Cast Member: Chiang Tao

Perhaps Billy Chong’s most polished and constantly entertaining film, ‘A Fistful Of Talons’ takes a well-used storyline and turns it into something much more original.

The film has stood the test of time in terms of fight action, performances and direction, all of which are exceptional.

With ‘Five Shaolin Masters’, there is a definite impression that the great director’s inspirational ideas of brotherhood and honour are somehow diluted.

This provides solid viewing for fans while the veterans will no doubt enjoy spotting the endless array of familiar faces in the background.

‘Heaven and Hell’ is actually a whole lot more interesting, and engaging, than one would outwardly expect from its (largely) negative reputation.

There’s weaknesses in some of the plot twists, but there’s also good action, fine performances and the kind of bold visual statements that linger in the mind.

‘Killer Constable’ could have been a genre film with a heart as well as a brain; as it is, this is a good, but not great kung fu film in both action and content.

Chang Cheh delivers a multi-layered kung-fu drama that is ripe with excellent characterisation and well-choreographed action.

As far as IFD productions go, ‘Ninja Dragon’ is hardly their finest hour and is really only suited to hardcore fans of the genre. Those of you seeking a sane slice of cinema would be advised to look elsewhere.

The film may be spliced together from three other features, but it somehow manages to find just the right mix of cheese and top-notch action to make it more than watchable.

If you have a strong stomach for bad cinema or are just a sucker for films from the IFD era then it may well be worth adding to your collection.

If you’re happy to laugh along with it then you’ll still find something to appreciate, but a kung fu classic this is not.