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Cast:
Kuo
Chui
Lo
Meng
Sun
Chien
Lu
Feng
Chiang
Sheng
Wei
Pei
Wang
Lung Wei
Hui
Ying Hung
Action:
Robert
Tai
Lu
Feng
Chiang
Sheng
Liang
Ting
Producer:
Mona
Fong
Runme
Shaw
Director:
Chang
Cheh
Score:
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INVINCIBLE
SHAOLIN
AKA:
Unbeatable Dragon ||
North Shaolin Vs. South Shaolin
Year:
1978 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
With
the sad death of Chang Cheh in recent weeks, it's a good time
to focus on one of his greatest achievements. Not only is the
sublime 'Invincible Shaolin' one of the director's best films
and among the cream of the Venoms era, but it also stands out
as one of the greatest kung fu films ever. A solid plot, deft
characterisation and a powerful sense of brotherhood put this
head and shoulders above most of the genre.
Shaolin
remains a constant thorn in the side of the Manchus and their
dominance is threatened by this possible enemy. One Ching
warlord (Wang Lung-Wei) devises a fiendish plan to get rid of
the threat of Shaolin forever. He organises a battle between
fighters from North Shaolin and South Shaolin, but he stacks
the odds against one side, resulting in a tragic death. His
scheme works very well and the perceived aggression is
countered by South Shaolin who organise their three top
fighters to train under different masters and exact justice.
When the training is complete and the avenging force is ready,
they travel up to the Manchu palace to take on the wronged
North Shaolin men. After a furious battle the plot is finally
exposed and the separate forces combine to take on the Manchu
powers. However, there is tragedy for all concerned.
'Invincible
Shaolin' looks, on paper, to be a tightly plotted, but not
exactly incredible kung fu flick. What makes this such a
significant classic though is Chang Cheh's handling of the
material; if there were ever doubts as to Cheh's credibility
as a serious director, 'Invincible Shaolin' will dispel them
for good. Chang Cheh weaves intrigue into the plot along with
a clear sense of humanity and even humour. Each character is
well-defined by the style they use and each stands out as an
individual within the framework. Rarely have the Venoms been
given such a chance to show off the full range of their
underrated thespian skills; the tragic, the humorous and even
the romantic are all displayed in this extraordinary epic.
It's also a unique opportunity for every one of the team to
shine in the action scenes and the drama, with the usually
villainous Lu Feng finally playing a more heroic role.
Vitally,
'Invincible Shaolin' takes all of the aforementioned qualities
and combines them with exceptional choreography. True movie
buffs will appreciate the former, but kung fu fans will
certainly be impressed by the latter. A number of different
styles are highlighted and each Venom impresses in equal
measure. The sometimes underused Sun Chien makes the most of
his more substantial role while Chiang Sheng, Lo Meng, Lu Feng
and of course Kuo Chui are equally assured. 'Invincible
Shaolin' is another Shaw Brothers masterpiece and will stand
as an timeless reminder of Chang Cheh's excellence.
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