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Cast:
Chan
Sing
Carter
Wong
Lung
Jun Er
Casanova
Wong
Bruce
Lai
Action:
Yuen
Brothers
Producer:
Joseph
Lai
Tomas
Tang
Michael
Fung
Director:
Chan
Siu Ping
Score:
 
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THE
MAGNIFICENT
AKA:
N/A
Year:
1979 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Set
during the early days of the Chinese Republic, 'The
Magnificent' concentrates on the intrigues surrounding
rulership of the country. While the Republicans have an
unsteady control on the land, the remnants of the Ching royal
lineage decide to try wrestle back influence over China. With
this task in mind, the remaining Chings use famed General
Hsiung (Sing) to amass forces to battle the Republicans for
the nation's political power. In opposition to this plan is
Republican leader Yao (Carter Wong) whose own allies pass on
rumours of tension within the ranks and Hsiung's possible
fightback. However, Hsiung's true motives come to light when
he turns on his regal employers and announces his aim to
become emperor himself. Ironically, Yao now has to join
together with Ching princess Wang Ying in order to flee from
an attempted ambush by Hsiung's men. The unlikely allies are
now on the run from the enemy forces and also need to fight
their way to Hsiung's stronghold to foil his plan. Along the
way, their differing ideologies are put to one side and their
concentration is fully on the traitorous General Hsiung.
Director
Chan Siu Pang has crafted something that would be considered
quite an achievement by many critics - an intelligent and
exciting kung fu film. 'The Magnificent' is not a film that is
frequently mentioned by genre buffs due to its relative anonymity,
but it stands above better known kung-fu films due to the
quality it displays in a number of key departments. As was
said earlier, 'The Magnificent' is a production that prides
itself on its strong plotting and subtle depth; Chan Siu Pang
makes sure that, during the opening half an hour, it is
difficult to categorise the 'heroes' and 'villains' This
creates genuine intrigue and turns the characters from mere
stereotypes into integral pieces of the narrative. Eventually,
Chan Sing is presented as the antagonist of the piece and it
is his exceptional professionalism that adds the necessary
spark to the film's dynamic. Carter Wong - who has often been
criticised for his wooden acting - is more than just effective
in the heroic role, proving that his appearance in kung fu
cinema is for more than just his physical appearance.
Although
it can be emphasised how the cinematography is above average
and the interesting use of locations adds untold interest, it
is one particular cog in 'The Magnificent's machinery that
cements its four star rating: Casanova Wong. Even in a
supporting role, Wong dazzles with his furious bootwork and
genuine screen presence. In one stand-out scene, facing a
multitude of opponents, Casanova Wong unleashes a series of
remarkable kicks that electrifies the screen. 'The
Magnificent' is certainly above the genre's many fair to
middling efforts, easily earning a recommendation for its many
positive elements.
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