An escort service must transport a large shipment of gold to a famine stricken location. A number of martial artists are also on hand as it is learned that the dreaded Death Valley Gang, led by Golden Arm (Lo Mang) plan to intercept them and steal the gold for themselves. Another villain, Iron Feet, waits in the wings for the opportune moment to strike.
Another of Chang Cheh's comic book laced adventures. This one is especially colorful with every character having his own signature color. The fights are plentiful as the evil gang battles them or simply leaves deadly poison traps for the heroes to fall into. This is one of the most beloved entries by fans. I never cared much for this movie as the only print available was a badly cut TV version. Seeing it now in its new uncut, remastered and widescreen glory, it's much better but I still wouldn't call it a favorite as so many others do. Supposedly, Celestial has a scene out of sequence in this Chinese version. The same scene is featured differently in the US cut. Either way, it's not distracting and it's not noticeable if you've never seen the English dub version.
Lo Mang is excellent as the righteous villain Golden Arm. His arms are invulnerable to weapons attacks but his body is not. His final fight between the Drunk, Hai To (Kuo Chui) is a highlight as well as the late appearance of the villain Iron Feet, who is discussed several times by various characters during the film. Lo could successfully portray heroes or villains. He played a lot of both throughout his 30+ year career.
Kuo Chui is also memorable as always as the sheriff Hai To (pronounced 'toe') who drinks in nearly every scene he is in. His near constant confrontations with Swordsman Li (Wei Pai) are quite amusing. Pai's character could be viewed as a parody of Chang's heroes seen in his many bloody chivalry movies during the late 60s thru the 70s. He is the epitome of the stubborn, arrogant and righteous hero whose doom is foretold early on.
Chiang Sheng and Sun Shu Pei are also funny as Long Axe and Short Axe. The two are in constant competition over who kills the most bad guys. These two are involved in the best fight scene in the entire film. The duel between Short Axe and Silver Spear (Lu Feng).
The other gang members are the above mentioned Silver Spear who uses trick spear weapons as well as a waist belt armed with smaller spear projectiles, Iron Robe (Wang Lung Wei) whose coat is made of Iron and he also uses an Iron Fan with tips like razors. Brass Head (Yang Hsung) wears a lethal head piece as well as his great strength. There's another gang called the Seven Hooks and an assassin known as the Black Sand Palm among the many characters.
This is probably Chang's most comic styled movie. Not just in the colors, but the extravagant characters as well as their weapons and outfits. Truly a comic book come to life. The gore is also OTT and gives the film a comic book feel. Some of the death scenes of the characters are simply outrageous and if you've never seen any of Chang Cheh's films from this time period, you'll be amazed by what you see.
A very enjoyable movie whose recent restoration adds immensely to the viewing experience.
Another of Chang Cheh's comic book laced adventures. This one is especially colorful with every character having his own signature color. The fights are plentiful as the evil gang battles them or simply leaves deadly poison traps for the heroes to fall into. This is one of the most beloved entries by fans. I never cared much for this movie as the only print available was a badly cut TV version. Seeing it now in its new uncut, remastered and widescreen glory, it's much better but I still wouldn't call it a favorite as so many others do. Supposedly, Celestial has a scene out of sequence in this Chinese version. The same scene is featured differently in the US cut. Either way, it's not distracting and it's not noticeable if you've never seen the English dub version.
Lo Mang is excellent as the righteous villain Golden Arm. His arms are invulnerable to weapons attacks but his body is not. His final fight between the Drunk, Hai To (Kuo Chui) is a highlight as well as the late appearance of the villain Iron Feet, who is discussed several times by various characters during the film. Lo could successfully portray heroes or villains. He played a lot of both throughout his 30+ year career.
Kuo Chui is also memorable as always as the sheriff Hai To (pronounced 'toe') who drinks in nearly every scene he is in. His near constant confrontations with Swordsman Li (Wei Pai) are quite amusing. Pai's character could be viewed as a parody of Chang's heroes seen in his many bloody chivalry movies during the late 60s thru the 70s. He is the epitome of the stubborn, arrogant and righteous hero whose doom is foretold early on.
Chiang Sheng and Sun Shu Pei are also funny as Long Axe and Short Axe. The two are in constant competition over who kills the most bad guys. These two are involved in the best fight scene in the entire film. The duel between Short Axe and Silver Spear (Lu Feng).
The other gang members are the above mentioned Silver Spear who uses trick spear weapons as well as a waist belt armed with smaller spear projectiles, Iron Robe (Wang Lung Wei) whose coat is made of Iron and he also uses an Iron Fan with tips like razors. Brass Head (Yang Hsung) wears a lethal head piece as well as his great strength. There's another gang called the Seven Hooks and an assassin known as the Black Sand Palm among the many characters.
This is probably Chang's most comic styled movie. Not just in the colors, but the extravagant characters as well as their weapons and outfits. Truly a comic book come to life. The gore is also OTT and gives the film a comic book feel. Some of the death scenes of the characters are simply outrageous and if you've never seen any of Chang Cheh's films from this time period, you'll be amazed by what you see.
A very enjoyable movie whose recent restoration adds immensely to the viewing experience.