Customer Reviews

Man Called Tiger [VHS]

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Taken by itself this is a really bad movie. It's not even in the so-bad-it's-good category. But if you're interested in the history of the Hong Kong action cinema scene, it's an unintentionally hilarious gem. First some background. This film star's Jimmy Wang Yu who became a Hong Kong hit with "One-Armed Swordsman" and "The Chinese Boxer" years before Bruce Lee. It's directed by Lo Wei who helmed Lee's first two movies "Fists of Fury" and "The Chinese Connection". "Man Called Tiger" supposedly was going to be Lee's third film with Lo Wei. But Lee, who called Lo Wei " a raving egomaniac" got into violent confrontation with the director immediately after "Chinese Connection" wrapped. Afterwards Lo Wei insist he alone was responsible for the success of Lee's first two movies. Jimmy Wang Yu was a water polo star who made dozens of chop sockey thrillers despite the obvious fact that he had no martial arts ability. Despite that, many in Hong Kong had him pegged as the "new Bruce Lee". As a side not, Wang Yu has called on Jackie Chan several times to pay back "favors" by appearing in his films, the latest being "Island of Fire". As for the film itself, it's real hoot. You might as well hit the mute button unless you speak Catonese or are really into 1970's Chinese pop music. The subtitles are absolutely mangled. The fighting, if you take it seriously, is real bad. Wang Yu kicks with his knee bent, and looks about as graceful as tap dancing buffalo. Lo Wei adds endless trapoline jumps that make Wang Yu look like he's got pogo sticks for legs. The director also gives himself an important cameo at the end as an ace gambler/undercover cop. But the film does have boundless energy. Wang Yu keeps on kicking butt throughout the picture even if he looks ridiculous doing doing it. And it culminates in a wild battle royal featuring Wang Yu and a very unlucky friend versus a whole room full of axe wielding hitmen. During that fight Wang Yu does, quite literally, his impersonation of a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest. That sequence alone is worth a look.