REWIND - DREW'S PICK OF THE FLICKS

And always having an interest in martial arts films I've been interested in writing reviews for some time.

I decided to start off with older movies because I wanted to cover some classics.

Now a word to the wise, my ambition exceeds my means, I would love to have them with clearer visuals and better sound. But at the moment my equipment comprises of a laptop and a microphone, plus use of a desk top computer for the movie clips.

So, basically I'm operating at the same level of sophistication as some of the film's I'll be reviewing!

Part of my goals with this is to bring martial arts movies a little further into the public conciousness, as I feel they are often badly represented in popular culture. I want to talk about the movies but not in a serious manner, after all many of them are supposed to be fun, fun, fun.

In future I will be returning to the classics and the more obscure, good and bad and everything in between. 

Even though I may critiscise them and poke fun, in reality with very few exceptions, I still enjoy then, even the hokey ones...

YAMADA: WAY OF THE SAMURAI (2011)
Starring: Seigi Ozeki, Kanokkorn Jaicheun, Sorapong Chatree.
Director: Nopporn Watin 

Our first advanced preview of 2012 from Showbox Entertainment comes in the form of Yamada: Way of The Samurai. 

My initial reaction being one of awesomeness, as I have recently been adding to my Chanbarra collection. I admit it was with some confusion that I noticed the audio of the film was in Thai, since Thailand is not the first place I think of when I think Samurai.

Making the assumption this was Thailand's take on feudal Japan, I was quickly corrected in the opening text (hey I write about movies, not papers on logical deduction). The story is based on events in the 17th century during a time of Siamese/Japanese diplomatic relations, where there was a Japanese presence in what is now modern day Thailand.

Yamada Nagamasa, a Japanese volunteer mercenary attached to the Japanese settlement in Siam, is sent on a mission to hunt down the bandits ravaging the countryside. Betrayed, he must seek refuge with the locals of Ayothaya, there he gradually becomes accepted by the community and learns their ways. OK you have heard this story before, we all have. The tale of the outsider assimilating into the natives is an archetypal and well used plot in many narratives(see; Dances with Wolves, Avatar and Last Samurai), what makes this version of the tale different is the very unique cultures of these particular people, and especially in comparing the fighting styles of the Samurai Sword and Muay Boran.

Our star Seigi Ozeki displays the quiet restrained dignity of a nobleman and the swift deadliness of a bird of prey. The performances of the beautiful Champa, played by Kanokkorn Jaicheun(Miss World’s Thailand contestant 2007), and the mischievous child Krathin are excellent as is that of the warrior Khaam who emanates a strong and imposing presence throughout.

At the centre of the film of course is Yamada combining the ways of his home to and of the land he has adopted, for his new found purpose in serving the King and the people. These merging ways culminating in combat combining the swift energy of the Samurai and the rhythmic power of the Thai Boxer, also manifesting in the symbolic sword of the film(you’ll have to see for yourself).

However my only real complaints unfortunately also come from the fighting. Now the choreography itself is great, the combat cinematography is great, there are just certain editing decisions I find questionable. There are certain scenes where it appears to have had a few frames of film removed, this does give the impression of impact and speed in those shots, which is effective if seemingly slightly overused in some parts, leaving me feel more like my DVD was jumping. That’s just a minor pick though. My real issue is what I consider my personal enemy in martial arts movies, inappropriate use of CGI.

Now as I have said the fights are brutal and well choreographed, there are only a few instances of computer generated interference during the sword scenes in particular, but for someone who holds films like ONG BAK (a breakthrough film for Thai martial arts cinema and proudly made without CG-violence) in such regard as the absolute best in action film, those few scenes of digitally added stabbing just really stand out to me, especially where practical effects could have been used. My favorite sword fighting scenes actually take place at night and although for much of it things are in shadow, you can still see the fast slicing combat, and in my humble opinion you can still portray the cut of a blade, without actually explicitly showing it. Anyway that’s my only real problem with it, and chances are it would not bother many if not most people.

What I will take from this film the most though are the stunning visuals. The Ayothaya setting and the surrounding environment is just breathtakingly beautiful; the physical geography of the land itself, the traditional settlements, the temples and even the composition of the scenes. Everything looks so warm and natural that it is hard to think that cold technology helped form these frames. The land is like a work of art and the sounds are in harmony with the sights. I will be wanting this soundtrack by the way.

The story may seem cliché, though in fairness this is based on a true story so it may be among the originals. The occasional editing choice may boil my blood, and the film despite hitting the 1 and ½ hour mark, still feels a little short for me(I wanted to see more). Never the less Yamada: Way of The Samurai is a unique venture and another interesting addition to both Samurai and Thai Action Cinema.

YAMADA: WAY OF THE SAMURAI is out now from Cine-Asia.

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GAME OF DEATH 2

Game of Death 2/ Si wang ta (1981)
Dir. See- Yuen Ng,
Stars: Bruce Lee (archive footage), Tai Chung Kim, Huong Cheng-Li
Subject: Martial arts, Brucesploitation.

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REVIEW - YOUNG BRUCE LEE

Young Bruce Lee (2010)
Starring: Aarif Rahman, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Christy Chung
Production Co.: J.A. Media, Masterpiece Films, Media Asia Films
Director: Manfred Wong, Wai Man Yip

Hmm, a Bruce Lee biopic. Last time I saw one of those was 1993's hilarious Bob Cohen film "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" starring Jason Scott Lee. 

In that film we discovered the book The Tao of Jeet Kun Do was released before Bruce filmed The Big Boss, and not left incomplete at the time of his death like in our reality. Oh, and the Demon, don't forget the demon curse Lee was fighting. The film was obviously more well informed than the biographies I've owned.

Anyway the film I'll be talking/writing about this morning is the recent "Young Bruce Lee" DVD from Cine Asia.The film is based on the book "Bruce Lee: My Brother" by Robert(Bruce's brother) Lee. So judging by that at least we have some expectation of realism. Fortunately for my investigative impulses I have on hand a copy of Bruce Thomas' excellent Lee biography "Bruce Lee: Fighting Spirit". So I have my sources, the big downstairs T.V. and a preview copy of the DVD at the ready, LETS GO!

The movie appropriately begins with the birth of the Little-Dragon in 1940's San Fransisco. Virtually straight away I recognise the mother is played by Christy Chung, who I just about fell in love with in the film "Tai Je Quan"(1996). I have to say Christy Cheung's portrayal of Grace Lee is probably my favourite role this entire film, followed closely by Tony Leung Ka Fai as Bruce's father Lee Hoi-Chuen. What some fans of Bruce may forget is that his father was himself a popular performer in the opera. Much of the film is more about Hoi-Chuen and the family dynamics than just his famous son.

Through the first part of the movie we see small snippets of the years during the Japanese occupation and Bruce's early childhood. What I really love about these scenes, and repeatedly throughout the film, are the subtle touches. The child actors are great as the Lee siblings, Bruce Lee's especially, you get a sense of his impulsiveness, confidence and courtesy even as a child. I have read one of the biographies, which I'm in the process of re-reading, and what I really loved was seeing the Lee family apartment on screen having imagined descriptions.

Later on of course we get the teenage Bruce played by relative newcomer Aarif Rahman. To get back to the subtleties I enjoy, Mr. Rahman effectively channels the mannerisms of Mr. Lee on screen. The confidence, the pointed finger and the energy he projects. There are many instances where events in what I've read are referenced on screen: his starring role in the "Orphan", his training with legendary Sifu Yip Man and the street gangs of Hong Kong, including his own Tigers.

I don't want to give too much away of the story.

Technically I can say without hyperbole that this may be the most beautifully shot film I have ever seen.The cinematography (kudos to Jason Kwan) is gorgeous. The visuals of the 1950's summer seems to glow warmly through the screen. Speaking of the 50's there's a rock and rolling soundtrack and the costume and set design is flawless, though I've heard the dollars used were anachronistic. The acting is top notch and the story moves along at a steady pace. I was enjoying the summer scenery a little too much and didn't want the mood to change. Alas it did, and the last quarter of the film delved into tragedy.

Its usually about this point I would talk about the fighting, well this is not really a fight flick in that sense. There is combat, mainly towards the end of the movie, and it is well put together, but the focus of the movie is not so much on the martial art, as it is the artist.

If it is not apparent yet by my heaping praise, I loved this film. Sure I am a Bruce Lee fan anyway, but whats really great and surprising about this production is that you could take Bruce Lee out of it, replace him with an unknown character,  and it would still be a damn good movie. The film is not so much about a legendary star as it is about family, friendship, show business and life in 1950's Hong Kong. The film may not be 100%accuratete, though to be honest the only thing I noticed was changing at least one of the characters names(I have not read the book by Robert Lee which the film is based on, so I can't comment on anything else).

This is a MUST SEE for any fan's of Bruce Lee or just the world of Hong Kong Cinema in general. An excellent effort and combination oelementsts with little to find fault in. SEE IT NOW!

DL Drew

Two disc DVD and BLU-RAY release includes trailers, photo galleriesdeleteded scenes, English subtitles(of course), audicommentary from the ever entertaining Bey Logan, and an exclusive featurette: Memories of the Master, a documentary featuring interviews from friends and colleagues of the Little-Dragon.

Young Bruce Lee, released by Cine Asia is out now!

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REVIEW - DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME

Starring Andy Lau
Director: Tsui Hark.
Production Company: Huayi Brothers Media, Huayi Brothers.

OK Confession time. I was supposed to have this reviewed months ago. I even had an advanced preview copy of this and the next article, but I messed up, got lazy and now I have fallen behind on many fronts. 

There is a good chance many of you already have this release now, and if you don't, then it is now my job to order you to BUY IT!

OK, you don't have to take orders from me but hear me out, there are reasons to why you should be excited.

Firstly this film is directed by a Mr Tsui Hark, a name you should be familier with considering that he is arguably one of the most controversial and successful directors to come from the Hong Kong film industry (Once Upon a Time in China anyone?).

Second we have Sammo Hung on the action, who apart from his own prolific acting and behind the scenes career recently had success for choreography in the Ip Man movies.

Thirdly we have the cast. Not only do we have Andy Lau, we have a sublime supporting cast. Carina Lau as the Empress, Li Bing Bing as her right hand woman, Chao Deng as the equally brilliant detective Pei Donglai and not to mention guest star Tony Leung Ka Fai. You may have noticed I've talked more of the cast and crew of the production rather than the story itself. Well for the sake of those who have not yet seen it I'll try not to spoil too much.

The story is set in ancient China during a tumultuous time marking the ascencion of the first female Emperor. In the build up to the ceremony two people are killed, mysteriously bursting into flames. On the advice of a magic talking Deer (no I am not making that up) the Empress drafts the help of the brilliant Detective Dee (Andy Lau), who she had previously imprisoned eight years before for treason. Teaming up with Jing'er (Li Bing Bing) and Pei, Detective Dee seeks to solve the mystery of the phantom flame.

That's about all I'm giving away. The real joy of the viewing experience is the intrigue in both the mystery and the agendas of the characters. Being drawn into a mystery where you are never sure what turns will be taken is a rare thing, mix that with great entertainment, even rarer. A western comparison may be Guy Richies' Sherlock Holmes, it certainly is in that same vein. Oh, and I would not be forgiven if I omitted the fact this film won six categories at the Prestigious 30th Hong Kong Film Awards, I'm just saying. Though I don't want to necessarily sound like I'm saying this film has appeal for everyone.

Of course it's a Martial Arts movie, but there are different kinds of Martial Arts movie with different selling points. If for example you're more of a fan of the brutal bone-crunching action of Bruce Lee, Sonny Chiba or Tony Jaa, then this may not be a film for you. That's not to say the action is not good, its just more of the exaggerated fanciful styles of films like Iron Monkey or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Visually stunning but with more bending the laws of physics than realistic grounded fighting.

On the flip side of course, if you loved films like Iron Monkey and Once Upon a Time in China (basically a lot of Yuen Woo Ping's and Tsui Hark's work) for the action, the visuals and the entertainment, then you'll probably love this too. I hope there will be a sequel.

D. L. Drew

VIDEO REVIEW

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REVIEW ON CLASSIC -  "DRUNKEN MASTER"

Drunken Master/Jui Kuen (1978)
Starring: Jackie Chan, Simon Yuen, Hwang Jang Lee.
Production Co. Golden Harvest
Director. Yuen Woo Ping

The film begins with the main villain. The audio-dubbing refers to him as "Thunder Leg", while the subtitles refer to him as "Thunder Kick". 

Since I'm an advocate of the titles we'll go with Thunder Kick, who proclaims himself as "30pc hands. 70pc legs". 

This Hitman inspires a serious sense of foreboding from the get go. If he does not intimidate you, then you should be aware that the man portraying him, popular screen villain Hwang Jang Lee, is a 7th degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. If he still does not seem threatening then you may also be interested to know he reportedly killed an opponent in a duel while training Korean troops in Vietnam. In true villainous fashion his first act in the movie is to dispatch another Master with a fatal double kick.

With the opening titles gone by we hear the old Chinese song ""On the Generals Orders" to remind us that this is a Wong Fei Hung film as it features in probably every Fei Hung movie (and is an amazingly catchy tune). So who is Wong Fei Hung? A few of you may ask. I will probably do an entire article on him at some point but the very short answer is: revered folk hero embodying the highest ideals and strength with dignity, though in this film his portrayal by Jackie Chan is that of a young boisterous rebel long before he matured into the Sifu he is renowned as.

From the moment we see the young Wong he is pulling poses, making fools of his seniors and tricking girls into his arms. The revelation of the victim of that trickery makes some good awkward comedy later.

Though reckless Fei Hung is still a good soul using his skills to stop thugs stealing from a humble father and son. This of course manifests as one of the trademark fights of the film. The choreography is genius. Yuen Woo Ping's direction combined with Chan's performance bring together the art of combat and perfect comic timing, amusing yet still realistic looking in execution. 

Fei Hung just toy's with his opponent, tormenting him, contorting him and even fending off his blades with vegetables. In the end he retrieves the money and pays the old seller and his manly voiced son, I say this because there is no way the English dubbing for the kid was done by a boy of the same age.

Oh, and speaking about the dubbing, was the name "Wong Fei Hung" considered too hard for the English speaking audiences of the 70's and 80's to comprehend? They dub our protagonist as "Freddie Wong". Anyway all this action is merely an appetiser to the main course. Tired of his son getting into trouble, the equally legendary Wong Kai Yin (dubbed annoyingly as "Robert Wong") sends for the help of the infamous Beggar So to discipline Fei Hung. Again, I don't want too spoil the first meeting between the rebellious youth and the "Sadistic" but skilled drunken master, but trust me its worth seeing.

The character of Beggar So is also something of a famous figure in Hong Kong cinema, with inspired creations turning up in other films. He is played here by Siu Tien Yuen (also known as Simon Yuen) the founder of the legendary stunt team: The Yuen Clan, one of the most influential cinematic action groups in the world, whose father is also to renowned choreographer and director of this film Yuen Woo Ping. 

The Beggar So delights in tormenting Fei Hung. Each regime he imposes being tough and demoralizing, pushing Fei Hung to attempt numerous escapes and being repeatedly foiled. The trials are extravagant and genuinely painful looking and you wonder how any other performer, not Opera trained like Chan and Yuen, would cope with such demands, and if you are not aware, Chinese Opera shares little in common with its western counterpart.

Ultimately it is humiliation through defeat in that brings Fei Hung around to more willingly subject himself to his Drunken Master's tutelage. Gaining some common ground So finally introduces Fei Hung to the fighting styles of the 8 "Drunken Gods", the mastery of self control in combat while being more that a little bit tipsy, so it would seem there is actually a valid reason why So is always at the wine. The demonstrations are surprisingly effective looking, though I would not advise attempting such actions on your next pub crawl. As you probably expect events conspire to bring the young Fei Hung against the hitman ThunderKick in deadly combat. The application of Fei Hung's new found "Drunk Kung Fu" is a spectacle not to be missed right up until the abrupt ending.

Spoilers: The Good Guy wins. Then again if he didn’t we would probably have a lot less Wong Fei Hung movies, and that would be a shame.

Very much like Enter The Dragon, Drunken Master is one of those renowned classics of the genre every Kung Fu fan is almost expected to see, and its not just about its legend and its nostalgic value.

Watching the film again for the purpose of this review, it’s wonderful to experience how this entertaining production has endured well over all these years since 1978. 

Interestingly enough Jackie Chan himself has grown somewhat regretful of the apparent glorification of alcoholism in Drunken Master, as stated in a recent interview he feels he was not a good role model in that performance. Though some people including myself get a little put off by his typecasting as a clownish character in many of his films, I think we are all in agreement that he is undoubtedly dedicated to his craft. I think we can also agree that with his combination of rigorous skill and physical comedy expressing itself as its own art form, 1978's Drunken Master still kicks ass.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find my wine...

D.L. Drew

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BOOK REVIEW ON CHINESE MOVIES

Once upon a time in China, A Guide to Hong Kong, Taiwanese and Mainland Chinese Cinema

Author: Jeff Yang
Atria Books
2003

DREW: Here's something a little different for the literary minded of Kung Fu Flick fans.

Through the last winter I had contracted something nasty for a couple of weeks. I had ordered from Amazon.co.uk this little work and read it trying to keep my mind of the nausea. 

This book is of course "Once upon a time in China" by Jeff Yang, author of Eastern Standard Time. No, it is not the novelisation of Jet Li's and Tsui Hark's excellent interpretation of the Wong Fei Hung legend. 

The book, as it says on the cover, is "A Guide to Hong Kong, Taiwanese, and Mainland Chinese Cinema". 

Mr Yang sure knows his subject and is obviously very passionate though by his own admission there is so much material that the book is "Limited by its size". Volumes upon volumes could and have been written about this fascinating area of the global film experience. 

This book can be best described as a brief introduction to the many facets of collective Chinese cinema. Starting from humble beginnings in Shanghai, through the highs and lows of the turbulent last century and finally into the new millennium, though I should point out the book is nearly 10 years old so it's not quite up to date but that's hardly an issue.

The real joy and fascination brought by this text is the history. The story of Chinese cinema is no simple tale. Originally a medium looked down upon by high brow society, the industry developed into a great way to bring entertainment to the massess, who otherwise would not have witnessed such spectacle because of their station in life.

The studio's themselves would become their own arena's for ambition, political conflict, artistic triumph and tragedy, like the sad tale of Ruan Lingyu who took her own life at the height of her fame.

The book of course is not about the Martial Arts genre, not entirely anyway. In fact to think that Kung Fu is all Chinese cinema has to offer would be a great mistake. 

I may have originally bought this book with the idea of background research for my own film reviews, I came away from it with a much greater appreciation of the film world, as well as an expanded "to find and watch" list. 

The book is blissfully easy to follow and not at all like a heavy academic piece. The chapters follow a chronological order from the late 1800's to the present (well 2003).

The text is inter spaced in parts by photo images as well as case studies on significant individuals, themes and other aspects of screen magic.

The book is divided into two sections. The first 134 pages is the guide and history part of the text. Then pages 135-269 are a collection of capsule reviews, which I admit I have deliberately chosen not to read too much of, except for films I have already seen, so I can watch them without having already been given an opinion. 

The remaining 20 pages include a FAQ section, links to useful websites (with the exception of this one of course, well it was 2003), as well as further reading.

Perhaps if your interest in martial arts cinema is purely in the practical performance, then this may not be for you. However if you have an interest in the behind the scenes work and the wider world of Chinese cinema, then this may be the just the right place to start.

D. L. Drew

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DREW'S QUICK RECOMMEND

THE LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZEN

DREW: Here's a quick appraisal of the new Donnie Yen film: Fist of Legend: The Return of Chen Zen.

I haven't seen it, of course, yet but from the trailer it looks like its going to be film feast of high-kicking, fist flying, crazy stunts all mixed in with a good bit of Kung Fu exaggeration to the mix.

Directed by Andrew Lau, the film is set before the Sino-Japanese war, 1937 to 1945, after Chen returns, from helping the Allies defeat the Germans, to China after World War One under the name of a dead comrade.

Living in Shanghai, Chen joins up with an underground Chinese organisation pledged to stop Japan invading China.

Dressed like Kato from the Green Hornet, Chen then foils a plot by the Japanese to assassinate one Chinese warlord - Zeng - and blame it on another warlord called Zhou. The idea is to start a civil war between the two Chinese warlords while the Japanese invade.

Chen saves Zeng but the Japanese respond by ordering Colonel Chikaraishi Takeshi, the head of the Japanese secret police, to kill prominent anti-Japanese activists in Shanghai.

Chikaraishi finds out Chen's true identity and challenges him to save the people on the death list and kill the assassins.

Chen saves some but many are killed. Chikaraishi then sends a death squad to kill the editor of the Shanghai Times, a friend of Chen's. The death squad is headed by Chikaraishi's younger brother.

He fails to save his friend who dies in his arms and he vows vengeance on his killers.

The Japanese have Zeng's girlfriend murdered and blame it on Chinese warlord Zhou, sparking a war between the two, with Zeng's forces "supported" by the Japanese.

With General Zhou killed in action and his forces in rout, the Japanese continue their invasion. There is nothing the resistence and Chen can do to stop the victorious Japanese taking Shanghai.

Chen is then challenged by Chikaraishi to a duel at the Hongkou kwoon where years earlier he had killed Chikaraishi's father (Fist of Fury).

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"THE KILLING MACHINE"

Starring: Shinichi Chiba, 1975
Director: Noribumi Suzuki
Production Company: Toei Company, Toei Tokyo

DREW: I would quite frankly be flabbergasted if anyone of you had not heard of Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee is like Elvis, their names are almost omnipresent. 

So you have heard of Bruce Lee, but you may not have heard of Sonny Chiba. 

For those who may not know, Sonny or Shinichi Chiba was and still is one of Japan's greatest action stars. With a showbiz career lasting decades, Sonny has been smashing through the movie and TV screens since the 1960's, and even if you have never seen a Japanese movie you may even recognize him as Hattori Hanzo in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.

 

It was Tarantino himself recollecting Chiba's career on the DVD extra's that first made me aware of the star. Not long after watching Kill Bill I made a note to look for Chiba's previous works and one day on sale in the high street I found The Killing Machine. If I remember correctly it was about £5 so I grabbed it to see what the fuss was about, here is my run through of it.

The movie claims to be based on real life martial arts legend Doshin Soh, however like many other "based on real-life" MA flicks (Ip Man and Fearless to name but two recent ones, and that's not to mention the debate we could have on Bloodsport). I can't really comment on how accurately events or characters are portrayed. 

The story begins in Manchuria 1945 with Soh as a spy listening in on the Chinese strategic plans before being ousted out as the enemy. Naturally this triggers a fight scene where in typical fashion our hero uses his fists while the Chinese, despite having guns, seem to take no initiative and try to SHOOT HIM. In fact the only time the guns get fired is when Soh hits one of the men, sending the weapon flying in the air and into Soh's hands allowing him to blast them away. 

These may be spoilers but I want you to take note of this because from what I remember the only time he kills anyone on screen is now and at the end of the movie.

I don't really have a problem with this its just for a film called "The Killing Machine" I was expecting him to send a lot more people to the afterlife, or for a film about a murdering robot. Anyway Agent Double-Soh 7 returns to base only to hear of Japan's surrender which sends him into a rage, defiantly proclaiming "Japan has lost the war but I will not be defeated!"

From then on we are subjected to the dank depressing decay of the Japanese Empire. It is here we see the first example of what is going to be Mr Soh's overriding characteristic, that of an "avenging angel" (as said so on the DVD box). While still in Manchuria and among other prisoners he saves a girl called Kiku (played by Yutaka Nakajima) from being whored to Chinese Officers. A little later while on a train he similarly saves a young girl from obnoxious Koreans while the other Japanese stand by and do nothing. 

I like the fighting style in this movie despite it being a little different from what we see in most MA movies, compared to say a Bruce Lee flick, the onscreen combat is not exactly slow but not as fast with kinetic energy of Lee. Instead the film sort of lingers on the methodology of his fighting skills, and to be honest I quite like the shift in dynamic, it allows you to see exactly what he is doing and if your like me you can recognize the techniques which gives you a smug sense of satisfaction leaving you feeling like your some kind of affectionardo.

Anyway later on we see him as the guardian of street orphans and a menace to the local Yakuza gang and corrupt police. I will give the film a slight criticism which may be totally undeserved, but its always depicts Mr Soh in positive light. He does commit some brutal acts during the film but always directed to reprehensible people. I know I should not complain about having a strong morally guided hero in a film, its just, to reference Bruce Lee again in Fist of Fury (or "The Chinese Connection" depending where you saw it), Chen Jung's flaws and dilemmas are what made his otherwise superhuman character feel very real. Doshin Soh, although admirable, just seems too perfect and right in this film. I could point out every occasion he rescues someone from the hands of the wicked, but it would make this article about twice as long as it is already, so lets move on.

These scenes in the underworld where Soh and the children live are BLEAK. If these areas are just sets then they look stunning in a way a fireworks display may be, it looks good but you wouldn't want to be among the explosions. Here we have a cold unforgiving slum with prostitution, rubble, a not too cheerful looking corpse and about the least inspiring poster ever printed.

This is Japan in defeat crushed by its enemies who now patrol her streets and in the black market people are just trying to survive. At a later point Mr Soh rescues a woman from scissor wielding prostitutes only to find its Kiku being forced into that lifestyle to support herself and young brother, both then taking shelter with Soh and the orphans, Soh refusing to allow her to become a whore. 

Later when Kiku's brother Kimio is knocked down by a car of American soldiers, Mr Soh cripples them and brawls with the Yakuza and police. Although Soh has been in and out of prison many times for defending the weak against the corrupt, this time the warden believes the American's will have him executed and so lets Soh escape. Although free again he must leave Kiku and the children behind for fear of bringing the authorities down on them. He imparts words of strength to the children before saying goodbye, masking his tears.

The rest of the film is mostly set around Tadotsu, Shikoku 1947 onwards. Mr Soh has his school on the rise with his close knit community of students made up of disillusioned men, many former soldiers. One of them being Otaki (played by Makoto Sato, introduced earlier in the film as a violent drunk) searching for his missing wife mistakenly led to believe he had been killed during the war. 

Another of the recruits is Tomoda portrayed by Naoya Makoto, another drunk soldier who Soh rescues then prevents him from committing murder against the "cheap" Japanese embracing the foreign occupiers. Tomoda joins Soh's school with his sister Miho (ahh, the beautiful Etsuko Shihomi ). Its worth pointing out to those who may be disturbed by the swastika’s adorning the students that in the context of eastern culture the symbol had other meanings before being adopted by the Nazi's. Soh is personally challenged by a group of Judo masters, and in another weird link to Fist of Fury one of them looks exactly like an antagonist from that film. I also forgot to mention at the beginning of the film it was explained Soh learned Kung Fu from Shao Lin in China, so the fighting style he represents is a Chinese Martial Art. The Judo practitioners attack Soh's students forcing him to retaliate in slow-motion ariel flips and more arms pulled out of sockets. Honestly this film may be called “The Killing Machine” but considering the way he most frequently deals with his enemies, a more appropriate title would be “The Dislocation Machine”, but that doesn't have the same ring to it.

To make a final link to that other classic movie its interesting to compare the themes. Fist of Fury is set in Shanghai under oppressive Japanese occupation with the Japanese being firmly established as the enemy. This film on the other hand shows the Japanese being the oppressed, subjugated by enemies and the corrupt elements of their own society. Rejected by the defeated regime and at odds with the western occupied generation. In a way this film is the Anti-Fist of Fury, or at least the other side of the story. In Fist, the Japanese call the Chinese the “Sick Men of Asia”, in this the Chinese soldiers in turn call the Japanese "monsters of the east". Mr Soh does not just fight Chinese, Koreans or Americans, but against evil no-matter where it comes from and in that sense perhaps the film is more balanced, though I did read one review describing it as pro-Japanese nationalism. 

Much of the film is Mr Soh and his school defending the weak and punishing evil doers. If you have seen this movie then like me there is probably one scene that sticks out especially. Not long after we are introduced to Soh's school in Tadotsu, Shikoku we also meet a local food seller and his schoolgirl daughter Noriko who is being menaced by some Yakuza. Soh fights them off which convinces Tomoda to join, but later on away from protection Noriko is raped by the gang. The police being innefectual and not punishing the criminals, Noriko's father approaches Soh for justice. This leads to a scene where the purpatrators are cornered by Soh, Tomoda and a pair of scissors. Lets just say one man lost a little friend and a passing dog ate a special sausage that night.

Unfortunately in retaliation not long after, Tomoda has his arm severed by a Yakuza sword. Although Soh seeks retribution Tomoda returns to heavy drinking and refuses to return to the school. Soh goes to help him by slapping him about in the rain and mud, somehow I don't think I would get away with such motivational methods. Eventually Tomoda strikes him back, proving that even without an arm he still has the strength to overcome challenges, Tomoda then returns to training renewed with new focus. It may sound a little silly to some but I find this scene immensly moving and very true to the spirit of Martial Arts. It is these qualitys of personal redemption and rising above that really makes this movie for me, but I don't want to spoil it all so you would have to see for yourself.

Although there are these little sparks of inspiration to be found through out, I must point out that much of this film can be a little grim and downbeat despite the triumphs of the rising Shao Lin school. It takes the sacrifice of one to reiterate the true value of strength and compassion for him, and not long after the tragic death of another brings Soh into his final confrontation with the Yakuza. The final fight is good but does not feel very climactic. The final battle is by no means bad, if anything its the high quality of the movie up to then that probably makes it hard to top. Oh and I have a query to anyone else out there who may have seen it, when the Yakuza Boss finally falls under the fury of Soh, what is it exactly that emerges out his dying mouth, it looks like bone, but from where, I would just like someone to clarify it for me? Also, what was with the funky disco soundtrack during the battle, I know it was released in 1975, but perhaps still not the most epic of climactic fight scores?

So Soh So, conclusions. This film is brutal, dark, quite depressing at times and is probably one of my favourite movies. This movie looks fantastic, the cinematography surpasses much of what Hong Kong had to offer around the same time. I love Hong Kong cinema but this just looks sharper and clean. Sonny Chiba is excellent in this, when he gets angry you can just feel the rage seeth inside him. The sets are great and realistic. The action although perhaps slow, in comparison to other films, is never the less very realistic and painful looking. Sonny Chiba and the other cast are brilliant. Quite oftan the first victim in the MA film is acting, but everyone in this have conviction and are believable. I may comment that Mr Soh seemed too perfect, but when it comes to down to it, its nice to have a noble character to get behind instead of more dubious hero's in film since then. I am almost ashamed to admit that besides Kill Bill this is the only Chiba film I own, but I will be looking out for the others and I suggest you do the same. The Killing Machine is an awesome film. Sometimes its dark and depressing, but provides enough to get past that, I can not adequitly portray this message so I'll end with a quote from the movie itself:

"Overcome the weakness within you. That's the spirit of Shao Lin".

D. L. Drew

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DREW'S WRITTEN REVIEW

"NEVER BACK DOWN"

(Caption): Sean Faris reluctantly fights in Never Back Down

Starring. Sean Faris, Amber Heard, Cam Gigandet.
Production Co. Summit Entertainment, Mandalay Independent Pictures, Baumgarten Management and Productions (BMP)
Director Jeff Wadlow

DREW: Have you ever judged a book by its cover or a DVD box? Well I recall in 2008 seeing the trailer to Never Back Down starring Sean Faris and decided immediately that I never wanted to see that thing. 

What I had gathered from it the movie was going to be a shallow youth flick about hunky and pretty teens using mixed martial arts as a way to prove their egos, suffice to say I was not interested. 

One night last year I was using the living room for training and happened to come across it on one of the music channels. It was on my list of films to catch up with since I decided to review the world of the fight flicks so I decided to watch it. 

If I were to review it in one word: Surprising. Is the movie going to be a renowned classic in future, is it as bad as I was expecting?

(Caption): This definitely not Soggy Biscuit...

The movie begins with Jake Tyler (Sean Faris) and his family moving to Orlando. Jake is haunted by the death of his father which he could have averted. On entering his new high school he is suddenly thrown into world of stereotypes; spoilt rich kids, impossibly hot young people who are of course really in their twenties (so its not creepy OK), and of course underground MMA fighting orchestrated by teenagers. 

Maybe it’s different in the states but when I was in school there was light drug dealing and propositioned games of 'Soggy Biscuit" and if you don't know what that is, believe me you don't want to know. 

(Caption) Amber Heard who played Baja Miller...

So Jake is lured to a party by blond hottie Baja Miller played by Amber Heard and befriends obligatory tech geek Max Cooperman (Even Peters). The host of the party is Ryan McCarthy (played by Cam Gigandet or to fan girls, James from Twilight) who has brought Jake there as a trap to smack him down, which is exactly what happens. With Jake humiliated and worse for wear he is dropped off drifting out of consciousness back home, and so you would expect a tale of him seeking revenge against the buff bastard.

In the first quarter hour or so of the film I my fear's seemed to be confirmed: Ryan is a rich kid throwing an audacious hedonistic party with half naked hunks and honey's. Loud beats, shiny cars and topless girls making out for the titillation (excuse the pun) of the party goers and presumably the audience. 

Jake however doesn't want to fight despite the macho bull crap spouted to goad him. Its only when his father is mentioned does he act out. This is something I was not expecting. Jake, the protagonist, wants nothing to do with the fight and until his dad issues are brought up does everything he can to get out the situation. The antagonist Ryan although reprehensible also has a brief moment later when his own paternal issues are glimpsed. 

(Caption): Cam Gigandet (right) plays Ryan McCarthy the film's protagonist

The girl Baja used as the honey trap later realises the wrong she's committed and tries to make things right and even the Max the geek who usually may come off as annoying, and he does a little with his know it all attitude, is likable enough but unfortunately its probably just because I relate to him the most, except I can barely operate technology.

So my first surprise is the characters. During the course of the film they are portrayed less two-dimensionally than I was expecting. Jake especially I liked because he's not an arrogant sod competing in combat for glory or chicks, or any egotistical crap. In fact he tries to avoid confrontation much of the time, and except for a few instances he learns that fighting should be the last option.

(Caption): Jean Rogua played by Djimon Hounsou...

After his humiliation Jake is introduced by Max to Jean Rogua played by Djimon Hounsou (from Gladiator and Blood Diamond) who runs his own MMA gym. Much of the rest of the film follows the standard formula of boy endures training, boy gets girl, friend gets hospitalised leading to final confrontation with bad guy. 

Don't worry, these are barely spoilers as you will see these turns coming from a mile away. As I said it follows a pretty standard formula. It’s the little bits between that raise this from a dumb teen macho fight flick into something a little closer to an old MA film. 

There is the reluctant good guy who only wants to get by, the glory seeking villain who although is skilled is so for the wrong reasons, there is the femme-fatel who plays her part in wrongdoing but later seeks redemption and the teacher, who although is physically demanding (though not by Beggar So standards) has his heart in the right place and genuinely wants to help the kids under his tutelage. 

(Caption):

That saying the film is by no-means a masterpiece. My knee jerk reaction to the trailer may have been that it was shallow, and in all honesty there are shades of superficiality in there, though in honesty the decadent youth aspects belong more to the vain Ryan than to Jake who is more humble in comparison. It is without a doubt youth orientated. 

Tailor made for the noughties generation with widespread use of technology, seriously I have not seen so many camera phones on a film, there is not a "High Scholar" in sight with ache or who are overweight or resemble reality, I know the actors are not really that young, but high scholars do not look like this! There's also the obligatory modern (at the time) soundtrack with a decent Kanye West number that's fits well in the build up to the climax. Oh and a little comic relief in Max and Jake's little brother, but it’s not in your face and annoying as it could have been.

I should probably talk about the fighting. The popularity of sport MMA has an undeniable influence in this and the film's pretty much a by product of the UFC culture. As such the fighting styles are of that theme. Kick boxing, Muay Thai and the grappling of the Jitsu's, plus the character of Rogua was supposed to be an associate of the Gracie's.

(Caption): Jake finally defeats Ryan...

How is this handled on screen? Well Jake's initial defeat at the hands, feet and limbs of Ryan is fairly brutal and looks believably painful. The rest of the movie relies on the same fighting styles and its decently choreographed and authentic looking. They may not be groundbreaking fight scenes but it’s competently handled and works well within the context of the film. 

I suppose what I found most surprising of all is how invested I got into it, which I was not expecting at all. I cared about the characters and was emotionally with the narrative until the very end, making the climactic fight quite tense and involving. I mean its no Fist of Fury but its better than some others I've seen.

(Caption): And of course he get's the girl...

To sum up the movie for me, I suppose it’s about expectations. I went into it with very low expectations and was sure I was going to hate every minute of it... and I didn't. I mean don't get me wrong, I do not believe in time we will remember Never Back Down as a celluloid combat classic. There's nothing that particularly stands out in it from more memorable martial arts films. It’s not that original and the plots pretty standard. However it is executed well and it does work as triumph over adversity in the same vein as the original Karate Kid. No, it’s not going to be the definitive modern MA epic but that's OK. 

There's some typical teen flick stuff but there are also snippets of fighting philosophy. It’s also about the good guy developing good intentions and finding his way to overcome his opponents and issues, without seeing violence as the answer to everything. Of course typically for a fight movie he inevitably gets drawn into fighting anyway. 

What I'm saying is that it’s not a production that will necessarily appeal to the hardcore Kung Fu flick fans, but for a modern youth targeted tale of the martial arts, you can do a lot worse.

D. L. Drew