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SHAOLIN
KUNG FU (1981)
A.K.A.
- Shao Lin Kung Fu
Reviewed
by Phil Mills
Joseph
Kuo has never exactly been a director renowned for setting the
world alight with his films but he has been responsible for
the occasional rose among thorns. Sadly though, 'Shaolin
Kung Fu' isn't going to do wonders for his already
questionable reputation.
Lin
Fung is a humble worker at the local rickshaw business and
spends the majority of his time caring for his blind wife.
All is well until the dastardly Tongyang brings his rickshaws
into town and starts using his hired muscle to dominate the
clientele. However, Lin Fung is not the kind of man to
take this lying down and consequently becomes involved in
several brawls with the new kids in town. This is not a
wise move though as Tongyang is a highly connected man and
doesn't take kindly to resistance in any form. Swooping
quickly into action, he kidnaps Fung's wife and demands he
hand himself over. Will he give up all his has fought
for and save the life of his wife or risk the greater perils
that await him?
Evidently
crafted during an era when Bruce Lee and his movies were in
the ascendance, this poor imitation follows a routine revenge
storyline which is accompanied by mediocre fight sequences and
uninspiring leading performances. It's probably best
described as a vehicle for bit part players who are
subsequently thrown into the limelight with little character
development or direction and forced to follow fight
choreography that consists of some of the dullest punches and
kicks ever witnessed. Only our hero shows any kind of
prospect as he does seem to possess some fighting ability but
it's hard to ever build up any anticipation during his duels
as the majority of his opponents seem to consist of chubby 40
year olds who are more likely to threaten a belt buckle than a
kung fu master.
'Shaolin
Kung Fu' is really just a string of fight sequences that are
so poorly shot that only the most obsessive chop socky fans
will be able to stomach them for the entire running time.
For everyone else, this film fails to create anything remotely
interesting or original and should probably be given a wide
birth.
Rating:
 
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