ENTER THREE DRAGONS
(Hong Kong 1978)
Original Title: Guai Quan Guai Zhao 快拳怪招 (aka) Dragon On Fire
Directed by Joseph Velasco Produced by Tomas Tang, Joseph Koo Action by Leung Siu Chung, Philip Ko Fei Starring: Dragon Lee, Jang Il Do, Bruce Lai, Nick Cheung Lik, PhilipKo Fei, Tiger Yang, Chiang Tao, San Kwai, Bolo Yeung, Lee Hoi Sang Reviewing: Severin Films US Blu-ray Release Genres: Martial-arts / Action / Bruceploitation
Rating: 3.3 / 5
Synopsis: Sammy gets involved with gangsters in an attempt to save his relative from a problem, so he calls Dragon Hung in America to come to Hong Kong and help him. (87 Mins)
Vengeance Video UK DVD Synopsis (Dragon On Fire): Kung fu superstar Philip Ko stars as Ko, a ruthless diamond smuggler and master of the Devil's Palm. After double crossing Sammy the Black Snake Fist, Ko must face the wrath of the 3 Dragons who want to clear Sammy's name and put a stop to Ko's evil doings. But first they must face Ko's vast posse of fighters: Bolo, Lee Hoi San, Tiger Yang, Fong Yeh and a host of fighting kings. Non stop action, Philip Ko at his shape-shifting best, plus the great kicks of Chang Yi Tao and Tiger Yang! (83 Mins)
Views: While Joseph (Velasco) Kong Hong is probably more known for his crazy Bruceploitation flick, The Clones Of Bruce Lee, I have to point out that just a couple of years before he had already given us a triple 'clone' feature in the shape of Enter Three Dragons, also known by many as Dragon On Fire. Of course, Joseph had been making these rip-off flicks for a few years already with Bruce Le as his star in Bruce's Fingers, Return Of Bruce, and My Name Called Bruce. This would continue with the aforementioned favourite The Clones Of Bruce Lee, Treasure Of Bruce Le, Bruce And The Shaolin Bronzemen, Concorde Of Bruce, Bruce Strikes Back, and Bruce's Secret Kung Fu. Interestingly, Enter Three Dragons does not star Bruce Le! Complete with yet another incoherent plot that involves gangsters, Bruce Lee lookalikes and murderous villains, Enter Three Dragons is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that's nonsense is thankfully overshadowed by some exciting and impressive fight action. The legendary Godfrey Ho serves as the assistant director of the piece, a job he would do for Joseph once again on The Clones Of Bruce Lee – and at least that film had a bit of structure behind it!
Produced by Tomas Tang and Joseph Lai, the film boasts some great names starting with the great Dragon Lee in, what would be, his first Hong Kong film. Born in Korea under the name of Keo Ryong, Dragon would go onto star a host of Bruceploitation flicks after his role here. Of course, the pint-sized powerhouse had starred in a host of Korean made kung fu flicks also, impressing in films such as Fury Of The Dragon, Champ Vs Champ, Dragon's Snake Fist, Martial Monks Of Shaolin Temple, and Five Pattern Dragon Claws, yet has always been remembered as one of the most popular Bruce Lee clones. He is joined by fellow Korean Jang Il Do, sometimes known as Philip Cheung or Bruce Lai – which is odd considering the film stars the other Bruce Lai. While Jang would aim to avoid the Bruceploitation world after this, he would join Dragon Lee in a few more films such as Golden Dragon Silver Snake, The Dragon's Snake Fist and The 18 Amazones – better known as Dragon Lee's Ways Of Kung Fu to many. Over the years, Jang would also appear in many other great titles including Blooded Treasury Fight, Return To The 36th Chamber, The Kung Fu Emperor, Shaolin Vs Lama, Young Taoism Fighter, and Braveful Police among others. Joining them is short-lived clone, Kwok Si Chi, sometimes known as Bruce Lai. Although he proved to be one of the more convincing Bruce Lee-alikes at the time, Kwok would only really return to the role in the aforementioned Clones Of Bruce Lee before leaving the industry altogether to work in finance.
The talented Nick Cheung Lik, who starred as the lead in Joseph Kong's Tough Guy, A Tooth For A Tooth, Kung Fu's Hero, Kung Fu King, Superior Youngster and others, returns to work with the director once again, co-starring alongside each of the clones and holding his own in each of his fight scenes. The great late Philip Ko also co-stars as the big baddie of the piece and is always a joy to watch when busting a move. While he would rack up over 250 film credits to his name before his death in 2017, Ko Fei would have starred in around 60 of these before Enter Three Dragons came about. Of course, we can't forget that he also played a small role in the real Bruce Lee's epic Enter The Dragon alongside kung-fu cinema powerhouse Bolo Yeung who also pops up here for a couple of fight scenes. The highly recognisable To Siu Ming co-stars while bringing some comedy elements to the show, often hounded by the always enjoyable San Kwai who has worked with many of his co-stars (and the director) over the years, as does Fong Yau- director of the classic 10 Magnificent Killers – who always makes for a fun villain. Fan favourite Lee Hoi San makes an appearance to trade moves with Dragon Lee, along with Hong Kong names such as Yeung Chak Lam, Steve Mak, Lam Hak Ming, Mars and Tom Kam Tong. African-American martial artist Samuel Walls makes his impressive Hong Kong debut going on to star with Nick Cheung, Bolo Yeung and Lee Hoi San in Bruce Le's Enter The Game Of Death, before joining Dragon Lee again a couple of years later in Godfrey Ho's very fun Golden Dragon Silver Snake...
Bit-player and prolific fight-choreographer Leung Siu Chung – father of famed Hong Kong film brothers Bruce Leung and Tony Leung Siu Hung – works with Philip Ko Fei to deliver a constant stream of beautifully choreographed, fast paced, and hard hitting martial arts action. Having begun in the industry in the late 1960s, Leung went onto craft the action seen in classics such as The Lady Hermit, 14 Amazons, A Gathering Of Heroes, A Girl Called Tigress, Rivals Of Kung Fu, Bruce Lee True Story, as well as Billy Chong's brilliant Sun Dragon and Kung Fu Executioner. Leung would also handle the choreography for his son Bruce's fight-fests, The Dragon Lives Again and Ten Tigers Of Shaolin. Of course, he would work with many of the Enter Three Dragons stars over the years, and clearly knew how to get the very best out of everyone. And with that, I think it's only fair to say that, as confused as they may be, genuine fans of kung-fu cinema will love what's on offer here in terms of action – perhaps the only thing that saves it from becoming a complete waste of time! Released as part of The Game Of Clones Bruceploitation Collection from Severin Films, Enter Three Dragons has never looked better with a new restoration that really shows the film in its best presentation ever!
Overall: While it may be another bonkers Bruceploitation flick, Enter Three Dragons makes for a worthy watch due to its exciting fight scenes and great cast!
Severin Films Blu-ray Extras: Severin's Kung Fu Theatre with Michael Worth, Trailer
Vengeance Video DVD Extras: Trailer Gallery, Poster & Stills Gallery
