Cast Member: Chang Yi

‘Challenge Of Death’ was always going to provide some exhilarating action thanks to the collection of captivating combatants, but the story certainly leaves a lot to be desired.

‘Eagle’s Claw’ is a reminder of Lee Tso-Nam’s ability to take a potentially pedestrian storyline and fill it with shades of intrigue throughout.

‘Fatal Needles Vs. Fatal Fists’ is not a work of Kurosawan proportions, but it’s certainly better than there’s any reason to expect.

Whether she’s using a bull-whip, fighting Hwang Jang Lee or enjoying a momentary pause, Yeoh controls this film with pure class.

This is a film that begins with optimism only to quickly revert to the old formula that had been so over-used.

Instead of just relying on popular new-wave gimmicks, Sammo pushes each of the actors to their limit and, even though there is liberal use of stunt doubles, the effect is impressive to behold.

Kuo lets the odd moment of peculiar editing affect an otherwise slick kung-fu drama; the final twenty minutes in particular seems far too rushed in comparison to the majority of the film.

‘The Blazing Temple’ is not Joseph Kuo’s best nor is it near his very pinnacle. It does, though, offer some solid enjoyment for patient viewers.

While it hasn’t aged well in comparison to ‘Come Drink With Me’ and even some of Chang Cheh’s early work, it still proves to be a mildly diverting Shaw Brothers’ swordplay film.

‘The Victim’ is a fine mixture of action comedy and even drama – three elements that director Sammo Hung juggles with masterful dexterity.