Release Year: 1979

Although an above average kung-fu flick (as you’d expect from Chang Cheh) this is one of the weakest of the Venoms films.

‘Sleeping Fist’ is not brave enough to offer any variations on a very tired theme, but it is consistently rewarding from an action perspective.

The final word is that this is highly recommended for the teaming of fifteen or so of the top stars of the Shaw Brothers era. As a stand-alone production though, ‘Ten Tigers Of Kwantung’ is not Chang Cheh’s best.

Law Ma has crafted an ensemble kung-fu comedy that has a good number of intricately constructed showdowns and a few moments that manage true pathos rather than tacked on emotion.

‘Boxer’s Adventure’ is another entertaining kung fu film from the 70s that delivers some outstanding action scenes. If you are a fan of the genre then this is an ideal choice to fill the gaps in your collection.

With an apparent allusion to the multi-layered swordplay novels of Gu Long and Louis Cha, this is a story that revels in its twists and hidden motives.

Although it can often be overlooked by Ghibli enthusiasts simply because of the ‘Lupin’ label, ‘The Castle Of Cagliostro’ is a film that should really be seen by all Miyazaki or anime fans in general.

‘The Daredevils’ is a fine opportunity to savour a great team of performers who always appear to be so comfortable together.

‘The Idiot Swordsman’ is a disappointing use of cast and concept, choosing to tread very tired ground rather than explore the full potential of the story.

‘The Incredible Kung Fu Master’ is certainly not among the best kung fu films ever made, but there is enough enjoyable action to make the viewing experience seem worthwhile.

Not as plot driven or character based as ‘Five Venoms’, ‘The Kid With The Golden Arm’ concentrates on the stylish action that dominates its running time.

‘The Kung Fu Instructor’ may lack the incisive bite of the great Sun Chung works, but the director is still clearly comfortable crafting a confident work from basic ingredients.