88 Films UK Blu-ray Synopsis: During the Ming Dynasty, the Emperor's elite Chin Yi Secret Service was created to crush rebellion – but under the corrupt rule of Eunuch Wang Chun (Lau Wing),it has become a weapon of tyranny. Loyal captain Chao Pu-Fan (Leung Kar-Yan) faithfully carries out brutal orders until he realizes he's merely a pawn in Wang's reign of terror. When he defies the command to murder innocents, Pu-Fan becomes the hunted, forced to fight his own family and the empire itself to reclaim his honour. Packed with breathtaking martial arts, political intrigue, and tragic heroism, Secret Service of the Imperial Court stands as one of Shaw Brothers' most gripping and emotionally charged epics. (91 Mins)

 

Shout Factory US Blu-ray Synopsis: A martial arts master decides to take over the throne of the young emperor... but a loyal soldier who serves the royals will stop at nothing to bring him down once and for all. (91 Mins)

 

Views: Made in 1984, just prior to the period when the infamous Shaw Brothers studios were really starting to wind down film production – although only one of 27 feature films made that year next to classics like 8 Diagram Pole Fighter, Long Road to Gallantry, Opium and the Kung Fu Master, An Amorous Woman of the Tang Dynasty, Sex Beyond the Grave and more – Secret Service of the Imperial Court wasn't much of a hit during it's short cinema run, but it's certainly made up for it over the years as a cult classic loved by many! When an evil Eunuch abuses his powers, sending out the Emperor's Secret Service to kill for him, he soon learns of upset in the ranks when Sargent Zhao defies his orders in the name of justice. Now, with a bounty on his head and no-one left to trust but his wife and son, Zhao must go on the run – slicing and dicing those who stand in his way, including the men he once ordered who keep coming in waves. But in order to clear his name and take revenge for all who have fallen before him, Zhao must face the powerful Eunuch once and for all in a fight to the death!

 

Wu Xia meets Lone Wolf & Cub - I love this movie! Later remade in 2010 as 14 Blades by Daniel Lee, starring Donnie Yen (which I also thoroughly enjoy), Secret Service of the Imperial Court is an intense, fast-paced and brutal Shaw Brothers wuxia thriller that just screams the traits of it's director – the often overlooked and fantastic Tony Lou. I've long been a fan of his, ever since I saw his mental Holy Virgin vs the Evil Dead (1991) back in the mid-90s. Soon after that I caught Dreaming the Reality (1991), The Master (1980) and Angel Terminators 2 (1993) which really got me hooked. Of course, today, I've seen many of his works thanks to more and more labels restoring and releasing them around the world; films like Tiger Over Wall (1980), Ambitious Kung Fu Girl (1981), The Lady Assassin (1983), Holy Flame of the Martial World (1983), Bastard Swordsman (1983) and it's sequel, Killer Angels (1989), Devil Hunters (1989) and The Big Deal (1992) to name but a few. And if you've seen and loved any of those, then you'll have a fair idea of what to expect when you watch this hyper-kinetic gem. Aside from directing and making a small appearance throughout, Lou also choreographs the impressive and energetic fight scenes on offer, which (truth be told) is probably a good 85% of the film – and I totally mean that in a good way.

​

Starring as our hero in trouble is fan-fave and awesome Leung Kar Yan, one of my all time favourite kung fu stars who kicked off his career at the Shaw Brothers studio a good decade before this. In that time, he managed to star in about 45 films before taking the lead here, from appearances in many Chang Cheh classics from Five Shaolin Masters (1974) to 7-Man Army (1976), independents like Eagle's Claw (1977), Iron Monkey (1977), Demon Strike (1979), and The Thundering Mantis (1980), and Yuen Woo Ping hits like Dreadnaught (1981), Legend of a Fighter (1982) and Miracle Fighters (1982). But it's fair to say that most western fans would recognise him more-so from Sammo Hung films such as Warriors Two (1978), Knockabout (1979), Odd Couple (1979), and The Victim (1980) for example. Regardless, and without ever truly training in the art of kung fu, Leung Kar Yan has always impressed as one of Hong Kong action cinema's finest and is a dam treat to watch here as the intense, highly skilled, and feared Zhao Pu Fan. Of course, his biggest threat is Eunuch Wang Chun, played with an wicked campiness by the great Tony Liu/Lau Wing who almost steals ever scene he appears in. Probably best remembered for his roles in Bruce Lee's Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Way of the Dragon (1972) and as a tournament fighter in Enter the Dragon (1973), Lau carved a healthy enough career for himself at the Shaw Brothers studio – some of which were directed by Tony Liu including The Lady Assassin (1983), Bastard Swordsman (1983) and Return of the Bastard Swordsman (1984) made just prior to this. I must also note that both stars are indeed still acting today as I write...

​

Joining them is a wonderful cast of Shaw Brothers' greats such as the prolific and much loved Ku Feng, appearing here as the leader of the Secret Service and father Captain Zhao. Venom Mob stars Lo Meng and Sun Chien also play supporting roles – which was kind of odd to see them in reduced roles considering the powerful career they both had in the years leading up to this. Meng stars as the younger Zhao brother, dealing with his own troubles before stepping up to the game in order to save his elder. Sun Chien, on the other hand, stars as one of the servicemen sent to track Zhao (Kar Yan) down and bring back his head. Thankfully, both get the chance to shine in at least one major action scene as well as taking part in group scenes. The same can be said for the great Lo Lieh, here playing Zhao's uncle forced into fighting for his head in an atmospheric battle, intercut with a slo-mo scene of a young Zhao running into his arms. I'm always surprised, although excited, to see the underrated Nick Cheung Lik pop up – again, as another serviceman who gets to let loose now and again. The wonderful Jason Pai Piao co-stars as the memorable Yu Hua Lung, as does the always intriguing Cheng Kei Ying. And while Tony Lou himself gets a small role as Ku Feng's bodyguard, it has to be the late-great Philip Ko Fei that proved to be one of the bigger highlights for me. I'm a huge fan of the man and he does a fantastic job here as Tsao Chi Hsiang, getting to clash with Leung Kar Yan in an intense Japanese-style showdown!

​

Recently, Secret Service of the Imperial Court has gained some new love via some Blu-ray releases – notably from Shout Factory as part of their Shaw Brothers Classics Vol. 8 box set, and as a single release courtesy of 88 Films. On the Shout Factory release that shares a case with other Tony Lou film, Return of the Bastard Swordsman (1984), we get a great audio commentary with James Mudge and a second with Brian Bankston, an interview with author Leon Hunt, and an image gallery. And while both HD restorations are quite gorgeous, the 88 Films release is unfortunately void of any special features – albeit for a brief image gallery – which was a bit of a let down considering how amazing the film actually is. However, as a single film release, we do get some impressive and colourful original new artwork courtesy of Kung Fu Bob that is carried onto the disc and menu. Regardless, and while it's not perfect, it's just great to see another classic of the Shaw Brothers catalogue finally get released the way it was meant to be seen!

 

Overall: Fast-paced and fight-filled, Secret Service of the Imperial Court is an intense historical epic that deserves to be seen!

​

88 Films Blu-ray Extras: Stills Gallery

​

Shout Factory Blu-ray Extras: Audio Commentary with James Mudge, Audio Commentary with Brian Bankston, Interview with Leon Hunt, Image Gallery

​

Watch my unboxing video for the 88 Films release HERE

​

Watch my unboxing for the Shout Factory release HERE

​

Support the site by getting your copy HERE