I admit: I looked up this movie due to the biblical(ish) monologue that was borrowed by Tarantino in Pulp Fiction. It starts off the movie, and is by far the most interesting thing with it. I can understand Tarantino deciding to use it himself.
I have no experience with old martial art movies, but I do appreciate it as a genre, and the mark it has left on popular culture. After seeing this movie, I realize I should probably start with some of the more higher rated movies. Also, I'm not sure if watching the dubbed American releases is the best idea. Sure, it has a campy quality, and maybe it's a nostalgic feeling for those who saw these movies as they came out (or went as reruns) - but honoring the original intent of the director is probably a good idea. Still, even though I have only seen the American release of this movie, the director's intent here probably isn't that interesting.
As many have already pointed out, the plot is confusing and, well, boring. I love the premise: A master of martial arts publicly stating that he will serve as a body guard to anyone who will go against the drug mafia. That's a good set up for an interesting movie. But here it is followed up with bad fight scenes, silly decisions, horrid acting and boring dialog. Worst of all is maybe how the camera is operated. At times, it seems like the camera man thinks he is wielding a steady cam when he is not - leading to a very shaky image. Almost like when you see kids making movies, or home movies.
I could go on, but basically: Start somewhere else if you want to get into kung-fu movies.
I have no experience with old martial art movies, but I do appreciate it as a genre, and the mark it has left on popular culture. After seeing this movie, I realize I should probably start with some of the more higher rated movies. Also, I'm not sure if watching the dubbed American releases is the best idea. Sure, it has a campy quality, and maybe it's a nostalgic feeling for those who saw these movies as they came out (or went as reruns) - but honoring the original intent of the director is probably a good idea. Still, even though I have only seen the American release of this movie, the director's intent here probably isn't that interesting.
As many have already pointed out, the plot is confusing and, well, boring. I love the premise: A master of martial arts publicly stating that he will serve as a body guard to anyone who will go against the drug mafia. That's a good set up for an interesting movie. But here it is followed up with bad fight scenes, silly decisions, horrid acting and boring dialog. Worst of all is maybe how the camera is operated. At times, it seems like the camera man thinks he is wielding a steady cam when he is not - leading to a very shaky image. Almost like when you see kids making movies, or home movies.
I could go on, but basically: Start somewhere else if you want to get into kung-fu movies.