|
THE
CHINESE BOXER
AKA:
Hammer Of God
Year:
1970 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
'The
Chinese Boxer' is thought by many to be the film that started
the modern kung fu film and created the boom that spread
throughout the 70's. Before this landmark film there were
obviously kung fu films in the shape of the Wong Fei Hung
films (starring Kwan Tak Hing) and the various swordplay films
that King Hu and Chang Cheh had been directing. However, 'The
Chinese Boxer' remains a stand-out in terms of forming the
generic conventions that were to become galvanised in the
years to come.
Wang
Yu takes the title role as a young kung-fu student who prides
himself on his skill and his upright standing. These skills
are tested and defeated when a local rival enlists the help of
a group of Japanese fighters who then kill most of Wang Yu's
school. The injured hero barely escapes with his life and
moves to a retreat to learn the Iron Palm - the only technique
that can defeat the force of Japanese karate. Having finished
his rigorous training, the Chinese fighter faces his numerous
foes in a series of nicely choreographed fight scenes that
complete the picture.
Although
dated, 'The Chinese Boxer' is historically fascinating and
provides an interesting point of reference to the many films
that would follow. The choreography, though basic, is nicely
designed and when compared with previous Hong Kong kung-fu
films, is daring and fresh. The aspect that is perhaps the
most dated is the anti-Japanese sentiments look fairly awkward
now, but seemed to be a running theme in Wang Yu's films. The
acting ranges from the good (Wang Yu) to over-the-top (Lo Lieh
and the other villains), but these stark examples are all part
of this early cycle. What does continue to stand out to is the
nicely handled direction that cranks up the tension and uses
some very pleasing settings. The snow-filled finale in
particular catches the eye and is very reminiscent of Chang
Cheh's classic 'One-Armed
Swordsman' (also with Wang Yu).
Overall,
this is watchable film from both the historical perspective
and the general form of entertainment - more than just the
expected piece of curiousity.
|
