Release Year: 1993

Packed full of superbly choreographed fight sequences and sporting solid leading performances, it is definitely one of the finest kung fu movies to emerge from Hong Kong during the 90s.

For those seeking a fast-paced fantasy film with no pretensions, ‘The 13 Cold-Blooded Eagles’ fits the bill very well and, while not comparable to genre classics like ‘Swordsman II’, is worth a look.

Like an ultra-violent episode of ‘Hercules’, ‘The Assassin’ is enjoyable while it lasts. Evidence suggests it was not intended to be anything more.

The film stands out as one of the hidden gems of the 90’s new-wave kung fu movement and provides superb entertainment for even the most discerning viewer.

Somewhere on earth, there might a exist a computer than can decipher the meaning of ‘The Black Panther Warriors’ – but that’s doubtful.

Yu’s extravagant use of colour and innovative camera techniques are extremely pleasing, but in no way make up for the lack of depth missing from the rest of the film.

‘Carry on Wuxia’ it may be, but in execution and energy ‘The Eagle Shooting Heroes’ is the most polished in-joke ever made.

‘The East Is Red’ ends the popular series with a visual bang that pummels the viewer relentlessly. Unfortunately the exercise is very much one of style over substance and the overall effect is a bewildering one.

Director Frankie Chan does, to his credit, use some intriguing environments and fully capitalises on the grandeur of the wild landscape. However he pays little intention to any logical development of plot or characters.

‘The Killer’s Love’ has a bark that’s certainly worse than it’s bite and it remains an enjoyable ninety minutes.

If you enjoy some bloody mayhem then it’ll definitely suffice, but it’s highly likely that the majority of viewers will find that there just isn’t enough meat in this bun to truly satisfy.

For Rothrock fans, Godfrey Ho completists (if such people actually exist) and lovers of bad cinema ‘Undefeatable’ is, well, pretty hard to beat!