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Starring
:
Lo
Meng
Chiang
Sheng
Chin
Siu Ho
Candy
Wen
Sun
Chien
Lu
Feng
Wang
Li
Yu
Tai Ping
Lam
Chi Tai
Action
:
Kuo
Chui
Lo
Meng
Chiang
Sheng
Producer
:
Mona
Fong
Run
Run Shaw
Director
:
Chang
Cheh
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TWO
CHAMPIONS OF SHAOLIN (1980)
A.K.A.
- 2 Champions Of Shaolin; Two Champions Of Death
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
Chang
Cheh is no stranger to the legend of Shaolin and, in
particular, its destruction and subsequent rebellion against
the Manchus. Popular Cheh films like 'Five Masters Of
Shaolin', 'Men
From The Monastery' and 'Heroes
Two' have all examined the subject in detail and all
painted the familiar Shaolin-good vs. Manchu-bad picture
throughout. 'Two Champions Of Shaolin' managed to be
interesting for two reasons: firstly, it was one of the
last Venoms films made and, significantly, doesn't feature Kuo
Chui (although he helps choreograph it); secondly it adds more
depth to the famous historical conflict, something that few
films have succeeded to do. These aspects make for fascinating
viewing.
The
Manchu-backed Wu Tang clan carefully plan their next move in
the fight against the rebellious Shaolin fighters who have
dispersed into the countryside. The ideal opportunity comes
when influential Shaolin pupil Tung Chin Chin (Lo Meng)
arrives in town looking for contact with kung-fu brother Hu
Hui Chen. Sending out a deadly knife fighter, the Wu Tang clan
succeeds in inflicting a severe injury on Tung who stumbles
away and is rescued by a brother and sister team. While
recovering, Tung learns how to counter the knife attack from
the pair and also falls in love with the sister. After taking
revenge and defeating the Wu Tang killer, Tung, his new
friends and Hu Hui Tien (Chiang Sheng) humiliate the clan and
leave their reputation in tatters. Wu Tang however plan a
vicious revenge and, on the wedding night of Tung, they kill
his bride and decimate the guest list while capturing the
groom. One of the few survivors is Hu and his next move is to
locate and rescue his Shaolin brother. Help for the hero comes
in the unusual shape of the adopted nephew of the Wu Tang
leader who secretly frees Tung and reveals himself to be a
Ming patriot. Now the furious enemy call on the services of
notorious Manchu fighter Kao (Lu Feng) and his deadly allies
the Yuen brothers. Once again the pro-Shaolin and pro-Wu Tang
forces go head-to-head in a tactical battle that culminates in
the arrival of the likes of Fong Sai Yuk to help the cause.
What
starts off in a very prosaic and none too exciting manner
quickly develops into another winning entry in the Venoms'
pantheon. Instead of just providing a straight-forward
storyline that will be anticipated by veteran genre fans,
Chang Cheh attempts to not only flesh out the characters, but
also to twist a very well-worn path. For the most part, Chang
Cheh's deft touch achieves its goal and 'Two Champions Of
Shaolin' develops into a fine addition to his illustrious
filmography. He also cranks up the tension especially near the
end; when Lu Feng enters the narrative, the audience is left
to wait until the supervillain finally shows his true colours.
There are many reasons to watch this late Venoms film, even
though Kuo Chui sadly doesn't appear. However, there are
undoubtedly flaws and one of these is the simple fact that Kuo
Chui is the lynchpin of the Venoms team and a production
without him can never be considered with the best. There's
also too many ideas in terms of characters which means that
the duration is full of famous kung-fu characters who are
barely touched upon (i.e, Fong Sai Yuk, Pak Mei). By the end
it seems like Chang Cheh has crammed too many ideas into the
film and therefore the big clash at the end cannot fully
utilise the scope of his vision. 'Two Champions Of Shaolin' is
nonetheless an accomplished production that never takes the
easy way out to the characters' dilemmas; Chin Siu Ho's role
is one of a particularly torn patriot who has been brought up
by the Wu Tang teacher and must decide which side to stand on.
Vitally, the duration is full of exquisite action that
increases in quality as the film progresses. Although Kuo
Chui's usual presence as hero is missed, Lo Meng rises to the
challenge and is again utterly compelling as the lovable
muscleman and Chiang Sheng is a joy to watch. Fine
entertainment and another classy Venoms film.
Rating:
 
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