Tag: shawbrothers

Crippled Avengers (1978)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer (in SHAWSCOPE!!!)

The Venom Mob is back again for a much weirder adventure. This is not a sequel to The Five Deadly Venoms, but one of many Shaw Brothers films featuring those core actors. Four men are disabled by an evil martial arts master, so naturally they are taught to use their handicaps to get revenge. This movie is almost non-stop crazy action from the start, and a fan-favorite Shaw flick. This would make an excellent double bill with Accione Mutante (the new disc is HIGHLY recommended).

Available on Blu-ray from Arrow (part of the Shawscope Vol 1 Box).

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Clan of the the White Lotus (1980)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Aka Fists of the the White Lotus. “Deadly Needle Kung Fu Against the Invincible Armor of The White Lotus!” Right out of the gate this Shaw Brothers flick will grab you (with it’s crotch). White Lotus features crazy-complex fight choreography, and a good sense of humor too (not in that goofy Jackie Chan / Sammo Hung way either). If you’re not sold before the opening credits are done, then hit stop and go watch a superhero movie. I gave this film a 9 out of 10 rating on imdb.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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The Kid with the Golden Arm (1979)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

The Shaw Brothers and director Chang Cheh bring the main Five Deadly Venoms cast back together for a completely different martial arts adventure. Golden Arm (who is hardly a kid) is part of an evil gang, and happens to be almost impervious to harm. He and his fellow villains Silver Spear, Iron Robe, and Brass Head aim to hijack a shipment of gold. Will they succeed?! Who could possibly stop them?!?! HOW?!?!?! You’ll have to find out for yourself. This movie is almost non-stop action, and looks beautiful too. Yeah, Kid with the Golden Arm is not a five star film, some extra cheese hinders it a tiny bit. Just be prepared to roll your eyes a few times while you enjoy one hell of a fun Kung Fu flick.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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The Five Venoms (1978)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I avoided recommending this one (aka The Five Deadly Venoms) until now as it’s very well known among martial arts fans. Anything I saw on TV regularly as a kid may even be too obvious. However, I think a lot of younger folks may have missed this classic Shaw Brothers film. It’s got all the crazy fight choreography you’d expect, and the majority of Shaw’s greatest stars, plus a mystery angle with a very dark edge. There are some parts that even look like a Mario Bava film. Maybe hold off on watching something in the Netflix Top 10 and check out this fun piece of Anomalous Cinema.

Available on Blu-ray from Celestial Pictures.

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The New One-Armed Swordsman (1971)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

The original One-Armed Swordsman was played by Wang Yu. This total reboot stars David Chiang, and it’s a blast. Here the Shaw Brothers go for more straight-forward action, not Five Elements Ninjas-type insanity. Don’t let that discourage you, this is a very entertaining martial arts film. Even the dramatic scenes kept my attention. Recommended, fast-paced action, that is not for the whole family (what with the arm chopping and all).

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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The Oily Maniac (1976)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

The Shaw Brothers made this absolutely bonkers horror / action flick years before The Toxic Avenger. It is even more gloriously ridiculous than Toxie. You might just enjoy this movie so much you have to own the collectible vinyl figure (it ain’t cheap though).

Import Blu-ray available from 88 Films.

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Vengeance (1970)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

John Boorman’s Point Blank was a very influential movie. It informed the fractured storyline of Oldboy. It also inspired the look and feel of Vengeance. That makes this movie lean more towards an art film than Five Elements Ninjas. What will bring you down to earth from the fancy heights of cinema is the straight-up, no frills english dubbing by all the same voices that looped the other Shaw Brothers films around the same time. I was hoping there would be the original Chinese dub available to take that cheesy edge off, but that option was not available (on the version I watched anyhow). In spite of that minor flaw, this is a very good, artsy, dark martial arts movie that I personally found quite enjoyable. It’s got a bit more drama than fists a-flyin’ but I give it high marks for it’s look and style.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Five Elements Ninjas (1982)

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Main image – my photo of a hand-painted Ghanaian poster for “Five Elements Ninjas.”

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Now THIS is a Saturday Night movie! Five Elements Ninjas is one of my top five favorite martial arts films of all time. The Shaw Brothers serve up a heaping helping of nearly non-stop, insane, bloody ninja action. The film is often ridiculous, and utterly improbable, but it all works together beautifully somehow. Enjoy with your favorite psychoactive for maximum impact.

Available on Blu-ray from Tokyo Shock.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.