this movie was funny at times and the few fight scenes were actually well-done. one of the things i really liked about this movie was its strange and original story line. if you are into strange comedy movies, check this one out.
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eyesofsociety10 December 2003
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coltras3515 January 2023A man( Wu Ma) fakes his death in order to steal his family's funeral treasure. When the treasure is instead bequeathed to Ma's unborn son, his co-conspirators kill him (for real this time). His vengeful spirit seeks out the help of his friend (played by Sammo Hung) and together they seek revenge on his murderers.
Sammo Hung stars in this rather unusual but colourful tale that is in vein of Mr Vampire et al, but there's no hopping vampires in sight. Only a vengeful ghost in the form of Wu Ma and a trio of gremlin like creatures. The production is really good, the cinematography is top notch and the Chinese culture and its ritual is brilliantly done. Performances is great from all, especially Wu Ma. The fights are rather good, though few and far behind. Only sore spot is that it gets tedious towards the end. But it's still a good film. -
I figured that this film wasn't as known or popular as Spooky Encounters from the number of votes this film had got, compared to the previous one. I hope we'll get to see a proper bluray release of this film, because there are parts in it that really deserves to be seen by fans of Sammo Hung as well as the HK Horror Comedy subgenre, especially the part where Sammo is dressed up as a doll and also Uncle (Ching-Ying Lam) is carried by ghosts through the town.
One thing however that drag this film down compared to Spooky Encounters is the directing, this time it's actor/director Wu Ma instead of Sammo and it's very noticeable, the film is lighter in tone and much more silly. I have no idea why Wu Ma's character in the film needed to have such a large prosthetic nose, I was sure that by any time during the film the nose would get pulled off and reveal someone in disguise, but no. The film follow a similar narration as Spooky Encounters with a "scary" intro and then followed by a typical ghost story narration with The first night, the second night and so on. Wu Ma's big nosed character take up way too much time with this story too when I think most people rather want to follow what Sammo's character is up to. It was typical of the 80s HK films to always have an irritating/dumb character, which always have been the part I disliked most.
Sadly this film wasn't as focused and took many strange paths that made me confused over the whole plot of the film, fake death turned into murder followed by haunting and then possession and then accidental death and soon I wasn't sure who was the bad guy any more, what happened with the pregnant bride? The plot takes a U-turn towards the third act and we got to see a lot more of Sammo's love interest and what was closest to a ghost story where she was protecting the corpse from "Death Guards". The design of these costumes they were wearing looked awful, like a B-film version of E.T. - they looked more like dumb aliens than something from the underground. The animaton of the guards harass the girl also felt a bit off - the way the green spirits of the ghosts moved reminded me of the early Disney Silly Symphony short films, I would probably have loved this really much as a child.
Still, there's a couple of amazing fight scenes throughout the film that Sammo, Yuen Biao, Ching-Ying Lam and Billy Chan choreographed. So even if the plot is all over the place, I would still recommend it for the special effects and martial art. -
illogik28 September 2003Being the bias Sammo Hung loving hippy i am, i can do nothing but heap praise on this little gem. Sammo plays Wah Li (i know this by looking it up, my subtitles only refer to him as "fatboy") Wah Li is a generous loyal friend to all and decides to look into the murder of his friend Ma Lun Chio (Wu Ma like whOa!) when he smells something fishy. Ma Lun Chio has hatched a plan with a woman and her " villainous " cohort to fake his death and devide his inheritance among the three of them. The woman substitutes as his wife as an heir is needed for the forture to be collect.
Supernatural hijinx ensues as Sammo and Lam Ching Ying (playing and older, less dignified but ten times more loveable sifu then he will in the "vampire" series) work with Ma Lun Chio to avenge his death.
My cousin who is ten and i had and absolute laugh fest during the scene where Wu Ma is tormenting a now stubborn Sammo into helping him. A real feel good movie experience. The ending must be seen to be believed. I wish beyond words HK films were still being made like this. Sammo needs to revive the ghost kung fu comedys he does so well.
8/10 -
MajesticMane16 June 2024"Ren xia ren" (1982), directed by Wu Ma, is a delightfully zany martial arts ghost comedy that seamlessly blends action, horror, and slapstick humor into a wildly entertaining package. While the film's plot can be convoluted at times, its strengths lie in its imaginative set pieces, standout performances, and a willingness to embrace the absurd.
The standout performance undoubtedly belongs to Sammo Hung, who shines as the effigy merchant caught up in a web of deception and supernatural hijinks. Hung's physical comedy chops are on full display, particularly in the unforgettable scene where he dons a doll costume and engages in a hilarious fight sequence. His chemistry with co-star Yuen Biao adds an extra layer of comedic brilliance to their interactions.
Another standout is Ching-Ying Lam, whose portrayal of the mischievous Uncle is a scene-stealer. His ghostly antics, including a memorable sequence where he is carried through the town by invisible spirits, are both creepy and hilarious, perfectly capturing the film's tonal balance.
Wu Ma's direction excels in creating a vibrant and imaginative world where the supernatural and the mundane collide. The film's special effects, while dated, are executed with a charming practical ingenuity that adds to the overall campy appeal. The fight choreography, a staple of Hong Kong cinema, is top-notch, with Sammo Hung and his team delivering thrilling and inventive action sequences.
However, the film's narrative can be a bit meandering at times, with subplots and character motivations occasionally getting lost in the chaos. Additionally, some of the humor may not resonate with modern audiences, as it leans heavily into slapstick and broad comedy tropes.
Despite these minor flaws, "Ren xia ren" remains a delightfully entertaining romp that showcases the best of Hong Kong's unique blend of martial arts, horror, and comedy. With its standout performances, imaginative set pieces, and a willingness to embrace the absurd, cementing its status as a cult classic in the genre. -
"Ren xia ren" (1982), also known as "Human Lanterns," is a peculiar blend of martial arts, horror, and drama that showcases both the creativity and excess of Hong Kong cinema in the early 1980s. Directed by Wu Ma, this film offers a unique viewing experience that, while flawed, manages to leave a lasting impression.
Set in ancient China, the story revolves around a rivalry between two wealthy men, Tan Fu and Lung Shu Ai, who compete to create the most beautiful lantern for an upcoming festival. Their competition takes a dark turn when they enlist the help of Chao Chun-Fang, a skilled lantern maker with a sinister secret. Chao, seeking revenge for past humiliations, begins crafting lanterns from human skin, leading to a series of gruesome murders.
Wu Ma's direction is ambitious, if not always successful. He attempts to balance elements of traditional wuxia films with horror tropes, creating a unique atmosphere that sets "Ren xia ren" apart from more conventional martial arts movies of the era. The film's visual style is often striking, with vivid colors and imaginative set designs that enhance the otherworldly feel of the story.
Chen Kuan-tai delivers a standout performance as Chao Chun-Fang, the vengeful lantern maker. His portrayal of a man driven to madness by his desire for revenge is both chilling and oddly sympathetic, providing the emotional core of the film. Chen's ability to shift between calm craftsman and deranged killer is particularly impressive and contributes significantly to the film's unsettling tone.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film involves Chao's workshop, where he creates his macabre lanterns. The sequence is a masterclass in building tension, with Wu Ma using clever camera work and lighting to suggest the horrific nature of Chao's work without resorting to excessive gore. This scene encapsulates the film's ability to create horror through implication rather than explicit violence.
The martial arts sequences in "Ren xia ren" are competently choreographed, though they sometimes feel at odds with the horror elements of the film. When they do work, however, they add an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings, particularly in the film's climactic confrontation.
Despite its strengths, "Ren xia ren" is not without significant flaws. The pacing can be uneven, with long stretches of dialogue and character development interrupted by sudden bursts of action or horror. This inconsistency can make the film feel disjointed at times, potentially alienating viewers expecting a more traditional martial arts or horror experience.
The film's treatment of its female characters is problematic by modern standards, with women often relegated to roles as victims or objects of desire. While this was not uncommon in films of this era and genre, it does detract from the overall quality of the narrative.
The special effects, while ambitious for their time, have not aged particularly well. Some of the more fantastical elements of the story are undercut by unconvincing practical effects, which may take modern viewers out of the experience.
For fans of martial arts cinema looking for something off the beaten path, or horror enthusiasts interested in exploring the genre's manifestations in different cultures, "Ren xia ren" offers an intriguing, if flawed, viewing experience. Chen Kuan-tai's performance and Wu Ma's creative direction provide enough highlights to make the film worth seeking out for cinephiles interested in the more obscure corners of Hong Kong cinema. While it may not reach the heights of the best examples of either the martial arts or horror genres, "Ren xia ren" remains a fascinating cultural artifact that demonstrates the willingness of Hong Kong filmmakers to push boundaries and blend genres in unexpected ways. -
rhi4jdm16 November 2000This film is just hilarious and definitely worth the two times me and my little sister have stayed up to watch it at three in the morning (or whatever daft time Channel 4 - UK tv channel - have put it on at). My only wish is that I could get a couple of copies of it on video so that me and my sister could watch it whenever we wanted for the rest of our lives. This film is excellent and if it's on a tv near you...WATCH IT!!!!
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Bonkers chop-socky that is part satire of ludicrous Hong Kong supernatural martial arts films, and part brilliant example of how it should be done. A rare wheeze that actually does have something for everyone:
Excellent slapstick comedy - the hero is pompous and fat, not lithe and Jackie Chan-like; getting into daft, self-generated scrapes, he is kicked about by every one, and guards a dead friend who isn't really dead in an hilarious scene that has him fending off curious gold thieves. He is repeatedly buffeted by otherworldly menaces, first his mischievous friend, then Satan's minions, who turn him into a lime-covered bug.
Action - Choreographed with great skill, played mostly for laughs, but there is one sequence - the friend's murder - that is filmed with rare beauty.
Horror - Again, mostly comic, with a remarkable use of somewhat cheap special effects.
Historical costume drama - not very precise, but the costumes and set-design are an immense, guilty, Orientalist pleasure.
Satire - under all the laughs is a serious study of repressive social and gender codes, and the last scene is spectacularly subversive in its implications. -
gorytus-2067215 April 2021Apr 21
One of Sammos best, great mix of comedy and horror, but mainly comedy. Lam ching Ying and many other regulars appear, Wu Ma has a major role.
Cherie Chung has a good role, i believe this was her first film.
If you love this like i do, then you must also watch "Encounters of the spooky kind 1 and 2" they are very similar and just as good.
This film was one of about 4 Hong Kong films that Channel 4 put on the tv about 25 years ago in the middle of the night. They really chose good ones, as they also put on the Jet Li pair "Fong Sai Yuk 1 and 2".
10 out of 10. -
poe42628 January 2012Because it's never made clear in the print I saw, I'm assuming that director Ma Wu is the guy playing "Lucho" (listed here as Ma Lun Chio) in THE DEAD AND THE DEADLY. (It's a common failing of "Americanized" versions of Chinese films that titles are often changed, scenes deleted, and credits cast to the wind.) Whoever the guy is, he's absolutely hilarious: he sports an obvious large prosthetic nose and his lower lip protrudes as if he's always pouting- and it doesn't end there: the English voice used to dub his dialogue is spot on (a rarity in imports) (check out the English-dubbed version of RUN LOLA RUN if you really want to know just how bad dubbing can get). Sammo as Wah Li is- as usual- great. When the lecherous Lucho "dies" and his pregnant wife shows up to collect on his "life insurance," Wah Li can't help but be suspicious: in a flashback, showing Wah Li and Lucho in a brothel, we learn that Lucho was impotent. The conniving Lucho, laid out for burial, must try to figure out a way to convince Wah Li not to perform an autopsy on him before it's too late. THE DEAD AND THE DEADLY boasts some excellent fx and is beautifully directed. There are also some great fight scenes, although this technically isn't a "kung fu movie." It's superior to every other movie of its type I've seen, from KUNG FU FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE to MR. VAMPIRE I & II to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE SPOOKY KIND, etc. A solid ten.
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This is a fun and captivating horror-comedy from Hong Kong that stars martial arts legend Sammo Hung as Wah Li, who helps run a funeral service with his colleagues and his great-uncle, Yee. When the body of his friend, Ma Lun Chio, is brought back in the village, Wah Li is suspicious of his supposed death at such a young age and the intentions of his supposed pregnant wife.
This movie has a good balance of horror and comedy that keeps the plot's momentum going strong, and showcases many impressive martial arts moves from the actors, including that of Sammo Hung and director Ma Wu, who also plays the part of Ma Lun Chio. The plot of Wah Li investigating the supposed death of his friend is an attention grabber that leads to even more intriguing stuff when the plot delves into creepy scenes involving wicked priests, ghosts and the hell police.
This movie also stars actor Lam Ching-Ying in his first ever role playing the "Vampire-Busting" Tao Priest, which he would go on to reprise in many different character incarnations in later horror-comedies, most notably in the Mr. Vampire film series. Rounding up the main cast is actress Cherie Chung, who plays the kind yet ferocious fiancée of Sammo Hung's character.
Overall, it's one of the best ghost comedies from Hong Kong and is one I would watch repeatedly. It has just the right amount of horror, comedy and drama blended in together to make a very entertaining film.
Grade A -
LEE-473 June 1999What the hell is this all about? Here's a choice cut of dialogue "you have to catch him, then wrap him in, turn around, (whispers) a sanitary towel!" What? I think that they make these things up as they go along!
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lost-in-limbo25 December 2021The excellent physical humour of Sammo Hung really comes through in this supernatural comedy of escalating errors. Complicated, or if you like to say messy plotting thick with a conspiracy narrative (which as a viewer you're in on it watching Sammo's Fat boy trying to put the pieces together of his friend's death - Wu Ma. Then finding himself in an even worse predicament). This is where the laughs are centred around. Eventually it does change course in the last half hour where the over-top-eccentrics meets the atmospheric spirit world. Cartoonish fx, glowing greens and levitating objects. That's when the imagination comes into the picture. After somewhat of a less interesting set-up. The film's energy sorta comes and goes, and it's noticeable whenever Sammo is not on screen. Some scenes can linger on too long. As for hoping for some martial arts. It had its moments. Cue in the slow motion, but mainly its put on the back burner in favour of the buffoonery and last minute FX.