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Cast:
Liu
Yung
Ching
Li
Ling
Yun
Tsui
Siu Keung
Yueh
Hua
Action:
Tong
Gaai
Wong
Pau Gei
Director:
Chu
Yuan
Score:
 
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CLAN
OF AMAZONS
AKA:
N/A
Year:
1978 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Although
most collaborations between Chu Yuan and Gu Long would
normally be associated with either Ti Lung or Yueh Hua as
star, here Liu Yung steps into the lead role. Making his name
in the Shaw Brothers' 'Emperor Chien Lung' film series, Liu
has never been considered one of the significant figures of
the Jade Screen. However, 'Clan Of Amazons' gave him the
perfect opportunity to hone his leading man status under the
careful control of Chu Yuan.
The
martial world is plunged into terror when the 'Embroidery
Bandit' starts to attack convoys of precious materials. The
bandit not only wounds the victims, but also leaves a piece of
embroidered silk as a calling card, though their identity
continues to baffle everyone. The frightened clans decide to
call on the expertise of Lu Xiaofeng (Liu Yung), the
inquisitive fighter cum detective. After agreeing to the
challenge, Lu links up with an old friend from another clan (Ching
Li) and the two set out to reveal the identity of the dreaded
bandit. Along the way they tussle with an all-female clan of
'Robin Hood-esque' fighters and a plethora of other weird and
wonderful figures.
When
the collaborations between Chu Yuan and Gu Long work well, the
complexities of the storyline and the intrigues therein become
absorbing and interesting. Unfortunately, when the twists and
turns become too preposterous and too prevalent, the enjoyment
of the entire production is hindered (see 'Swordsman
And The Enchantress' as proof) despite the abilities of
Chu Yuan. It is therefore a pleasure to report that 'Clan Of
Amazons' finds the team on top form, weaving together an
interesting narrative with a few excellent characters. The
success of the film is in its combination of Chu Yuan's
exemplary direction (not to mention the sumptuous art
direction that is to be expected of a Chu Yuan film), one of
Gu Long's better stories and a cast of performers who really
shine.
As
Lu Xiaofeng, Liu Yung is a superbly dominant figure within the
narrative and becomes the film's significant focal point. A
magnetic leading character is essential to any aspiring
classic and 'Clan Of Amazons' has a particularly likeable one
in Lu. A mixture of detective and wise-cracking hero, Lu
exudes a swaggering charm that makes him the perfect character
for the audience's sympathy. Much of this is due to Liu Yung
who gives one of the best performances of his career, showing
enough skill to banish away fears of Ti Lung or Yueh Hua's
absence as leading man. Chu Yuan also calls on the services of
one of his favourite leading ladies, Ching Li, and she is as
assured as ever, becoming a fine companion for Liu Yung's
hero.
'Clan
Of Amazons' also features some above average action
set-pieces, utilising the usual swordplay antics with a few
nifty scenes of unarmed combat. The skill of any production of
this nature is the fact that such choreography works
successfully in tandem with the storyline; Chu Yuan's is eager
not to let either department suffer in behalf of the other and
achieves an enviable balance between them. 'Clan Of Amazons'
is an elegant swordplay film that shows how entertaining the
genre can be when the various components are properly blended.
It is, needless to say, recommended to all fans of Chu Yuan's
work and even those new to the genre may find much to savour.
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