Heaven and Hell (1980) was a strange film from director Chang Cheh and Shaw Brothers in general. Comedies and fantasies were becoming popular in Hong Kong. The straight forward kung-fu films were falling out of favor with the viewing public. So a time for change was needed at Shaw Brothers. Many of their productions were turning to more light hearted fare (Wong Jing was becoming a rising star as a film maker in the Shaw Brothers company). Chang Cheh released this weird hybrid film onto the public. Heaven and Hell!!
The movie takes place in three different sections. The first part takes place in heaven. David Chiang plays a spirit who wants to return to the land of the living. Part two takes place on Earth with Alexander Fu and his bride Jenny Tsang. The final part takes place in hell as several spirits who were supposed to go to heaven accidentally wind up in hell. In order to leave they have to fight there way out. The spirits of the damned have to live out their sins and vices for the rest of their lives.
A bizarre film that'll even be weirder to those who know nothing about Asian and Chinese culture. But if you know a little then you'll get the film. Fun stuff from the usual dark and gritty Chang Cheh. What's even more eerier is the fact that this was one of Alexander Fu's last films. His life would be cut short from a tragic auto accident. Even though he's dead and gone, he'll live forever through cinema!
Restored by Celestial Pictures to it's original glory.
The movie takes place in three different sections. The first part takes place in heaven. David Chiang plays a spirit who wants to return to the land of the living. Part two takes place on Earth with Alexander Fu and his bride Jenny Tsang. The final part takes place in hell as several spirits who were supposed to go to heaven accidentally wind up in hell. In order to leave they have to fight there way out. The spirits of the damned have to live out their sins and vices for the rest of their lives.
A bizarre film that'll even be weirder to those who know nothing about Asian and Chinese culture. But if you know a little then you'll get the film. Fun stuff from the usual dark and gritty Chang Cheh. What's even more eerier is the fact that this was one of Alexander Fu's last films. His life would be cut short from a tragic auto accident. Even though he's dead and gone, he'll live forever through cinema!
Restored by Celestial Pictures to it's original glory.