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Starring
:
John
Liu
Wong
Tao
Hwang
Jang Lee
James
Nam
Sun
Chia Lin
Action
:
Tommy
Lee
Producer
:
Cheung
Kune
Director
:
Ng
See Yuen
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THE
SECRET
RIVALS (1976)
A.K.A.
- Silver Fox Rivals
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
Excellent
traditional kung fu film starring three of the legends of the
Jade screen in one of the legendary films. Northern Leg (John
Liu - who else?) travels across China to find the man
responsible for the death of his parents. The culprit is none
other than the Silver Fox (Jang Lee), a feared martial arts
expert who also has a sideline in bullion robbery. The said
bullion is of particular interest to another avenger, a
government law enforcer known as Southern Fist (Wong Tao).
However, the two heroes do not exactly hit it off and become
rivals over the love of a local woman. They do discover,
though, that although they are both highly skilled fighters,
alone they are no match for Silver Fox. Begrudgingly, but
knowing that it is the only way to gain success against this
awesome foe, the two combine their skills. With bootwork and
fists united, they now face their bitter enemy.
It's
hard to appreciate the impact this 1976 production had on it's
release. Put quite simply, it heralded in another dimension to
the kung-fu genre. Ng See Yuen became known after this film
for breaking new ground and he would go on to produce future
classics such as 'Snake
In The Eagle's Shadow' and 'Drunken
Master'. A special mention deserves to go to Tommy Lee for
his exceptional choreography, allowing the stars to really
show what they can do and pushing back the boundaries of the
genre at that time. Although the film is nearly 25 years old,
the action is not dated and serves as a breath of fresh air
after a decade dominated by wirework. John Liu and Wong Tao
are superb, both in terms of their physical prowess and
thespian skills. However, it is probably Hwang Jang Lee as
Silver Fox who really sticks in the memory; his ability is
simply breath-taking and he injects untold menace into his
role. Highly recommended and much more than just a piece of
history.
Rating:
 
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