Eureka Video UK Blu-ray Synopsis: Distinguished by his penchant for bloodshed and a thematic concentration on the bonds of brotherhood and masculine sacrifice, Chang Cheh is one of the most prolific and accomplished directors ever to emerge from the Hong Kong film industry. Often hailed as the “Godfather of Hong Kong cinema,” he enjoyed a career spanning six decades and worked in a multitude of genres, from Chinese opera to kung fu films via wuxia pian, historical epics and tales of the supernatural. Presented here are ten films that reveal the range and versatility of Chang’s career as a filmmaker. Traditional wuxia pian is represented by King Eagle, Trail of the Broken Blade and Wandering Swordsman; choreographed by Lau Kar-leung, Men from the Monastery and Shaolin Martial Arts are both drawn from Chang’s Shaolin cycle, included here alongside New Shaolin Boxers; Iron Bodyguard, released at the dawn of the kung fu era, is representative of changing trends in Hong Kong cinema; and some of Chang’s more esoteric work is represented by the opera film The Fantastic Magic Baby and the supernatural fantasy The Weird Man. Also included is the anthology film Trilogy of Swordsmanship, to which Chang contributed a segment alongside his contemporaries Yueh Feng and Cheng Kang. All produced during Chang Cheh’s tenure at Shaw Brothers, these ten films are a testament to the director’s distinct aesthetic style and his recurring thematic preoccupations. Eureka Classics is proud to present this selection of Chang’s work for the first time on Blu-ray in the UK.

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Views: Limited only to 2000 copies and gorgeously presented by Eureka Video, the Furious Swords & Fantastic Warriors collection celebrates the heroic cinema of famed director Chang Cheh with ten classic titles from the Shaw Brothers studios. Known for his blood-soaked martial arts epics, excessive melodrama, and homoerotic themes of brotherhood, Chang Cheh is one of the most loved, respected and celebrated directors of Hong Kong cinema. Eureka Video continues their foray into the Shaw Brothers classics with a host of titles that are sure to become a much loved part of every fan's collection. From historical pieces to wuxia action, bizarre fantasy to revenge dramas, Chang Cheh's filmography spanned almost 45 years with around 100 titles as director, producer or and writer under his belt and launched the film careers of many Hong Kong and Taiwanese stars including Jimmy Wang Yu, David Chiang, Ti Lung and the much loved Venom Mob. With this collection, fans can find a diverse range of work that highlight's the director's trademark style and versatility that only confirms why he was so revered and often known as the 'Godfather of Hong Kong cinema'...

 

Spread over five discs in glorious HD prints, the first two films of the set are taken from Chang's 'Shaolin Cycle' alongside films such as Heroes Two, Five Shaolin Masters, and Shaolin Temple for example. It begins with the fabulous Men From The Monastery, a 1974 production that is sometimes known as Disciples of Death and a film that is often said to be the second of the Cycle with Alexander Fu Sheng and Chen Kuan Tai reprising their roles from Heroes Two as the infamous Fong Sai Yuk and Hung Hei Kwan, respectively. Naturally, they are out to stop the feared Qing invaders and are joined by a fresh faced and vengeful young fighter played by the great Chi Kuan Chun in his debut role. Throughout their journey, the trio trade blows with a number of recognisable Shaw Brothers villains such as Chiang Tao, Wong Ching, Fung Ngai, Fung Hak On and others. Eagle-eyed viewers should also keep an eye out for future performers such as Hsu Hsia, Tino Wong, Brandy Yuen, Bruce Tong, Jamie Luk, Yen Shi Kwan, Yuen Shun Yi and Kent Cheng among others. As with many Chang Cheh films, the legendary Lau Kar Leung and Tong Kai choreograph the abundance of martial arts action on offer, which pretty much fills the majority of it's running time. Oddly, the film's opening credits start rolling about an hour into it - at which point you should go watch Heroes Two which would explain why years are supposed to have passed throughout it's storyline also. Regardless, it all ends in a powerhouse finale that allows all involved the chance to shine as fight fans rejoice!

 

Sharing that disc is Shaolin Martial Arts from the same year and (almost) featuring the same cast. Although Chen Kuan Tai is missing this time round, viewers get to enjoy a young Gordon Liu in one of his earliest and first Shaw Brothers films. Bruce Tong gets a stronger role this time, while many of the aforementioned background players get to stick around. Of course, Alexander Fu Sheng and Chi Kuan Chun lead the way – and do a great job once again – while a young Leung Kar Yan and Johnny Wang Lung Wei make their film debut as bad guys alongside returners Chinag Tao and Fung Hak On. The great Law Kar Wing gets an extended guest role offering up a nice performance with a spear and prolific actors such as the legendary Simon Yuen Siu Tin, Lee Wan Chung and Chiang Nan also appear. Unlike Men From The Monastery, there a lot more training sequences throughout Shaolin Martial Arts, helping our heroes get ready to take on the evil Manchu fighters who have come to destroy Shaolin Temple. It's also worth noting that this was considered to be one of the first on-screen portrayals of the deadly monk, Pai Mei – the character made famous in the West by Gordon Liu in Tarantino's Kill Bill 2. Once again, Lau Kar Leung and Tong Kai deliver some incredible kung fu action which helps it's lengthy running time (of almost 2 hours) zip by. With that, Shaolin Martial Arts delivers just about everything you would expect from a Shaw Brothers movie of this period – strong story, high production values, violent fight scenes – making it one of Chang Cheh's finer titles from his run of Shaolin movies.

 

Aside from the two films, the first disc also contains two audio commentaries. For Men From The Monastery, David West delivers an in-depth look at the film with some informative points on it's stars and certain characters, while Frank Djeng and Michael Worth work their way through Shaolin Martial Arts. A 15 minute featurette called Saving Shaolin: Legends of Modern Martial Arts makes for an interesting watch as Jonathon Clements narrates the truth of Chang Cheh's stories and the characters involved. And finally, older fans may enjoy looking back at the few minutes of VHS footage of the English credits for Men From The Monastery...

 

Disc Two gives us King Eagle and Iron Bodyguard, two more titles that fall under the 'Furious Swords' side of the box set. The incredible Ti Lung leads the way in what was only his 6th or 7th movie since entering the film industry. Of course, he had starred for Chang Cheh in everything previous and is absolutely one of my all time favourite Shaw Brothers stars. Here, he stars as the titular hero – a lone swordsman who inadvertently gets pulled into the conflicts of a martial arts clan. But while caught up in their internal battles, King Eagle falls in love with their 7th leader; a beautiful young swordswoman with an evil twin sister. Together, they return to the clan's hideout where they a violent battle breaks out and King Eagle's skills are really put to the test. While very different to the previous Shaolin outings, King Eagle is a fast moving wuxia-melodrama in the vein of Avenging Eagle that came out a number of years later. Ti Lung is joined by the lovely Li Ching who stars as his new love (and her twin sister), the great Chang Pei Shan, Ching Miao, Wang Kuang Yu, Wang Chung, Chen Sing, and others. Supporting roles and extras come in the shape of Bruce Tong, Chan Chuen, Wong Ching, Yuen Shun Yi, Cliff Lok, San Kwai, Fung Hak On, Brandy Yuen, Yuen Woo Ping, and Yen Shi Kwan among others. Interestingly, the talented Yuen Cheung Yan joins Tong Kai this time as the martial arts-directors of the piece, with the latter also appearing briefly throughout the film. Focusing more on swordplay rather than hand-to-hand combat, the fight scenes are fast and furious, and still as entertaining today!

 

Iron Bodyguard follows – a historical martial arts-drama set in the 1890s, based on a true story and later remade by Sammo Hung as Blade of Fury. It tells the tale of the Reformist Party led by Tan Si Tong who, along with a group of forward thinking scholars, are trying to modernise China under the rule of the Empress Dowager. Naturally, there mission doesn't go smoothly. Along the way, Tan meets militant hero Wang Wu and quickly learns that he has the support of this feared swordsman. Together, the pair fight side-by-side as the Manchu army are sent to stop them – all for sharing a few bits of calligraphy. While ignoring some truths and political drama, no doubt for a bit of artistic licensing in allowing a faster-paced, fight-filled film. The fantastic Chen Kuan Tai stars as Big Blade Wang Yu while the popular Yueh Hua plays Tan Si Tong. Both are joined by a hots of younger but recognisable faces such as the great Danny Lee, who was only making his 5th or 6th appearance at this time, Lily Li, Dean Shek, Fong Hak On, Ricky Hui, Chui Fat, Huang Ha, and Tung Lin. Popular bad guys of the time, Chiang Tao and Chiang Nan also get to shake things up. It's also worth noting that regular co-director Pao Hsueh Li shares the helm with Chang Cheh on this one, with both directors also making The Pirate that same year.

 

Two more audio commentaries accompany the films with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema delivering a fun one for King Eagle, and Iron Bodyguard seeing the return of Frank Djeng and Michael Worth. The only other extra feature is another video essay by Jonathon Clements called A Sword Raise To The Sky: History and the Iron Bodyguard, a 15 minute piece that looks closely at that real history of the characters portrayed and how true the film actually was. It also shows (supposedly) real photos of each hero and their executions. Narrated once again by the man himself, it does make for a very interesting watch overall...

 

Disc three, the first of the 'Fantastic Warriors' side of things, contains The Fantastic Magic Baby and The Weird Man – two films that were first time watches for me. Made in 1975 and only one of three films from Chang Cheh that year (compared to his busier output in 1974 and 76), The Fantastic Magic Baby plays like a film adaptation of a Chinese Opera with pantomime overtones that will surely bring a chuckle to some viewers as much as it may annoy as many. Set in the heavens, the story is filled with fantastical characters such as Sun Wukong the Monkey King, Princess Iron Fan, the Goddess of Mercy, Dragon Girl, the Ox King, Pigsy, Sandy, Tripitaka and more – all of whom have to deal with the child-god known as The Fantastic Magic Baby (or Red Boy), and get him onto the road of righteousness. Out of all the genres Chang Cheh delves into, this kind of fantasy style isn't really his strongest. Prior to this, he had just made Na Cha the Great with Alexander Fu Sheng but that was a film I just did not like! Thankfully, The Fantastic Magic Baby is a little better – although still not top tier Chang Cheh and only runs for 65 minutes before going straight into an actual Chinese Opera stage play of the very same story (at 35 minutes). For the movie, the talented Ting Wa Chung makes his debut role as the titular character. Of course, he would go onto star in films such as 7 Man Army, Incredible Kung Fu Mission, Shaolin Vs. Ninja, The Nine Demons, and more. Ting is joined by regulars Chiang Tao and Fung Hak On, while the great Philip Kwok shows up in a couple of roles in what was one of his first ever films. While it certainly won't be for everyone, The Fantastic Magic Baby is silly and creative with some fun fight action courtesy of Lau Kar Leung. Perhaps watching it with one of the two available audio commentaries may help you get through it, with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema or Frank Djeng alone offering two very different experiences and the stage show was pretty cool too.

 

The Weird Man follows that; a Chang Cheh film that came almost a decade after The Fantastic Magic Baby and proves to be much more entertaining – thankfully. It would also be his last for the Shaw Brothers studio. Playing like an unspoken chapter from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Weird Man is a bizarre mix of fantasy, martial arts, ghostly fun and Taoist magic. Think Miracle Fighters meets the Venom Mob and you'll have a fair idea of what to expect. An executed Taoist Priest, who spent his living days helping and healing, returns as a vengeful ghost and uses his supernatural powers to fight the corrupt officials that killed him. It often doesn't make a lot of sense, but it does entertain for the most part and is one of those odd Hong Kong titles that drew many Western fans in. The talented Ricky Cheng stars as Taoist Yu Ji – the Weird Man himself. Interestingly, after this, Cheng would star in two other very odd titles for Chang Cheh with Attack of the Joyful Goddess and The Nine Demons which were independently made by the director – an odd time for the legendary filmmaker that saw each film get less and less appealing. Fans might also recognise Cheng from Jackie Chan's earlier Lo Wei titles such as New Fist of Fury and Killer Meteors, and got his first role alongside him in Hand of Death. Here, Cheng is joined by Chiu Gwok, Chang Cheh regulars Wong Lik, Yu Tai Ping, Kwan Fung, and Chu Ko, prolific actor Wong Ching Ho, and the great Jason Pai Piao in an extended cameo. Ricky Cheng also handles the fight choreography and delivers a host of incredible martial arts action, as well as some fantastical moments that allow for extra creativity. The always informative David West offers a great audio commentary for anyone wanting to try and make more sense of this outrageous movie.

 

On disc four we get Trail of the Broken Blade and The Wandering Swordsman. Made in 1967 and starring the great-late Jimmy Wang Yu in his third feature for Cheh after Tiger Boy and Magnificent Trio, Trail of the Broken Blade is a gorgeously put together classic featuring handsome swordsman, strong performances, exciting swordplay, stunning cinematography and musical numbers. After assassinating the corrupt official who killed his father, aristocratic knight Li Yueh (Wang Yu) turns his back on his life, love and sword to go into hiding. Naturally, many people come looking for him – some for his head, others for his help. I really enjoy Trail of the Broken Blade. Chang directs it's intricate story well and Wang Yu looks fantastic – still an early moment of his film career before he fell into that 'terminator' mould in the years that followed. He is joined by Kiu Chong, who plays the handsome swordsman Fang, and the gorgeous Lisa Chiao Chiao – their first film together before going onto star with each other in the One-Armed Swordsman and many more after that. Wang Yu's regular lady co-star Chin Ping returns, while the great Chen Hung Lieh channels his inner Jade Faced Tiger from Come Drink With Me to portray another strong villain. Of course, both he and Wang Yu had shared the screen a few times before this already. They are joined by prolific actors such as Paul Wei Ping-Ao, Fan Mei Sheng, Tien Feng, Wu Ma, Wang Kuang Yu and Lee Wan Chung. Up and coming stars such as Cliff Lok, Lau Kar Wing, Yuen Cheung Yan, Hsu Hsia,Yuen Woo Ping and Yuen Shun Yi also appear, with fight choreographers Lau Kar Leung and Tong Kai also popping up. Another fact-filled audio commentary from David West accompanies the film...

 

Shaw Brothers legend David Chiang leads the way in The Wandering Swordsman as a Robin Hood-esque character that gets duped into helping a band of thieves rob some valuable treasure. When he learns of the mistake he has made, the cheeky swordsman does what he can to fix things and seek his own redemption. The first film to allow David Chiang to star as a solo leading man (Ti Lung is nowhere to be seen), The Wandering Swordsman is a very different kettle of fish in comparison to what we have seen in the collection already. Humorous and quirky in it's approach, the film features a host of names that add to the fun such as the great Chen Sing, lovely Lily Li, co-director Wu Ma, Cheh movie regular Cheng Lei, Wang Kuang Yu, Cliff Lok, and a young Bolo Yeung in what would be only his first or second role ever. While most of the infamous Yuen Clan appear throughout, Yuen Cheung Yan gets a more featured part having been the man behind the exciting fight choreography, alongside the prolific Chan Siu Pang. While there's some crude wire-work on offer here and there, most of the fights are pretty entertaining and make Chiang look a little less stiff than he usually does. It was also nice to see him having a good time, playing more of a care-free character compared to many of his later roles with Chang Cheh that were very straight-laced. Overall, it's a fun ride worth checking out! Once again, Mike Leeder and Arne Venema return to give another informative and fun audio commentary.

 

The final disc offers up Trilogy of Swordsmanship and New Shaolin Boxers, a nice finish to this busy and impressive collection. The first is an interesting project and one we have seen many times since, with three short films (featuring brotherhood, swordplay, politics, intrigue and melodrama) put out as a lengthy Anthology feature – each segment handled by different directors. The first episode is called The Iron Bow, directed by Griffin Yueh Feng; an equally prolific director who was coming towards the end of his career by this stage after 40 years in the business. A light-hearted story with enough solid fight action, the film is quite humorous at times and features the fantastic Yueh Hua, beautiful Shih Szu, popular Tin Ching, and a hairy Bolo Yeung. It's a beautifully made piece from the director of classics like Dragon Creek, Rape of the Sword, A Taste of Cold Steel and The Bells of Death! The Tigress follows from director Cheng Kang, the man behind hits such as Twelve Gold Medallions, 14 Amazons, and The Flying Guillotine 2! Coming in at around 45 minutes in total, Cheng offers a more emotional tale about a love affair between an army General and a beautiful prostitute – a woman that every man wants to have. The beautiful Lily Ho plays the leading lady (fantastically) alongside stars such as Lo Lieh, Tsung Hua, Chin Han, Wang Ping and the prolific Lee Wan Chung. A young Sammo Hung and Yeung Wai also make small appearances. Without a doubt, The Tigress is wonderfully done and certainly won't disappoint! The man of the hour comes in with the final segment – White Water Strand; a fight filled piece from the 'Iron Triangle' of Chang Cheh, David Chiang and Ti Lung. It's a simple enough tale coming off The Water Margin legend, about a gang of heroic bandits trying to rescue their friend from execution, and a damn good excuse for as much fighting as possible – so much so, that White Water Strand almost feels like it's the closing chapter from a whole other movie, with it's back story having been left out. Starring alongside them are a bevy of familiar faces such as Wang Chung, Chen Sing, Bruce Tong, Cheng Lei, Li Ching, and Ku Feng, while the likes of Bolo Yeung, San Kuai, Yuen Woo Ping and Yen Shi Kwan pop-up throughout. Hsu Feng Ying does a great job as one of the only females in action. Overall, it's a short film that oozes Chang Cheh's best qualities and a great finish to this brilliantly put together Anthology. It's also worth noting that fight choreographers Lau Kar Leung, Tong Kai, Leung Siu Chung and Chui Hing Chun share the duties throughout, with the action in each film proving to highly entertaining and one of the biggest highlights.

 

And finally, New Shaolin Boxers closes the set – a kung fu comedy with Alexander Fu Sheng in top form as a heroic rascal, Zhong Jian, that tries to help those in need but often finds that he causes more trouble as a result. After dealing with some thugs, Fu is soon defeated by their boss, Feng. Jian heads to the hills where he learns Choy Li Fut from an old Shaolin disciple, but the hot-tempered young fighter can't handle his bizarre training and leaves early. But when he learns that his master has been killed by Feng, Zhong Jian returns to Shaolin to complete his training and seek revenge! Co-directed by Wu Ma and also known as Grand Master of Death, New Shaolin Boxers is quite possibly my favourite Alexander Fu Sheng film. Playing as the solo hero for the first time, Fu Sheng has never looked and moved better thanks to it's top team of fight directors. His wife, Jenny Tseng, co-stars in what would be their second film together that year alongside Chang Cheh's Boxer Rebellion. Of course, following this, the pair would star in Chinatown Kid. Joining them in the bad guy corner is the amazing Leung Kar Yan and Johnny Wang Lung Wei, the latter of which plays big boss Feng. The great Shan Mao stars as Fu's ill-fated master while the always entertaining Chen Hui Lou plays his Shaolin master. Fans should also keep an eye out for the upcoming Venom Mob in smaller roles, as well as Robotrix director Jamie Luk. Supposedly the fourth film of Chang Cheh's Shaolin Cycle, New Shaolin Boxers may have a basic storyline, but it's performances and fight scenes are what make it a winner with Chang Cheh trying something a little different for the final battle – but I liked it.

 

Two more audio commentaries accompany the films with Mike Leeder and Arne Venema delivering another fun and informative one for Trilogy of Swordsmanship, while Frank Djeng returns with Michael Worth to cover New Shaolin Boxers. The final extra feature is an interview with Hong Kong cinema scholar Wayne Wong – an 18 minute piece to cam on the Trilogy of Swordsmanship and Chang Cheh. As always, he delivers a well written and presented essay mixed with clips from the movie and really breaks down the fantastic Anthology included on this disc...

 

All in all, and many hours later, Furious Swords & Fantastic Warriors: The Heroic Cinema of Chang Cheh is a must for any fan of kung fu cinema and the infamous Shaw Brothers studio. Each movie looks fantastic with their HD restorations, some offering classic English dubs for nostalgic purposes but all with original soundtracks and newly translated English subtitles. The colourful and neatly done artwork of Darren Wheeling graces the box itself and continues onto the cases inside, while James Oliver delivers some great write-ups on all films in the neatly presented collectors book that accompanies it. Wonderfully done and limited to only 2000 copies, Furious Swords & Fantastic Warriors: The Heroic Cinema of Chang Cheh is a superb addition to the collection!

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