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Starring
:
Kuo
Chui
Lo
Meng
Lu
Feng
Jason
Piao Piao
Sun
Chien
Chiang
Sheng
Action
:
Robert
Tai
Chiang
Sheng
Lu
Feng
Producer
:
Mona
Fong
Director
:
Chang
Cheh
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SHAOLIN
RESCUERS (1979)
A.K.A.
- Avenging Warriors Of Shaolin
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
The
Venoms return to the narrative catalyst that fuelled a good
portion of kung-fu films at the time: the destruction of the
Shaolin Temple and the fightback by various rebels. Those
expecting 'Men
From The Monastery', however, will be surprised to learn
that this is one of Chang Cheh's most light-hearted efforts.
Having said that, it still has the raw edge and crackerjack
choreography that fans will demand from the much-loved Venoms
crew.
The
opening features a very Spartan re-enactment of the Shaolin
destruction with Pak Mei and his various disciples tearing
through the rebels. One such disciple (Lu Feng) is then sent
out to find the location of Hung Hsi Kwan (Piao Piao) and end
the uprising once and for all. Meanwhile in a peaceful corner
of China, two friends (Kuo Chui and Lo Meng) occupy their time
with kung-fu practice and avoiding their respective work.
These capable fighters long to be involved in the heroism and
excitement of the martial world, but are instead caught up in
the boredom of every day life. After stepping in to break up a
fight in the marketplace, the duo befriend an introverted
kung-fu student (Chien) who joins them in their avid training.
Into these innocent lives comes an injured Hung Hsi Kwan
looking for a loyal ally (Sheng). When his wounds become too
extensive for him to continue, the newly-formed trio of
self-proclaimed heroes vows to look after him and get the
medicine he needs to recover. This simple proposition is given
a dangerous spin when Hung's hunter discovers his location and
assembles his private warriors in a bid to force him out. Now
beseiged by the powerful enemy, the three friends, alongside
Hung and his loyal ally, have the chance to live up to the
heroism they've often dreamed of.
Although
an above average kung-fu flick (as you'd expect from Chang
Cheh) this is one of the weakest of the Venoms films. Much of
the reason for this is the lack of a well-developed framework
on which to hang the action. The best Venoms films had always
contained an enticing storyline that sucked the viewer into
the eventual action. Here the early part of the narrative is
taken up with playful battles between Kuo Chui and Lo Meng;
enjoyable if used once, but here it's a case of overkill.
Therefore the two plot-lines (the duo's misadventures and the
hunt for Hung Hsi Kwan) run along independent of each other
without truly mixing. When the two strands are combined
'Shaolin Rescuers' is at its best. Things start off slowly,
but the pace improves considerably beyond the hour mark and
then the patient viewer is treated to a choreographic
masterclass during the finale. This incredible endurance clash
is also the only real chance to see Chiang Sheng - who is
woefully underused - and Sun Chien shine. More exposure for
these two would have been very welcome.
'Shaolin
Rescuers' does manage to display Chang Cheh's ability to
squeeze depth out of the most widely seen and clichéd
narratives. The characters, while not comparable to the ones
carefully etched in 'Killer
Army' or 'Invincible
Shaolin', are interesting and easy to
empathise with. In any other film, Lo Meng's boisterous
performance would be the major acting highlight - even
eclipsing the outstanding Kuo Chui. However, this production
belongs to the irrepressible Lu Feng who rarely breaks into a
sweat until his mammoth fight at the end. Then audiences are
treated to the sight of Feng fending off the other Venoms with
mesmeric skill. Using a quite incredible spear, the cult
villain is in a class of his own as he spins, flips and
attacks with the monster weapon. This isn't the best that
Chang Cheh has to offer, but moments like this make 'Shaolin
Rescuers' an enjoyable outing for the Venoms.
Rating:
 
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