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Starring
:
Derek
Yee
Jason
Piao Piao
Lau
Yuk Pok
Elvis
Tsui
Chan
Shen
Lee
Hoi San
Kao
Fei
Producer
:
Mona
Fong
Wong
Ka Hee
Director
:
Tang
Chia
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SHAOLIN
INTRUDERS (1983)
A.K.A.
- Battle For Shaolin
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
A
series of ruthless robberies throw the once peaceful martial
world into confusion as the mysterious thieves leave little
trace of their actions. Finding themselves accused of the
crimes are three differing fighters who share a strong
friendship: Li Chin (Derek Yee) is a suave, but sometimes aloof
expert; Chow Yi Tung (Piao Piao) is his happy-go-lucky best
friend who loves to gamble and fight local bullies; Yeh Shing
Wa (Lau Yuk Pok) is the daughter of a famous bandit tribe who
has an obvious crush on Li Chin. The local authorities suspect
Yeh Shing Wa of the crimes due to her reputation as a
formidable kung-fu expert, but her loyal friends leap to her
defence and set out to reveal the real robbers. After arriving
at the scene of the latest appearance of the villains, Yeh
identifies the fleeing band as monks and also notices their
use of the 'Shaolin Palm'. The evidence clearly pointing to
Shaolin, the justice-seeking trio travel to the famed temple
and ask for answers to their questions. To this end, the head
monks agree to let the heroes prove their incredulous
accusation, but they must first pass three tests to be given
the chance. With the odds stacked against them as they face
the formidable monks, they use all of their wiles to achieve
their goal and finally discover the truth behind the crimes.
Made
near the end of the great Shaw Brother's period of the late
60s to early 80s, 'Shaolin Intruders' is full of the intrigue
and elevated quality that had been expected of films released
under the banner. Choreographer par excellence Tang Chia
manages to create a superior blend of the aforementioned
assets along with excellent characterisation and enjoyable
comedy. The casting doesn't leap off the page, but Chia crafts
a kung-fu adventure that is as much about personalities as it
is about action. Jason Piao Piao, in particular, relishes a
more light-hearted role than he was used to and puts in a
thoroughly endearing performance; many of the great kung-fu
films utilise the happy-go-lucky, lovable hero who's always
ready to fight for his friends and 'Shaolin Intruders' is no
exception. It's this generic character that can often be so
refreshing and Piao Piao succeeds in treading the line between
genuinely funny and absurdist. Derek Yee - later to become one
of Hong Kong's most respected directors - plays the handsome
hero part that Ti Lung would have played ten years earlier and
acts as the perfect foil for his sidekick. Tang Chia also
unleashes some very clever twists; instead of the typical
unbelievable twists that hinder so many less assured films,
these are understandable, but still very surprising. Action
wise, 'Shaolin Intruders' contains a few stand-out scenes that
make up for some of the more pedestrian moments. As the film
winds down the fight action gets better, so a few of the
weaker confrontations are forgivable. The major drawback that
afflicts 'Shaolin Intruders' is the poor pacing of certain
scenes. This is most evident in the middle section that
details the heroes 'tests' although starting out well, it soon
proves tiresome and goes on far too long.
'Shaolin
Intruders' doesn't offer any of the genre-defining moments
that leap out of the true masterpieces of the genre. There's
also the previously mentioned thoughts on the odd poorly
handled scene and disappointing confrontation. However, this
is without doubt another strong recommendation for all Shaw
Brothers fans and the like. A classy production.
Rating:
 
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