Released in a superb new print by Celestial this is not a bad film but probably over dramatic, especially towards the end. Lo Lieh carries the lead role well as the poor son trained by the master (Tien Feng) of the twelve deadly coins who falls in love with his daughter (Jeng Man Jing) but thinks he is not good enough for her and wants to step aside for the master's arrogant, misguided son (played well by Ho Ming Chung). During a major robbery Lo Lieh spares the life of the robber's daughter. A good role for Cheng Li but is defeated by her father (Fang Mien) who has a grudge against Tien Feng. Lo Lieh is captured, tortured, but saved by Cheng Li and both are condemned to be drowned together where they declare their mutual love. They escape, of course, and Lo Lieh has to prove his loyalty to his teacher (in dramatic fashion) and leads him, his son and Chiu Hung (in a good role) back to the fortress of Fang Mien. In an interesting fight in the rain the two masters (of the deadly coins and iron thorns) battle but mainly talk but manage to kill those they love in the process. This is not a happy ending but everyone seems to accept their sacrifices and the females are left to mourn them and to go off into the sunset like a B movie western. I enjoyed this film but it is not a classic with few good fights and too many clichéd scenes.
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phillip-5810 December 2007
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ckormos110 January 2019Smaller is better when it comes to weapons in this movie. Martial artists can fling thorns and coins with the impact of a gun bullet. Enter the villain, Yuan, who easily takes out twelve distant archers by using the iron thorn technique. His hot daughter, Rung, and his gang admire him. Cut to Yu Jiang Ping the master of the Twelve Deadly Coins. His son, Hua, does a demonstration but oblivious to the help from the student Qiao, played by Lo Lieh. Hua is engaged to the master's daughter and Lo Lieh loves her but considers himself below her. Hua prepares for his escort mission. Everything ends in disaster with Qiao blamed as a traitor. Qiao is no match for Yuan but he continues his pursuit anyway. Master's business is closed and his wife held hostage until he returns the stolen gold. He goes with his daughter, Hua, and two others to try to regain the gold. Qiao enters the bad guys den but is captured. While he is tortured, Rung falls in love with him. They are both tossed in prison. Qiao escapes but it is to lead the master into a trap. On returning to master no one believes him so he cuts off his left hand to prove his loyalty. The group then walks into Yuan's trap. Master and master fight and argue about their old differences. Qiao goes to rescue Rung. The fight ends and the drama of revenge versus forgiveness begins. This is an above average movie for the year and genre. The pace is fast and the fights are excellent. I particularly liked the practical effect when Lo Lieh throws the dagger into the guy's mid-section. It was all done with fishing line, no computer effects existed at the time. I can't find anything to criticize in this movie and recommend it for all fans of martial arts movies from the golden age 1967 to 1984.
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Leofwine_draca9 January 2022A solid martial world vehicle from the Shaw stable, not one of their best but still watchable thanks to a combination of elements. This one benefits hugely from Lo Lieh as the protagonist; as usual he plays a multi-layered character and is pretty dark with it, especially in one jaw-dropping highlight. As usual the plot revolves around a gold shipment being attacked by bandits, but it's used for a more mature reflection on loyalty, rifts, pride and the nature of heroism than usual. The action isn't great but the cast is decent, and it's nice to see Ching Li in particular so early on in her career.