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Starring
:
Chi Kwan
Chun
Tan Tao
Liang
Tong Siu
Man
Lee
Keung, Fai Wan
Cheung
Paang
Chang Chi
Ping
Chan Sam
Lam
Cheng Sai
Gang
Hoh Gong
Action
:
Cheung Paang
Director
:
Wu
Ma
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SHOWDOWN
AT THE COTTON MILL (1978)
A.K.A.
- Canton Challenge; Bold Face, Heart And Blood; Wild
Face, Heart And Blood
Reviewed
by Pat King
Chi
Kwan Chun began his career with the Chang Kong Film Company, a
subsidiary of the Shaw Brothers studio owned by Chang Cheh.
Chang Cheh helmed the directors chair for all these films and
following his desire to make films in Taiwan, most of them
were filmed partially or completely in Taiwan. When Chi's
contract with Shaw Brothers expired he made the decision to
remain in Taiwan as he felt he could make more money there
despite keen interest from Golden Harvest to sign him. Chang
Cheh also kept ties in Taiwan and was a key figure in forming
the independent
Chang Ho Film Company. The first film to be released by
the newly founded company would be 'Showdown at the Cotton
Mill' starring Chi Kwan Chun, directed by Chang Cheh
understudy Wu Ma.
Hu
(Chi Kwan Chun) has returned from the Shaolin Temple to take
revenge for his brothers death. He kills the two men
responsible. His victims however, are influential members of
the Wu Tang clan who effectively own the local town.
Infuriated by Hu's actions they report the matter to the
authorities making him a wanted man. Hu then goes into hiding,
and in an attempt to flush him out, the clan kidnap his wife
and child. Hu almost effortlessly rescues them however, but
the Wu Tang clan won't give up so easily.
'Showdown
at the Cotton Mill' begins where most Kung Fu revenge films
end, at the moment when
the protagonist exacts his revenge. The film then
follows the events after his moment of revenge as his victims
comrades are intent on
taking their own revenge in turn. This is quite an
unconventional move which could have proved very interesting
but ultimately becomes the films undoing. The film now has to
spend the best part of 90 minutes exploring the aftermath,
something that the film fails to achieve without suffering.
While it starts off quite promising, as it approaches the half
way mark boredom becomes a major factor as it completely runs
out of steam. After the Wu Tang clans first attempt to erase
our protagonist from existence subsequent attempts only become
monotonous. At this point the only variable that prevents
interest from waning completely are the brief intervals where
Tan Tao Liang threatens to make an impact on the film. An
event which doesn't occur until the last half hour. However
when Tan Tao Liang is finally unleashed it's certainly the
highlight of the film. However the spectacle we are presented
with is not his best work. The choreography is competent but
not exceptional, and therefore can not
successfully compensate for the films shortcomings.
'Showdown
at the Cotton Mill' could have been a competent independent
film. Had the plot elements that take place before the actual
film begins been included and substituted
for the arid midsection it almost certainly would have
fulfilled it's potential. It is obvious however that it would
never be among the cream of Kung Fu classics. It's certainly
worth watching once, but as the action is good but not great
it is unlikely to require repeat viewings due to it's
shortcomings in other areas.
Rating:
  
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