films starring Fu Sheng and the gang. This one of the
better ones Shaolin films and the DVD is letterboxed, so it's worth a
watch.

Shaolin Monk (Tai Seng)--This is not a bad film. Original titled ¡§Tamo
Monk.¡¨ this tells the story of Tamo (also known by about a dozen other
names), the monk who brought Zen breathing techniques to the Shaolin Temple,
in effect creating the Shaolin Martial arts. The under-rated Chen Sing
stars as the great Tamo. Though this film leans towards the fantastic,
outlandish, and cheap, overall it's an enjoyable version of the tale.

Shaolin Monk Fights Back (Tai Seng)- -No relation to the film above, this is
yet another Mainland China Shaolin Temple film. And what does that mean?
Good kung fu, but only okay story. This is the typical
¡§monk-takes-in-a-kid-and-teaches-him-kung-fu film.

The Six Directions Of Boxing (Tai Seng)-- Shaw Brothers star David Chiang
plays a cop who teams up with Simon Yuen of Drunken Master fame and a MONKEY
to take down a group of arms dealers. This is an average kung fu film,
nothing more.

Slice of Death (Venom Mob)--One of the poorest of the Shaw Brothers Shaolin
Temple films, this was made towards the end of Shaw Brothers studios. This
features David Chiang and was directed by Ho Meng Hwa, a director most
famous for his horror films. The awkward look of the film, as well as the
hackened story swiped from previous Shaw Brothers, make this a Shaolin film
that hasn't endeared itself to most fans. We at the Cave have always
enjoyed it for the chance to see Chiang as a monk and for the unusual
fights. The Pan Media version is to be avoided. There is a letterboxed,
English dubbed copy out there. If you dare!!

Snake in Monkey's Shadow (Xenon)- This Snake in Eagle's Shadow knockoff
stars John Chang and is Wilson Tong's best directed film. The story is
pretty typical, but the fights and villains (the sure sign of a good movie
of any kind) are above average. Now if only someone would find a letterboxed
copy of this one!!

Super Kung Fu Kid (Tai Seng)--A Chung Nick film. For those that don't know,
Nick was the king of the cheap-ass kung fu heap for a while there, with his
films being basically nothing but old school swinging arm kung fu with
very little plot, but lots of fights. Nick had a mean spinning kick! To
viewers nowadays, his films are very low on the kung fu totem pole. For that
reason, take a chance on this one, which was also released by Roger Corman
in the 70's as Karado, the Hong Kong Cat.

Ten Tigers of Kwangtung (Ground Zero)-A confusing film consisting of
flashback upon flashback directed by Chang Cheh and starring every Shaw
Brothers star of the time. This film doesn't hold up to repeat viewing, but
is worth watching for the fights between stars that would never appear
together again.

Thunder Kick (Tai Seng)-Lee Gam Kwan (also known as Larry Lee!! ) stars as
the man with the thunderkick out to get the gang of thugs who killed his
brother. A true low budget/no budget film, this is basically a reworking of
the film Fist of Fury (the original trailer even had the star compared to
Bruce Lee). The movie is full of chop-socky character actors (including Bolo
Yueng), but the star is kinda bland, as are the repetitive nature of the
fights. Lee's martial arts style is VERY mannered, and for some strange
reason, we like the film.

Two Champions of Shaolin (Venom Mob)-One of the most convoluted and least
fulfilling of the Venom films, this also has one of the best finales of all
of them. If you're a fan of the Venoms, and you haven't seen it, get this.
For the newcomer, check out one of their other films first. There are
versions of this film out from Pan Media and Ground Zero, but this is the
best looking of the three.

War of the Shaolin Temple (Tai Seng)--A pretty typical Mainland China
martial arts film made after the success of Jet Li's Shaolin Temple.
The story is a little bland with yet another drunken fighter coming to the
rescue of the Shaolin Temple, but the martial arts make up for it.

Warrior from Shaolin (Tai Seng)- - Yet another Liu Brothers production
and one of a handful of mediocre films that Gordon Liu was involved in after
leaving the Shaw Brothers. This time, he's a kung fu monk given the job of
protecting a top secret map who runs into Eric Tsang doing his best Jackie
Chan impression and it's not good! The fights are okay, but nothing to
write Kwangtung about.

Yellow River Fighter (Crash Cinema)--A mainland China swordplay film from
the director of the Shaolin Temple films. An unusual film that plays a bit
like an old school Shaw Brothers swordplay film. On the strange side, the
DVD has English dubbing AND subtitles! The Crash Cinema version is now out
of print, so it's a collector's item too. This is set to be released in a
letterboxed version by CAV, which doesn't sound good.

Yoga and the Kung Fu Girl (Tai Seng)-- Another Chi Kwan Chun Taiwanese dud.
Why did he leave the Shaw Brothers!? Oh yeah, to start his own production
company, Champion Films. The only reason to see this film is Phoenix Chen,
the kung fu girl of the title. A double-jointed blessing of dim sum
goodness, she has moves you've never even thought of, but unfortunately,
the films sucks. For Phoenix, I'm saying this is worth a watch!

Young Avenger (Tai Seng)-Wang Yue stars in this unique film from the kung fu
genius of Wilson Tong. Wang plays a gravedigger out one night stealing from
a corpse when he runs into a ghost that offers to teach him kung fu. A
real underground gem here folks, as Wang fights with a Gravedigger style
of kung fu that requires a spade with special kung fu attachments!

For fanatics only: These are films only diehard fans of old school will want
and secretly wish they've never seen or owned, but just can't help
themselves cause they're fanatics i.e. Me!

Adventure For Imperial Treasure (CAV/World Video)-One of Wong Tao's(Secret
Rivals, Hot, Cool, and the Vicious, etc) best films. He really gets to show
off his kicks here in this typical story of a lone Shaolin fighter out to
protect a secret treasure. The martial arts make up for the story. The DVD
is HORRIBLE! Worth a watch on VHS.

Brave Archer (Ground Zero)-A Fu Sheng starring, Chang Cheh directed, fantasy
with nearly all the Shaw Brothers superstars does not a good film make, but
the series overall is interesting. If you are a fan of the Venoms and their
style of fighting, this is for you. But be warned, this film was Chang
Cheh's attempt to adapt a novel, so there's a LOT of story for a kung fu
film that might put the average fan off. This is part of one of three(four
if you count Little Dragon Maiden made years later), so you may want to
watch them all at once. This DVD is cut, but nearly every release of this
film has been, so this may be a good buy.

Brutal Boxer/Shaolin One (Ground Zero) - Shaolin One is a fairly routine Jet
Li documentary that has been re-edited and re-packaged so many times, I
swear that I've bought it five times! Brutal Boxer on the other hand in one
of the sub-genre of ¡§Bloody Fingers¡¨ films that are all basically
¡§let's all fight the Japanese¡¨ movies that were popular after the
emergence of Bruce Lee. This one touts Jackie Chan as being one of it's
stars. That's bogus, but Chan does appear as an out of focus white dot in
the back of the first bar scene. Blink and you'll miss him. Unless you have
to see every film of this genre (like me!), this is for fanatics only.

Bullet Train (Crash Cinema)-One of those Sonny Chiba films that can just
barely be called a Sonny film, this is more or less a Japanese version of
the U.S. film Speed made about 20 years before Speed. So that means
Speed is an English version of this film then. Anywoo, the film is
okay, but is not the Sonny fix you're looking for! There's nothing Sonny
about this film, he shows up as the hero and that's really about it. No
Streetfighter moves or nothing, BUT the film is still good as a 70's style
calamity picture ala Towering Inferno and the like. And that's why it's
for fanatic's only, I mean it's the cave o' kung fu and we got a rep to
protect! This DVD is letterboxed and dubbed.

Challenge of The Masters (Pan Media)--The first of Liu Chia Liang's Wong
Fei Hung films, this is a very good film starring Gordon Liu as the famous
hero as a young man. The DVD from Pan Media is a piece of crap. Seek out a
VHS version of this classic. BTW, a letterboxed video of this has just
surfaced for you collectors.

Chinese Super Ninja II (Ground Zero)-A cheap attempt to cash in on the
Chinese Super Ninjas film, this is really the film Challenge of a Lady Ninja
retitled to steal your money. It's a piece of crap! Avoid!

The Deadly Sword (Tai Seng)-- An interesting film based on a story by wuxia
novelist Ku Lung that gets bogged down in what are often the bane of many
kung fu films: to many characters, a confusing plot, and not enough action.
Though this film may be interesting to fans that want to see a wuxia(heroic
swordplay) film complete with secret societies, conspiracies, etc. This is
really for fanatics only, but worth a watch for something different. If
you're looking for balls out action though, look elsewhere.

Death Ring (Tai Seng)- A bad (and not in a good way) remake of the Chang
Cheh film Duel of Fists, where a guy goes looking for his father in Thailand
and gets mixed up in kickboxing. The films one saving grace is in the first
fifteen minutes when Ti Lung shows up dressed as a pimp and fights like a
man!! The less said about the "commentary" on this one, the better.

Dreaming Fists with Slender Hands (Tai Seng)- It's bad kung fu comedy time
again! When two kung fu fightin' idiots are thrown out by their masters and
they take down some local thugs, the locals think they are kung fu masters
that can save them from a gang of bandits. ONLY two things are remotely
funny about this film: When one of them learns a woman's kung fu that makes
him act "funny," and that Tai Seng would put this out!!

18 Fatal Strikes (Ground Zero) -A good film, with martial arts along the
lines of an early Yuen Woo Ping film. The DVD has insanely bad sound to the
point where I would say track down the VHS. In good quality, this is worth a
watch.

18 Secrets of Kung Fu (Tai Seng)--The story of a lot of kung fu films: good
fights, boring story. Yet again a young man must learn a secret type of kung
fu. But this time, there's not an interesting kung fu move or actor in
sight.

Emperor of Shaolin Kung Fu(Tai Seng)--Here he is again, Carter Wong! This
tale of rebellion against the emperor(Lo Lieh) set in the Ming Dynasty, is
just passable. The fight scenes are particularly poor in this film.

The End of the Wicked Tiger(Tai Seng)--Now here's something interesting! An
early Sammo Hung villain role, with he and Wilson Tong playing thugs having
their way with a village until an inspector (played by future real life
gangster and movie mogul Charles Heung) comes into the picture. Not a good
movie, but interesting to see Sammo in such a role. This is a film that
features an unusual amount of female nudity and a staple of early Sammo
films, a rape. The martial arts are pretty poor considering the stars of the
film.

Filthy Guy(Tai Seng)--One of Sammo Hung's earliest films that is also known
as Return of the Secret Rivals. This film is about a young sheepherder
(Sammo) who is in fact a lost prince who could reclaim the throne. Sammo is
known for making good films, but this has Carter Wong as the bad guy and we
know what Carter is known for. This is a very bad kung fu comedy, you've
been warned!! Also this version is missing the voiceover that was on the
original Ocean Shores release explaining what was going on and setting up
the film!

Instant Kung fu Man(CAV/World Video)--One of the worst films to ever star
both John Liu and Hwang Jang Lee!! It looks like they maybe were on set for
a day to film the beginning and end fights. Only get this if you like
comedy, cause it makes up about 90% of the film. The beginning and end of
the film are not bad, so just watch those!

Flag of Iron(Ground Zero)- -One of the worst examples of a DVD, a kinda rare
film that's letterboxed and cut a lot! How much? How about 30 minutes!! Try
to find this on VHS under the title The Spearmen to see this in all
it's uncut glory, as this is one of the best of Chang Cheh's venom films.
A must buy, if it was uncut.

Fury in the Shaolin Temple(Ground Zero) -Yet another z-grade Gordon Liu
films, this is not really worth your time. The final fight is okay, but
doesn't rate as good.

Green Dragon Inn (CAV/World Video)--This is not the King Hu film Dragon
Gate Inn, as it has often been confused with. This is pretty done by the
numbers swordplay film starring Polly Shan Kwan and Lo Lieh. The film is
really barely passable and nothing worth tracking down, unless you're like
me!

Hell's Windstaff (CAV/World Video)-Another film that re-teams the Meng
Hoi/Hwang Jang Li team from Buddha Assassinator, this one is not as good in
my opinion. The problem is the martial arts are more staff based, than
focusing on Hwang's amazing kicks like every film should. Search out the
Ground Zero VHS version of this(not on DVD), as it is a letterboxed,
subtitled version.

Invincible Killer(Tai Seng)-- Uber bad kung fu n'slacks film starring the
bad-ass Chan Wai Man, but this is just bad! Basically, it's an early triad
revenge film. For fanatics only (and even then, think twice)!

Invincible One (Pan Media)- One of the better Chang Cheh directed Fu Sheng
films that touch on the themes found also in Chinatown Kid, this DVD is
horrible and should be burned! Go find a VHS copy, as it's worth a watch.

Kid With the Golden Arm (Ground Zero)-This is one of the best of the venom
films, but this DVD is VERY badly cut, nearly every scene has a cut in the
middle of dialogue or an entire scene is missing. Again find a VHS copy, as
this one would be a must buy in a better edition. The DVD is letterboxed.

King Boxer (Crash Cinema)--Filmed in Thailand for a song, this film is a
pretty boring swinging arm affair. Scholars will get a kick out of seeing
some of the stars such as Meng Fei and Kurata looking so young, but the
average viewer may fall asleep, though this scores points for the unusual
setting. The DVD is letterboxed and subtitled.

Kung Fu Instructor (Pan Media) An absolute classic Sun Chung film starring
Ti Lung and Wang Yu, this is one of the great unsung Shaw Brothers films. Ti
Lung plays a master of the Wing Chun staff that is tricked into killing by a
local gangleader, then the leader takes him in as a friend to train his men.
But the question is, how long will it take the kung fu instructor to find
out the evil scheme? An excellent film and a CRAPPY pan and scan DVD.
There's a nice letterboxed version of this in collectorland. Do yourself a
favor and find a copy somewhere, it bound to be better than this!!

The Lost Kung Fu Secrets (Tai Seng)--Though former Shaw star David Chiang
does well in this role, looking better than in most Shaw films really, the
cheap production ruins any chance of this being a classic. The story of an
evil warlord trying to control the masses by using Christianity, while
interesting, manages to die at the hand of director Joe Law. Law is famous
for making just okay films with good stars and this film is another in a
long line.

Magnificent Fist (Tai Seng)- Oh NO!! Here he is again, that darn Carter Wong
stars once more in a so-so film. It's kinda sad really, as Carter has got
the goods, but this film isn't worth your time. Carter espouses the virtues
of bad martial arts to anyone that will fight him in this film.

Magnificent Wanderers (Pan Media)-A letterboxed release of a pretty poor Fu
Sheng film. This is one of Chang Cheh's worst, at a time when the Shaw
Brothers were forcing him to add comedy to his films. The DVD is poor
quality and makes loud grinding noises throughout the whole movie and this
is after looking at MULITIPLE copies!! So you got to get it just to hear the
cool noises the DVD makes!!

Mantis Combat (Tai Seng)--Runaway now! Without a doubt, one of the worse
films to star Chen Sing and that's saying something!!! This film besides
being bad, has the worst ending of them all! Yes, even worse than 60 Second
Assassin collectors!

Men From The Monastery (Pan Media)--This is one of the of Shaw Brothers
Shaolin classics starring Fu Sheng and the gang that deserve to be seen in
the best quality possible, the DVD is VERY bad quality though. Also this
does not play in all DVD players. Do yourself a favor and track down a VHS
copy of this film, as they tend to play in all VCRs.

New Mr. Vampire (Tai Seng)--This one stinks like a five day old corpse! It
starts off okay, then goes WAY the hell downhill!! If the original Mr.
Vampire was like this, no one would remember it! If you can't find any
other hopping vampire films, get this. But if you have access to a car,
boat, or hoofed animal, head your ass down to Sun Coast and buy Mr. Vampire!

Ninja Vs. Ninja (Tai Seng)--A hack and slash job of epic proportions,
teaming up an old Chung Nick potboiler with new footage of what else?
NINJAS!!! As far as these go, this one is pretty bad and VERY confusing, so
no beers from me.

99 Cycling Swords (Tai Seng)-- Originally titled ¡§Lung Wei Village,¡¨ this
film starring Lo Lieh and Polly Shan Kuan is about as fun as a nail in the
head! The plot is VERY convoluted. Now, in most cases, with a kung fu film,
that can be overlooked if there's good fights. There's none here though!
So as much as I like both the stars, I have to say it's for fanatics only.

One Armed Swordsman (Pan Media)- Here's some fun. The title on the box and
the art leads one to believe that this is the Jimmy Wang Yu/Chang Cheh Shaw
classic, The One Armed Swordsman, but upon watching the film, it clear that
this is the David Chiang/Ti Lung starrer, The New One Armed Swordsman. While
not a bad film (actually a pretty good swordplay film), the DVD is up to par
with other releases from Pan Media, it sucks!! And on top of all that,
it's cut! In most cases this would be a must buy, but pass on the DVD and
find a good copy of this film on VHS.

The Rage of the Wind (CAV/World Video)- A relatively rare film starring Chen
Sing. This is yet another in the Bloody Fingers genre where Chen Sing
takes on the Japanese. This was a huge hit at the time it was released.
Worth a watch if you can find the VHS.

Real Kung Fu Of Shaolin (Tai Seng)--Worth it only for the fights, which are
simply decent,, this tale of a boy out for revenge is something about 60
other films have done before.

Revenge of the Patriots (Ground Zero) -One of only a handful of quality
films starring Bruce Li where he wasn't playing a Bruce Lee lookalike, this
also benefits from fights directed by the Liu Brothers. The DVD quality is
incredibly poor on this title though. If you can find a better version, this
is worth a watch.

Roar of The Lion (Pan Media)--A good vehicle for the team of Wong Yue and Lo
Meng fighting the Chings. This features some VERY good fights and the most
downbeat ending of nearly any Shaw film, but is a rather average film
overall. Again get a VHS of this, it's a better deal.

Secret of Chinese Kung Ku (Tai Seng)-- A young kung fu fighting upstart
takes on a gang of thugs lead by Lo Lieh who have taken over a village. End
of story. NEXT!!! I guess I'll just say the film is SO average that I
really can't even say it's worth a watch, so for fanatics only!

The Secret Rivals (Pan Media)--Though listed on the packaging as a Shaw
Brother's film, this is definitely not. It's an ass-kicker of a Seasonal
film that stars the great Wong Tao, John Liu, and Hwang Jang Li at their
kung fu fighting best! When the Silver Fox (Hwang Jang Li) is taking over
the martial world, only the fists and legs of Wong Tao and John Liu can take
him on! One of the seminal films in independent kung fu history, this was
the first film to feature the idea of two heroes of different styles taking
on one seemingly invincible villain. The DVD is not up to the film, being
Full Screen, English Dubbed, and crappy!! Wait for a better release of this
film, or buy a boot of the letterboxed version in the mean time.

The 72 Desperate Rebels (Tai Seng)-- What a piece of crap this is! Though
the look of the film is a little better than your typical Taiwanese kung fu
film, in the end that's all it really winds up being. Though you can tell
from the colored backdrops and camera, the director was trying to do
something good, it just is uninteresting . This was re-titled by Xenon as
Killer Hillz on VHS.

Shaolin Intruders (Pan Media)-- Too bad this is such a bad copy, as it is
one of the best martial arts titles the Shaw Brothers released towards the
end of their reign. Starring Jason Piao Piao, this story of a Shaolin Temple
monk trying to destroy the sect from within is a must buy, but find a good
VHS print, as the DVD sucks hard!

Shaolin Invincible Sticks (Pan Media)--One in a long line of good films by
Ng See Yuen, this is focusing on staff fighting and features some of the
best on screen next to a Lo Mar film. Wong Tao plays a young man who can't
be bothered with learning his father's staff technique until badass Chang
Yi comes riding into town to kill his dad with a big stick! If you like
stick fighting, this is for you! Problem is the DVD was made by Pan Media.
What's that mean boys and girls? Yep, it sucks! So find a VHS tape of this
one.

Shaolin Disciple (Tai Seng)--An early performance from a Liu family member
does not solve the problem that this movie is bad. This story of a boy who
joins the Shaolin Temple to revenge his father's death is nearly a genre
unto itself and this is maybe the worst example. But it does have an
exorcism done to the music and sound effects of Star Wars! For fanatics
only, but the exorcism is cool, too bad it had nothing to do with the film.

Shaolin Drunken Monk (Tai Seng)- -Without a doubt, one of the worst Gordon
Liu films! So bad, I'm not writing anything, I wouldn't even watch it
again!

Shaolin Hero (Tai Seng)-- Avoid like the plague!! The box art on this DVD
shows pictures from the Lueng Kar Yan T.V. series Tak Mo: Originator of Kung
Fu, one of the great kung fu television series. But this is not that film.
Ocean Shores originated the ¡§Shaolin Hero¡¨ title in the 80's and Tai Seng
stuck with it here. The was released under it's original title, ¡§The Great
Massacre¡¨ by TWE video in the late 80's. This is worst film to ever star
the likes of Meng Fei, Leung Kar Yan ,and Phillip Ko, with bad fights, cheap
sets, etc. Not even a fanatic needs this
one!!

Shaolin Protector/Amazing Masters of Martial Arts(Ground Zero) - The first
film is a Carter Wong Shaolin Temple film that's just okay viewing. The
second film, Amazing Masters, is a U.S. made special on martial arts
featuring Wong. This DVD is in all honesty for fanatics only

Sting of the Dragon Masters(Crash Cinema)--An Angla Mao/Sammo Hung Golden
Harvest classic. Quite simply among the worst releases ever from Crash. They
got a crappy 16mm print and felt they had to release it. This has English
dubbing and subtitles like their copy of Yellow River Fighter. I say track
down a VHS copy of this and it's worth a watch, but this DVD is a
disappointment.

Stroke of Death (Pan Media)-This is the Lo Mar film that features all the
things you expect from the Shaw Brothers director: great fights between all
but unknown actors and a good story. This DVD is the edited for TV version,
but appears to not be missing any fights. The DVD is poor quality as usual
from Pan Media. For the collector, there is a French letterboxed release of
this movie floating around. In a good version, this is worth a watch.

10 Magnificent Killers (Ground Zero) -With surprisingly poor kung fu for the
talent involved, this film starring John Chiang is a disappointment on
nearly all levels. There are lots of fights but none that really grab you,
though the one with Bolo Yueng is often cited.

Warrior of Steel (Pan Media)- A round about sequel to Boxer from Shantung
that just doesn't create the same magic as the original as Chen Kuan Tai
stars again as an up and coming gangster. The DVD is pathetic.

The Young Tiger(Crash Cinema)--Oh, now this one just sucks!! Sorry but even
a tried and true fu junkie like myself had a hard time setting through this
tale of kung fu ¡¥n slacks. For fanatics only (if you have a death wish!).
The DVD is letterboxed and dubbed.

Five beers and it looks fine: The CRAZY films. If you don't care if the
kung fu's not real, the dubbing is horrible, and you just want to see a
film that toys with your sense of reality, these movie's for you. These are
in no way bad films, it's just readily apparent that no one in their right
mind had anything to do with them!!

Abbot White (Crash Cinema)--One of the most unusual kung fu films in
existence, this is about a Shaolin Temple kid who becomes possessed by the
spirit of an evil fighter and all hell breaks loose! He starts throwing his
arms at people, disappearing like a ghost, etc. as he becomes a demon
possessed martial artist looking to take over the martial world!!! A pretty
rare film, the Crash version leaves a lot to be desired as it's taken from
a VHS tape and dubbed.

Chinese Super Ninjas (Ground Zero)- -The last really good film directed by
Chang Cheh, this is a favorite of a lot of fans. This DVD is only worth a
watch, as it is cut of quite a few scenes of both nudity and violence. If it
was uncut, it would be a must buy, as it's one of the most delirious
productions ever produced by the Shaw Brothers. But unless you can find an
uncut version, this is the best for now.

Deadly Snail Va. Kung Fu Killer(Tai Seng)-Oh boy, one of the first, and
wackiest, of all the Tai Seng/Ocean Shores DVDs. Starring Tony Wong and
Simon Yuen, this is a kung fu fantasy on a shoestring budget. When Cheung
rescues the Sky Mussel Fairy, he must use all his kung fu skills as gods and
demons are on his tail. Just as crazy as it sounds! If your idea of fun is
watching actors acting as if they're in an undersea kingdom consisting of a
painted backdrop and a bubble machine, then this movie's for you! Not a
great film by any stretch, but five beers and it's looking fine!!

Dragon on Fire (Xenon)- The best Godfrey Ho film ever! I know that's
saying a lot in this category, but this is damn near perfect. John Liu and
Dragon Lee play students of former enemies that must fight together against
the kung fu villainy of Phillip Ko. Okay, I know that sounds pretty typical,
but for once in his cinema life, Ho struck gold!!! Now I know that doesn't
sound right¡K. This has good fights, a good story, and some of the craziest
characters not in a Yuen clan flick: A kung fu villain that beats all his
opponents in a minute and he has a giant hourglass he carries around to
prove it! Bolo!! For one movie, John Liu doesn't do his impersonation of a
board! Dragon Lee's Leeism's look cool! And wheelchair bound nut who got
his well something, bit well just watch the film! The DVD is letterboxed
and good quality.

Golden Killah (Xenon)-Chi Kuan Chun is at it again as a man out to kill the
villain golden mask(Stephen Tung Wai ). This is one strange film you got you
giant ghostlike villain, flying saw blades, etc. The sheer stupidity
involved in this is amazing, making it a great cult Cave fave!!!

Inheritor of Kung Fu (Tai Seng)--A low budget Ti Lung outing that pairs him
with Pearl "Wolf Devil Woman¨ Chang, mistress of crazy Hong Kong fantasy
films. Though the film is very low budget, the fantasy elements and
craziness of the film make it fine fodder for a Friday night. The DVD
features one of the worst commentaries in the series, as Ric Meyers spends
nearly the enter film making fun of it, and even fails to identify the main
actress when her name is on the back of the box!! To further confuse things,
the original title of this is The Heroic Ones. This has a very strange
sequel called Hero of the Border Region, which consists of footage of Ti
Lung from this film mixed with the continued adventures of Pearl Chang
character.

Kung Fu Zombie (Ground Zero)-This film has a special place in the Cave.
Though it has a bit in the middle that drags and comedy that some find not
too funny, this is one entertaining film starring Billy Chong that's just
nutty enough to be endearing. It has crappy Taoist priest, crazy kung fu
lovin' fathers, ghosts, and the coolest vampires you'll ever see! And on
top of all that, it has one of the most INSANELY outlandish final fights in
kung fu film history. The DVD is direct port of the UK VHS tape and is
letterboxed.

Lady Iron Monkey/Eagle Fist (Ground Zero) -For this double feature, we have
the film Ape Woman(Re-titled Lady Iron Monkey), paired with the Chen Kuan
Chun film, Eagle Fist. Eagle Fist is a typical Chun film, not bad, but
nothing to go nuts over. ¡§Lady Iron Monkey¡¨ is a damn near HK fantasy gem
though, with all time baddie Lo Lieh taking on a girl raised by apes, who
also wears an ape costume. Hilarity ensues!! This version is from a UK print
and a fight was lost due to sensors. The uncut print is available on VHS
under its original title from Tai Seng.

A Life of Ninja (Tai Seng)--Chen Kwan Tai takes on a group of Ninjas bent on
world domination led by Yasuaki Kurata. Yep, you read that right, WORLD
domination! Lots o' fun to be had with this, with giant wrestling ninjas,
female ho ninjas, etc. Hey what can I say? Five beers and it looks fine!!

Mantis Fist and Tiger's Claw/Duel of the Brave Ones (Ground Zero) - The
lead film starring John Chiang of Snake in Monkey's Shadow fame, is one of
the most interesting independent kung fu films ever and is required viewing
for fans of kung fu and strange films. Whatever you do, DON'T LET ANYONE
TELL YOU ABOUT IT! It's much better if you go into it cold. And BTW, it has
some good kung fu too! Duel of the Brave Ones is another kung fu n' slacks
from the usually sure handed Wilson Tong that just sets there. A must buy
for the sheer insanity of Mantis Fist.

Ninja: the Final Duel (Crash Cinema)- This is THE nutty Alex Lou/Robert Tai
ninja film to see! So bizarre, that it takes days to recover as you swear
you see ninja riding on giant foam spiders and naked ninja where ever you
go. Anyway, the DVD is just passable, but worth it. Not a film, an
experience! This film has a fabled 10 hour+ version which may soon be in the
hands of the Cave. OH, HOW THE HEAVENS WILL SHAKE WITH OUR MARTIAL MIGHT!!!!

Ninja vs. Shaolin Guards (Tai Seng)--Typical whacked out Alexander Lou
mayhem! Lou is always in speeded up, fight filled nut jobs of film
craziness. So what's it about you ask?! What's the title of the film I
answer! When the emperor demands a holy treasure from the Shaolin Temple,
the monks refuse and all hell breaks loose!! Yup, as always with an Alex Lou
battle fest, five beers and it looks fine

Ninja Hunter (Tai Seng)--Another fun as hell Alexander Lou film! This is a
cheap-jack affair featuring Alex taking on a squad of ninjas out to take
down the last remnants of the Shaolin Temple!! With classic kung fu actor
Mark Long slumin' it to play a horny version of the white-haired villain
Pei Mai. This is the perfect intro to the lunacy of Alex Lou films and plays
like an old school Shaw Brothers Shaolin film done in my backyard!

Ninja in the U.S.A (Tai Seng)-.-Don't you know already!? Alex Lou + Ninjas
= Five beers and it's fine!!

Return of the Chinese Boxer (Crash Cinema)--What do you get when you mix
Jimmy Wang Yu with hopping vampires, Japanese fighters, and a multi-barrel
shotgun?!!? FUN, that's what! Bearing no relation to the Shaw Brothers film
Chinese Boxer, this is a whole heap of fun for the fu fan!!

Return of the Deadly Blade (Ground Zero) -Now here's something interesting!
An early film from the director of Duel to the Death, this is a HK fantasy
film starring David Chiang that just passes the grade. While not a great
film, it's got enough stars(Kurata, Whang Jang Li, etc.) and an strange
fantasy story to make it worth a watch.

Shaolin Vs. Ninja (Lion/Ground Zero)-A prequel to the film Ninja: the Final
Duel, this is more craziness from Robert Tai. If you like these films, you
have to have this one!!!

The Shaolin Invincibles (Tai Seng)--Okay, I know I've been riding ol'
Carter Wong a bit much, so here's where I tell you he made a good film for
a change right? Well ¡Kno, it's not! But this IS where I tell you, he DID
discover the secret to making a bad movie fun as hell: Kung fu fightin'
APES!!! Yup, real monkey kung fu does it every time! Just when you think
this cheap-jack kung fu film about yet another attempt to destroy the
emperor is startin' to suck, in walks two men in ape suits that fight like
muthers and you know all is right with the martial world!! So this one's
for Carter: Five Beers and it's fine!! For you collectors, there is a
letterboxed print of this out there waiting to be discovered.

Shaolin Kung Fu Mystagogue (CAV/World Video)--Oh no, Carter Wong!! But this
is a fun film! Chang Yi plays a villain with a Flying Guillotine type weapon
out to cut some trees AND Carter Wong down to size. By the way, you also
find out what a Mystagogue is. It's kung fu and educational.

Story of the Dragon (CAV/World Video)--The first Hong Kong film to feature
super kicker Hwang Jang Lee, this copy is cut, but for goofy Bruce Li fun,
it's hard to beat. This is available on quite a few labels in a better
version, seek those out, as this has the chapter problem that's on all the
CAV DVDs.

Super Ninja (Tai Seng)--Another Alex Lou contest of wills and skills! While
not as fun as the other films with the man, this has a lot going for it!
Alex plays a cop out to solve a rash of murders, only to find out it's
those darn ninja again!! This has fun fights and a GREAT bad dub job!

Thundering Mantis (Xenon)- One of the most unusual kung fu films ever made.
This plays like a bad kung fu comedy complete with bad sound effects,
irritating music, and broad characters. BUT, I'm convinced that this was
planned to take the viewer off guard in the last 30 minutes. This film
builds and builds, as stupid cartoony music gives way to a serious kung fu
theme and the movie follows suit. Though Leung Kar Yan has given some great
performances (His work in Warriors Two and Legend of a Fighter spring to
mind), this is his most unbridled and impressive performance, and Cave fave
Eddie Ko is on hand to take the brunt of it as the villain. For sheer
surprise and outrageousness, the finale of this film has never been equaled
in the genre. The DVD is okay, but there's a UK DVD that offers a
letterboxed version that should be sought out.

Beware of these films from the Ground Zero Shaolin Underground collection.
Though some of the following are good films, these DVDs will not play in
most players. For some reason, they play best on the Playstation 2. I'm
reviewing them here, but a word of caution.

Snake Shadow Lama Fist-One of Chi Kuan Chun's rarer films, but that
doesn't mean it's one of his better ones. A just okay film, with not that
many fights. And if it's a Chun film, it's needs a lot of fights! And the
DVD looks like crap. For Fanatics only.

Incredible Kung fu Master-And early film starring Sammo Hung, this is a
decent picture that is your average Jackie Chan style kung fu comedy. GZ has
a letterboxed print of this that also came out under the name Enter the
Phat Dragon. Worth a watch.

Shaolin Drunkards-One of the Yuen Clan's Crazy fantasy films, this has it
all. Some like 'em, some hate em. I think they're some of the most
unusual films ever made in HK, and this one of the better ones. If you liked
Miracle Fighters, you'll want this. The DVD appears to be taken from a VERY
GOOD source, it almost looks like it was Crash Cinema release. i.e.
letterboxed and very good quality. A Must Buy, if you can find a version
that works!!! ;)

Fearless Master-A very derivative kung fu film that was originally titled
Snake in Eagle's Shadow 3. For fanatics only, you can find better so-so
films to waste your time with than this.

Kung fu of the Eight Drunkards-Decent Jackie Chan Drunken Master knock-off
starring Meng Fei and Chen Sing and directed by Wu Ma. One of those films
that though you know it's not good, but you like for no particular
reason. Worth a watch.