|
Cast:
David
Chiang
Wong
Hang Sau
Liu
Chia Yung
Lily
Li
Wai
Wang
Tsui
Siu Keung
Wilson
Tong
John
Chang
Action:
Liu
Chia Liang
Wilson
Tong
Producer:
Runme
Shaw
Hsien
Chi
Director:
Liu
Chia Liang
Score:
  
|
DEADLY
MANTIS
AKA:
Shaolin Mantis ||
Deadly Shaolin Mantis
Year:
1978 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
On
paper, 'Deadly Mantis' seems to have all of the vital
ingredients of another Shaw Brothers' classic. Primarily,
there's illustrious helmer Liu Chia Liang as the film's
director and chief choreographer. Another asset is a leading
man with a strong reputation behind him, David Chiang. Finally
the general concept has obvious potential for a cast of
'Deadly Mantis' stature.
The
Manchu Emperor and his political aides suspect the prominent
Chien family of being Ming patriots and therefore assign the
task of investigating them to one of their top charges, Wei
(Chiang). After proving his capabilities in a series of bouts
and showing everyone that he is worthy of the task, Wei sets
out the infiltrate the family. On arriving in town he seizes
the opportunity to accept the position of teacher to the
Chien's spoilt daughter. Although she is known for making life
unbearable for her previous instructors, Wei's patience and
wiles mean he lasts in the role and the two fall in love.
While their relationship steadily continues he continues to
probe into the dealings of the Chiens, in particular the
father. When the secretive love of Wei and Chi Chi blossoms
into marriage, the investigator discovers the full extent of
his in-laws rebel sympathies and they in turn learn that he is
a Manchu. What follows is a protracted battle between the
newlyweds and their family with the promise that, if Wei can
win against all of the skilled members, they can leave. The
task is only achieved after tragic loss though and the
inadequate abilities of Wei need to be improved before he can
complete his mission.
Although
'Deadly Mantis' is a well made and above average, it
undoubtedly disappoints when compared with Liu Chia Liang's
best work. There a few notable reasons for this. The storyline
is a strong one with enough opportunity for expansion and
characterisation. However, these chances to flesh out the
concept and create a genre classic are missed; too many
relationships here are presented without necessary depth,
which is a surprise considering the pedigree of the director.
The romance between Wei and Chi Chi, for instance, occurs with
little explanation and the viewer is just asked to accept this
on face value. As Chi Chi goes against her entire family for
the man she loves, this element urgently needed realism to be
accepted. 'Deadly Mantis' flounders here though as it also
does in sketching the other important players in the drama.
The lengthy fight scene as Wei leaves the home is also too
lengthy to have any resonance. Whereas Liu Chia Liang usually
knows how to balance drama and action, here the equilibrium is
severely disrupted.
Even
a so-so Liu Chia Liang film is better than many other works
and 'Deadly Mantis' is obviously worth watching. David Chiang
makes a good, though not remarkable, leading man and makes up
for in charisma what he lacks in physical prowess. Without
giving too much away, the film also boasts a superb twist
ending that turns everything on its head. Moments like this
linger in the memory long after the numerous disappointments
fade away.
|
