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Cast:
Kuo
Chui
Lo
Meng
Chiang
Sheng
Lu
Feng
Sun
Chien
Action:
Chiang
Sheng
Lu
Feng
Kuo
Chui
Producer:
Runme
Shaw
Director:
Chang
Cheh
Score:
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KILLER
ARMY
AKA:
The Rebel Intruders ||
The Guerrillas
Year:
1980 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Hong
Kong visionary Chang Cheh has contributed much to the Jade
Screen. His films with David Chiang and Ti Lung ('Vengeance',
'Blood Brothers') managed to produce two major stars and have
a significant influence on future directors such as John Woo.
Cheh's later work with Fu Sheng showed how the genre could
operate as a framework for strong themes of morality and
brotherhood ('Disciples
Of Shaolin', 'Men
From The Monastery') It is, however, the Venoms films that
continue to gain Chang Cheh the greatest adoration worldwide
with the faces of actors like Kuo Chui being scorched onto the
minds of fans everywhere. Taking the popular five stars of
'Five Venoms' and then using them in a series of films that
would cast them in very similar roles proved to be a
masterstroke. Among this collection of productions, 'Killer
Army' stands out as one of the very best and cements Chang
Cheh as a very special artist.
China
is torn apart by vicious civil war that threatens the
stability of the land. Towns are now under the rule of a few
ruthless gangs presided over by embittered, power-hungry
generals. Into one such town wanders a refugee (Chui) who is
immediately immersed in combat after stealing food because of
the mass starvation. Having warded off his considerable
enemies, the stranger lands a job protecting the local brothel
while also avoiding the attention of the authorities. Another
such victim of circumstance arrives (Meng) and manages to gain
employment at as kung-fu school, while a third (Sheng) is
given the task of working in the local gambling den. After an
initial rivalry is sparked by each man's exceptional fighting
prowess, the three form a bond based on their similar
unfortunate positions. This acute friendship is further
galvanised when the trio are framed for the murder of a local
official by a Machiavellian general (Feng). With the majority
of the town turning on the three refugees the only option is
to call on their few friendships for help. However, some who
profess to be allies soon prove to have their own hidden
agendas and force the innocents into even more danger. Now the
wronged men must escape the town by boat; their evil accuser
however, is in hot pursuit.
Alongside
'Invincible
Shaolin', 'Killer Army' ranks as one of the best of the
Venoms' films and one of their most realised. Every part of
this tense, exciting and constantly hypnotic production oozes
quality and craft. In the director's chair Chang Cheh commands
the proceedings with meticulous control and gives a good
example to many film-makers as to how one builds excitement
and intrigue. Cheh imbues the duration with his traditional
and perhaps ageless themes of brotherhood and the sacrifices
one makes for friendship; anyone watching this will see where
John Woo gained the visions he displayed in his very best
work. The plotting here is not the simplistic
master/student/villain dynamic, but is multi-layered and rich
in characterisation. Every twist and turn is further
enhancement for the sharp atmosphere created from the very
first frames.
On
an individual note, 'Killer Army' presents many of the Venoms
at their very best. Kuo Chui is simply majestic in the lead
role, eliciting sympathy and empathy as the heroic fighter.
From his first explosive battle to his eventual confrontation
against Lu Feng, Chui is sheer class; it's no wonder that this
excellent actor/athlete is so well loved by fans all over the
globe. Chiang Shiang and Lo Meng provide wonderful support as
each of their familiar traits are brought out once again;
Shiang is ever mischievous and fun-loving while Meng is
cheerfully arrogant and ready to fight. This three combine to
charm and excite in equal measure. Lu Feng is genuinely
unsettling as the intimidating general who wields a spear with
incredible aptitude. He once again provides the other Venoms
with an awesome challenge. The film's only real flaw, though,
is the underuse of Sun Chien; the classy kicker is given just
one opportunity to shine while he deserves much more
attention. Nevertheless this is a minor glitch in an otherwise
first class Shaw Brothers' efforts. If you've never seen a
Venoms film or only heard about the more famous ones (i.e.
'Kid With The Golden Arm' or 'Five Venoms') 'Killer Army' is
essential viewing. No matter what your interest is in Hong
Kong cinema, this is action with depth and detail. A
masterpiece, full stop.
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