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Starring
:
Sammo
Hung
Liu
Chia Yung
Leung
Kar Yan
Mars
Dean
Shek
Action
:
Hung
Ga Ban
Producer
:
Karl
Maka
Director
:
Liu
Chia Yung
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ODD
COUPLE (1979)
A.K.A.
- Eternal Conflict
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
Whereas
Liu Chia Liang rightfully ranks as one of the best directors
in Hong Kong cinema and Liu Chia Hui remains a well-loved cult
star all over the world, Liu Chia Yung often becomes the
forgotten man. Every keen-eyed viewer will remember his
performances in such films as 'Legendary Weapons Of Kung Fu'
and 'My
Lucky Stars', but his contributions as a choreographer and
director remain over-looked. 'Odd Couple' gave him the chance
to create the kind of action-packed blend that was usually
reserved for his older brother.
The
premise is initially a very simple one: every ten years, two
kung-fu masters - one proficient with the sword (Sammo), the
other with the spear (Liu) - contest a duel to decide who is
the best. After their countless duels all end in draws and the
masters must both admit that the aging process is taking
effect, they decide that it's time to each take a student to
further the rivalry. In the film's very clever twist, Sammo's
trainee is played by Liu Chia Yung and vice versa, allowing
for some good scenes between the two. These new novices are
put through the highly-disciplined training of their
respective teachers until they have achieved a competent level
of skill. Before their first battle, however, a more important
issue comes to light; the return of an old foe who was once
defeated by both of the elderly experts. The foe comes back
looking for revenge and, because of their flat refusal to team
up together, the two are killed in a heated confrontation. The
mantle of justice is now handed to the pupils who agree that
the only way to overcome this adversary is to combine their
respective talents. Putting into action the wisdom that their
teachers denegraded, the new keepers of the sword and spear
are ready to exact suitable revenge.
'Odd
Couple' has accumulated a formidable reputation over the past
few years as more and more fans begin to look at Sammo Hung's
back catalogue. Some have asserted that it is one of the best
traditional weapons films ever made and should be appreciated
as a masterpiece. The truth is that for all the merits of 'The
Odd Couple' it still lacks that special something that makes a
very good film a classic. The performances are all up to the
usual high standard expected of the stars and the action is
superb, but there still seems to be a lack of spark about the
production. The revenge sub-plot that appears at the end and
acts as the catalyst for the finale does appear to be
shoe-horned in, taking away some of the film's cohesion.
However, anyone searching for a traditional kung-fu flick that
is filled with sublime choreography need look no further than
this; the intricate sword and spear clashes are worth 90
minutes of anyone's time. Therefore, although 'Odd Couple' is
not the cream of the crop, it is still a film that Sammo Hung
and especially Sammo Hung can be proud of.
Rating:
 
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