Cast Member: Fung Hak-On

It has numerous nods to the Shaw Brothers classics and harks back to those swordplay flicks of yesteryear, making you smile, cry, jump for joy and shout like a banshee, like any good martial arts film should.

Despite the fact that ‘Challenge Of The Masters’ hasn’t aged as well as some of Liu Chia-Liang’s other notable works, there’s undoubtedly much on offer for genre fans and the casual cinema-goer.

The few moments of promise at the beginning do not last long and the occasional flashes of action are merely there to trick us into sitting through the whole thing.

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

Chan tries to introduce the new quick-cut style of action alongside a significant measure of pure entertainment and humour.

Chan and Hung continue to substantiate their legendary status in the cinematic hall of fame, but it is Yuen Biao who really steals the film.

It’s very strange how such a well-polished and highly entertaining film has come under such criticism from some Hong Kong film fans.

‘Enter the Fat Dragon’ is a warm homage to the man who popularised martial arts cinema around the world.

‘Fatal Move’ is most certainly flawed and could have been a lot tighter and less meandering. Yet it still manages to be an entertaining slice of gangster action that entertains if never really ignites.

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

Above average production values help and a touch of style to the proceedings as does the all-star cast, but it still may not be enough to earn this a proper recommendation.

‘Heroes Two’ is not one of the definitive collaborations between Chang Cheh and Fu Sheng, but it offers quality in most departments.