Release Year: 1974

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

As an introduction to the Hui brothers or Hong Kong comedy in general, this is a fine starting point.

Of itself ‘Ghost of the Mirror’ is a slight, though enjoyable fantasy romance. As an early film from an actress who would become one of Asia’s legends, it is fascinating.

Ultimately, it is Joe Don Baker that makes ‘Golden Needles’ worth tracking down; it’s by no means his best work, but he’s always great to watch.

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

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

‘Shaolin Kung Fu’ is really just a series of weak fight sequences strung together by a paper thin plot.

If you like seventies cheese then you might want to pick this one up. Otherwise it’s probably best to avoid unless you happen to be a hardcore Shaw Brothers or Ti Lung fan.

Helmed by the then prolific Lo Wei and giving Wong Tao an early leading role, ‘Slaughter in San Francisco’ is some often cheesy but action-packed old school martial arts action.

‘The Legend Of The 7 Golden Vampires’ doesn’t exactly set the world alight in either of its attempted genres, but it does remain a fun curio for fans of both studios that certainly still sports some old-school charm.

‘The Shadow Boxer’ is a fairly standard affair as offered by the Shaw Brother’s studio and is unable to elevate itself to compete with the likes of the classic ‘Boxer from Shantung’ and the exceptional ‘The Water Margin’.

Kwan’s performance is a reminder that he will always be the epitome of the senior Wong Fei Hung and ‘The Skyhawk’ is a superior example of his talents.