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Cast:
David
Chiang
Ku
Feng
Yueh
Hua
Tamba
Tetsuro
Cheng
Miu
Wong
Chung
Ti
Lung
Fan
Mei Sheng
Lily
Ho
Tin
Ching
James
Nam
Toshiro
Kurozawa
Ching
Lei
Paul
Chun Pui
Wu
Ma
Gai
Yuen
Action:
Liu
Chia Liang
Tong
Gaai
Lau
Kar Wing
Chan
Chuen
Producer:
Run
Run Shaw
Director:
Chang
Cheh
Wu
Ma
Pao
Hsieh Li
Score:
 
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THE
WATER MARGIN
AKA:
Seven Blows Of The Dragon
Year:
1972 Reviewer: Andrew
Saroch
Before
watching this milestone production, I had noticed an alarming
number of negative reviews mixed in with the positive. Reading
some of the criticisms, I found myself almost reluctant to
watch Celestial's remaster of this Shaw Brothers' epic and the
fact that it is an adaptation of Shi Nai-An's sprawling novel
didn't really fill me with confidence. Therefore, it is with a
degree of relief that I can report that 'The Water Margin' is
an excellent production in all areas.
The
108 rebels of the Liang Shang marshes are a constant thorn in
the side of the corrupt government ruling China. The on-going
battles between the two forces is seemingly endless, though
the government officials manage to secure some very powerful
allies in the shape of renowned general Shih Wen and his
troops. On noting Shih Wen's involvement, Sung Chiang - the
leader of the outlaws - fears for his 'brothers' and realises
that there are few man who will be able to combat this new
foe. The one man who stands out as worthy of the challenge is
Shih's old kung-fu colleague Lu Chun though he is more
interested in perfecting his skills rather than being involved
in the fruitless battles of the rebels. Sung Chiang resolves
to travel to Lu's town and persuade him to join the cause,
hoping that this righteous master will feel an impulse of
duty. However, on his arrival, Sung's identity is revealed by
Lu's adopted son Yen Ching and his proposal therefore falls
upon deaf ears. The situation takes a dramatic turn when Lu's
oily assistant frames him for treason and the uninterested
master now finds himself accused of collaborating with the
Liang Shang rebels. It is this turn of events that persuades
Yen Ching to join the rebels and help them rescue his wrongly
imprisoned 'father' while also helping his new brethren plot a
way of defeating the formidable Shih Wen.
Those
who have attempted to read the legendary novel or perhaps
enjoyed the popular television series may at first be
intrigued as to how this Shaw Brothers production presents the
complex characters detailed in Shi Nai-An's work. Although
various minor characters are introduced throughout the film
(people who were significant in other parts of the book), the
directors' focus on one particular episode of the story means
that only a handful of performers take centre stage. This
works as one of the film's most substantial qualities as each
of the lead characters has enough depth within them to create
an engrossing narrative. Obviously the themes of brotherhood
inherent within Shi Nai-An's text lend themselves to Chang
Cheh's stellar directorial techniques - the characterisation
is skilfully drawn out by Cheh's little nuances, Wu Ma's
confidence with scenes of drama and Pao Hsieh Li's narrative
focus.
'The
Water Margin' is a two-hour film that is so confidently
constructed that the viewer barely notices the passing of
time; much shorter films have dragged in comparison to this
minor classic. As was noted, the characters are a key asset to
the smooth transition of the running time and the scenes of
dialogue have enough sparkle to aid them here. This is by no
means an action-packed film though; there are a few impressive
battle sequences and a couple of nicely filmed hand-to-hand
conflicts, but some may be put off by their infrequency.
Though there is relatively little action (considering the
120minute running time) the film should be judged on its
overall merits which, thankfully, there are quite a few of.
Nonetheless, viewers wanting an epic that has a multitude of
superbly choreographed fight scenes may find 'The Water Margin'
to be uncomfortable and unrewarding viewing. The soundtrack
may also offer some distraction; a peculiar mixture of stolen
Spaghetti Western music and what sounds like European prog-rock
does raise the odd smile.
With
a cast of such famous Shaw Brothers stars and character
players, it's hard to pick just a few actors out of the team.
Ti Lung is a supporting player here, but supreme performers
like the masterful Ku Feng and Tamba Tetsuro play their parts
with the kind of conviction one expects from the very highest
quality productions. As 'The Black Whirlwind', Fan Mei Sheng
is certainly worth mentioning; even in a relatively minor
role, Fan is such a refreshing presence within the film that
each of his scenes becomes a highlight of the entire
production. 'The Water Margin' is the kind of grandiose
masterwork that is enthralling and, despite the presence of
three accomplished directors, has a remarkable consistency to
it. Despite its mixed reviews, it is a superb four star film
that garners a triumphant recommendation from this reviewer.
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