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Cast:
Mai
Ker Shien
Chou
Chien Kwo
Wong
Yi Shan
Action:
Yau
Gin Gwok
Producer:
Wong
Chi Wai
Director:
Lik
Kwo Wei
Score:
 
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FIST
FROM SHAOLIN
AKA:
N/A
Year:
1993 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
One
of the good things about the new-wave kung fu boom that hit
Hong Kong after the success of the 'Once
Upon A Time In China' films was the uncovering of the odd
low-budget gem. Some inventive directors managed to get enough
money and imagination together to make a good strong addition
to the endless blockbusters that cashed-in on this genre. The
difficult-to-find 'Fist From Shaolin' fits this description
acutely as it showed that there's no substitute for top
quality fight action devoid of obvious wire-fu.
Mai
Ker Shien steps into the intimidating shoes of China's
greatest hero, Wong Fei Hung, a character who has been played
by many of Hong Kong's greatest stars. Once again the
honourable master is joined by familiar sidekicks Bucktooth
Sol and Ah Fu in a story focusing on the intrigue and tension
of late 19th century China. Foreign forces are pressing in on
the local population and opium is finding its way onto the
streets. Alongside this popular evil is the growing slave
trade that means children are in danger of being taken of the
street for forced labour. The warm-hearted kung-fu master
concentrates his efforts on fighting these oppressive dangers
and defending the honour of his home town. His work is
increased when he meets his future sweetheart Auntie Yee and
becomes embroiled in aiding two street children who escape the
slavery trade. In fact it is these two young friends who later
need to aid Wong Fei Hung as he finds himself on the trail of
justice.
Although
'Fist From Shaolin' doesn't pretend to have the strong social
and historical commentary that the first two 'Once Upon A Time
In China' films had, it still retains an interesting and
relevant narrative. The common threads of foreign cruelty are
recycled once more, but prove to be effective for the purpose
of the storyline. It's also obvious that Mai Ker Shien doesn't
have Jet Li's considerable presence, however he puts in a good
performance as the immensely popular figure. 'Fist From
Shaolin' really stands out with its powerful choreography
which, even after numerous other fine new-wave productions,
remains very impressive. The cast is full of talented
performers who make sure that every scene of frenzy is well
worth rewinding to watch again. Overall then, this is an
above-average feature with enough good points to warrant a
purchase. Not an easy film to track down, but worth the
necessary effort.
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