DVD Corner

Legendary Weapons Of China Blu-ray Review

“Legendary Weapons Of China” is a wild wuxia film.

1982’s “Legendary Weapons Of China” is a latter day Shaw Brothers wuxia film. The story revolves around the Yi Ho Society- a diminishing secret kung fu sorcery sect. The society learns that an aging member (Lei Kung) betrayed the group. He was initially assigned to expand the society but disbanded it instead for reasons later revealed. Outraged by this, the society orders assassins to take out Lei Kung which include Ti Tan, Ti Hau, Lei Ying, Fang Shao Ching (a woman disguised as a man), and Master Tieh. First, they have to discover who Lei Kung really is though.

Directed by Liu Chia-Liang, “Legendary Weapons Of China” is an unusual martial arts movie to say the least. It’s a fast paced kung fu flick with weapons galore (everything from swords and darts to staffs and stars), comedy (ala a hand being stuck in muscles), voodoo dolls, and magic. It’s a movie about a manhunt, mistaken identity, pugilism and superstitions. The film also acts as a sort of parody of martial arts mysticism (and martial arts films) in parts. Basically, there’s a lot going on here and it looks and feels different than the average Shaw Brothers film. You can argue that the tone is all over the place (which is true), but the movie still holds together. 

Given that this is a Shaw Brothers film, you’re probably wondering about the action. Worry not Kung Fu fans, this movie completely delivers in the action department. The word ‘Weapons’ being in the title should tell you to expect to see many weapons on display here and weapons you certainly see. The lengthy climactic scene alone with Lei Kung using numerous weapons is a true sight to behold. 

Cast wise, the stand outs here are Gordon Liu as Ti Tan and, of course, Liu Chia Liang as Lei Kung who really wows in the 2nd half of the movie.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.35:1 1080p. How does it look? This print contains HD remaster from the original 35mm negative and the result is a nice crisp hi-def transfer. This is my first foray into the U.S. imprint of 88 Films and I’m impressed with what I have seen so far.

Audio Track: 2.0 LPCM Mono English and Cantonese tracks. How do they sound? The English dub is decent enough and the Cantonese track is solid, but both have audible flaws. They’re also a bit scratchy in parts.

Extras:
* Double-sided poster
* 3 commentary tracks by Asian Cinema experts- Mike Leeder and Arne Venema, Frank Djeng and Michael Worth and Frank Djeng.
* A booklet with photos, an essay by Andrew Graves and
* original trailer
* 2 separate interviews with Gordon Liu and producer Titus Ho.
* “18 Weapons: David West On Legendary Weapons Of China”- West reveals history about ‘Legendary’ and his opinion on it.

February 24, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 88 Films, Gordon Liu, Kung Fu Movie, Legendary Weapons Of China Blu-ray Review, Martial Arts Movie, Shaw Brothers, Wuxia