I saw this Taiwanese kung fu flick under the title GOLD CONSTABLES which is appropriate. It was also re-titled NINJA PIRATES during the 1980s VHS ninja boom but it has nothing to do with anything like that, so don't be fooled. However, this turns out to be a pretty decent movie of its type, with a fast paced and intriguing plot to keep you watching.
The opening and closing segments of the film are by far the most interesting parts, chiefly down to the appearance of Lo Lieh in another of his stock villain performances. The opening scene, which sees him pull off a gold shipment robbery before bumping off his associates one by one, is classic stuff indeed. The ending, a showdown in a quarry between multiple opponents, is more predictable, but still bloody enough to be interesting.
In between we get the usual intrigue-type plotting and various characters double crossing each other or teaming up to work together. Carter Wong bags another erstwhile hero role and is fine in the part while Nancy Yen shines as a female fighter. Old-time star James Tien (he of the instantly recognisable features) also has a very small role but it was nice to see him regardless. There's enough well-delivered action here to stop the story becoming tedious, and the participants get to show off their superior skills which adds conviction to their roles.
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