Customer Reviews

Deadly Duo (Shaw Brothers)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Another classic from the maestro Chang Cheh, deservedly getting the five-star treatment from Tokyo Shock. Like I've stated in other reviews, it really does bring a smile to my face to see all these classic Shaw titles, not just being put on DVD, but also getting remastered, restored, widescreen, uncut & your choice of Mandarin or an English dub. Thank you Tokyo Shock! An early classic (1971) starring members of Chang's team before the Venoms; Ti Lung, David Chiang, Wang Chung, Chen Sing, Wang Kuang-Yu & Ku Feng. Plus, choreography from Tang Chia & the Pops-Lau Kar-Leung (Liu Chia-Liang), and a guest spot from Yang "Bolo" Sze. Featuring the usual Chang traits-chivalry, honor, bloodshed & sacrifice.

Now, I love this Sung Dynasty period piece. However, if you're expecting "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" wire-fu or high-octane fu found in Chang's later films with his Venom team, well, don't. This is good, sturdy "old-school" fu that paved the way for the Venom team (who I also love). This is more along the lines of "The Heroic Ones" & "Have Sword Will Travel", yet I felt this film was superior. There was a balletic grace in the choreography not seen yet in the previous efforts. Not to give anything away, but I thought the climatic end was a show-stopper. Time to get rid of my bootleg, pan-and-scan, VHS copy, & enjoy this remastered classic DVD the way it should be seen. Can't wait to get "Life Gamble" next.

A "quickie", by Shaw standards (just over eighty minutes of running time), this Ti Lung/David Chiang venture doen't overstay its welcome, and anybody wanting to test the waters of Shaw Brothers' movies on DVD should try this as a starting point.This is just one of many Chang Cheh films featuring the two leads in a team-up; they are NOT "teamed up", of course (Ti is in the movie more than David), but who cares, really? I love being a literallist, but I digress.... It's another fine Tokyo Shock presentation with good audio, video, and extras, though the profiles on Ti and David are already available on the reissue of "The Water Margin". Is David Chiang worthy of the role "Little Bat"? Watch and see, and to all nay-sayers of Chiang out there: lighten up!(P.S.--Look for this release to come out on Blu-Ray in May, and it already looks GREAT on DVD!)

Like Hip Hop songs,Kungfu flicks also have what many call "Punch Lines" which are UNforgetable,in this case, scenes;& this movie has many of em!Water ninja's,boat fights,fights between huge groups(like Herioc 1's status),& David Chiangs heroic fight to the death(STANDING UP!!!!).THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TOO!!! I'd much rather see David Chaing & Ti Lung's team over the Venoms team anyday.You must have this movie in your collection it has many GREAT fight scenes & an even GREATER storyline

Lots of sword fighting and action, slows a little towards the middle but overall a good one from the shaw brothers

Please be advised - the picture on the cover is from the 1962 movie and NOT what you would expect to get with the DVD!

It's a shame I have to give this dvd a score below what it deserves. From my judging it's about a 2-2.5. Somewhere in there. In no way is it a 3,4, or 5. The fighting is below mediocre. And you just know a movie sucked when it ends and you say, " I know it's not over ". Didn't matter because before it ended, I seen enough to determine what type of movie it would be.

Why it is so expensive I don't know. It shouldn't even be sold for more than 5 bucks. In fact it's close to being a 1 dollar walmart buy. I had to give it a 1 because it's score is way too high and it needed to be balanced out. So others can look at it a bit harder before prematurely investing 12-20 bucks on it.

The only bright spot is the plan they use to get into the palace. I won't spoil it. Other than that, I see nothing good about this movie. Obviously when there are less graders it's harder to weed out garbage like this. But here is my contribution. This movies really isn't worth a rental. It would be worth a 1 dollar walmart buy if you're bored and fiending for some kung fuey.