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HEROES
TWO
AKA:
Heroes 2 ||
Kung Fu Invaders || Blood
Brothers || Bloody Fists
Year:
1974 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
One
of the factors to the late Chang Cheh's popularity is that his
body of work is quite diverse even though it is mainly focused
in one genre. Cheh does use very potent themes of brotherhood
and friendship in much of his work - almost his directorial
stamp - but he was also willing to alter a successful formula
and adjust a familiar cast. 'Heroes Two' was made after the
great director had carved out a reputation due to his work
with David Chiang and Ti Lung. However, Chang Cheh allowed a
young, virtually unknown star to take centre stage - the
result shot Fu Sheng to stardom and gave the genre one of its
most beloved performers.
Loyal
Ming patriot Hung Hsi Kwan (Chen Kwan Tai) - one of the
Manchus most wanted men - is ambushed by his enemies and left
severely injured after the ensuing fight. However, even in
this vulnerable state, Hung still manages to be a formidable
fighter and continues to evade capture by the authorities.
Meanwhile Shaolin trained Fong Sai Yuk (Fu Sheng) arrives in
town looking to help the thriving rebel cause. Unfortunately
Fong is tricked by the fiendish Manchus into thinking that
Hung Hsi Kwan is in fact a major threat to the safety of the
townsfolk and must be stopped at all costs. Fong therefore
aids in the capture of Hung Hsi Kwan and foolishly thinks that
he's struck a blow for justice. His costly error of judgement
is only highlighted when he meets the oppressed townsfolk he
has supposedly saved and their clear hatred of Fong indicates
that all is not well. When Fong is forced to recognise his
mistake by the anti-Ching militia he is naturally distraught
and swears that he will rescue his kung fu brother. What
follows is the desperate attempts to free Hung Hsi Kwan before
he is executed by the ruthless Manchu army.
Combining
the directorial savvy of Chang Cheh with the choreographic
skills of Liu Chia Liang et al, 'Heroes Two' is another
quality genre piece from the famed Shaw Brothers' studios.
Blending together a solid storyline with a band of
well-defined characters means that 'Heroes Two' rises above
the average kung fu drama. Although there are moments here
that stretch the overall credulity (notably Fu Sheng's
incredible tunnel-building expertise) the film boasts two
exceptional lead performers. Fu Sheng is a commanding Fong Sai
Yuk, playfully arrogant at first and then painfully contrite
in the second half - a fine balance of self-confidence and
subtle pathos. Chen Kwan Tai has the more straight-forward
role as the courageous Hung Hsi Kwan, but his heroic presence
is no less impressive; both actors managed to show their
versatility during their varied careers, though these roles
will always be associated with their names.
'Heroes
Two' is not one of the definitive collaborations between Chang
Cheh and Fu Sheng, but it offers quality in most departments.
The fight action might not necessarily be as free-flowing as
some fans may desire and there the aforementioned moments that
strain logic. Nevertheless, this is another release from
Celestial that is well worth purchasing.
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