There is a large part of me that simply wanted to take this article, write a brief introduction, and then proceed to list everything in The Magic Blade that is absurd. However, that’s a lot of work. For those of you that haven’t had the...
I first saw Bastard Swordsman a few years back when a new theater in town attempted to jump-start a revival film community. They presented the film via the only surviving 35mm film print, and it was glorious. The theater's plans would eventually fail due to...
Chang Cheh is an icon for a reason. While so many film makers in their careers try desperately to make entertainment out of the art of cinema, Chang Cheh set a standard to make art out of cinematic entertainment. It’s this approach that has heavily...
There was always a line that Shaw Brothers productions liked to ride. A line between the gimmicks of their entertaining aspects and the dramatic tales they wanted to tell of heroes, loyalty, and bloodshed. When it comes to their martial arts films, it’s a fine...
The Shaw Brothers Costume Exhibition Facebook live stream is TODAY, May 31! Join us on Facebook today we showcase the history of Shaw Brothers' illustrious films through their exceptional costumes! Shaw Brothers films are known for their creative stories lines, exciting visual effects, and wondrous characters. Like...
And the winner for May’s Master of the Month goes to…… Ken Hashibe! Congratulations Master Ken! Still confused on some of the answers to this month’s questions? Don’t worry, we got you covered. 1) Tianyi Film Company 2) 2000 3) The Brave Archer Sharpen those tools and stay tuned for...
“Killers are like shooting stars. They appear in brilliance and vanish in no time. And besides that, they’ve no name.” The opening of Killer Clans takes two mysterious killers and pits them in a brief duel on a dark shadowy bridge. One is a hired assassin...
Out of the first batch of Shaw Brothers films announced by 88 Films for their newly christened 88 Asia line up, it was Killer Constable that stuck out the most. The film still made sense for their demographic as it’s directed by Kuei Chih-Hung who...
As the Venoms Mob filmography grew, Lu Feng employed a new weapon during the end fight which would reappear as the dominant weapon in future movies. Examples include the Sword (Life Gamble > Legend of the Fox), the Guan Dao (Shaolin Rescuers > Magnificent Ruffians)...
Of all the wonderful directors in the Shaw Brothers stable, Chang Cheh is my favorite. His sense of storytelling and his eye for action are impeccable, but what continually impresses me the most is Chang's artistic drive. In Chang Cheh: A Memoir he writes of...