Cast Member: Gordon Liu

‘The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin’ was a definite achievement in the genre, but this follow-up has its own charm as well.

There are some plot holes that become apparent as the film continues, but good quality action and a fine cast cover a multitude of sins.

Although ‘Shaolin Mantis’ is a well made and above average, it undoubtedly disappoints when compared with Liu Chia-Liang’s best work.

This leans more towards the quick-cut close ups of more recent Hollywood efforts. Most of the fights are also glossed over as short “highlights” rather than letting us see the full action.

Liu Chia Liang’s ‘The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin’ is an important cinematic moment and remains influential not just in Hong Kong film-making, but also globally.

Multi-layered and superbly made, ‘The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter’ remains one of the greatest martial arts movies of all time.

There’s little to recommend this uncomfortable kung fu comedy so don’t be in any hurry to watch it.

Often unfairly nudged aside when the career of kung-fu auteur Liu Chia-Liang is considered, ‘The Lady is the Boss’ is a fun action comedy that came near the end of the Shaw Brothers’ hegemony in Hong Kong.

‘Tiger On The Beat’ is a surprisingly successful outing that proves Liu Chia-Liang was just as capable of handling modern day actioners.

There are odd glimpses of entertainment in ‘Tiger On The Beat 2’, but not enough to make this a recommended film to even hardcore action fans.

This fun, frothy and occasionally full on violent concoction mashes so many genres together its surprising ‘Treasure Hunt’ turned out this well made, coherent and well, entertaining.

‘Treasure Hunters’ never has a dull moment and from the opening credits to the very last kicks of the finale this is a top-notch Shaw Brothers’ film.