Revenge of the Shaolin Master (1979)

This movie blew Me away. Literally. Out of my seat. I've recently been harbouring an interest in the movies of Tan Tao Liang (aka Dorian Tan, Delon Tam etc.) in my opinion one of the top kickers in kung fu movies ever, who stands alongside Donnie Yen, Ken Lo, Hwang Jang Lee etc. I noticed this title for 3 Scottish pounds, and then realised it was choreographed by Yuen Woo Ping, a man who needs no introduction. I immediately snapped it up, not knowing the quality.

The movie begins with Tan as a rebel, and it appears the period is the usual Ming/Ching timeline favoured of old skool Kung fu films. He is injured in a fight and attempts to stop the baddie generals in their mission to rid the poverty stricken people of their food and water. Tan encounters friends and other masters in his quest to clear his name. The plot is packed with incident, and has a morality play above the level of most old skoolers.

So. The action. Despite the fact that this DVD is a poor quality VHS reproduction in full screen, meaning important blows etc. are cut off screen, this movie contains simply some of the best, high impact intricate fight scenes ever filmed. Yuen Woo Ping really outdoes himself, and as for Tan the man, this is definitely his best action, and I've seen most of his movies. His kick combinations and flash of legs are here at there most legendary. There are countless fight scenes, but none go under the bar of pure excellence. The cast contains some regulars such as the great Chen Sing in a cameo role and some relative unknowns, but all perform the fight scenes with requisite brilliance. In short if you love Kung Fu on screen, BUY THIS NOW. NOT TOMORROW. NOW.

Watch out for the shock ending!