The 13 Cold-Blooded Eagles

Rating:
Summary: Cynthia Khan bolsters below-average wire-fu extravaganza
Review: THE 13 COLD-BLOODED EAGLES is a lesser "wire fu" entry from 1992 which suffers from a lack of star power and a convoluted plot about the warrior band of the title and the rivalry that erupts from within when dissenters in the group break with their master. The main reasons to see it are the abundant wire fu fights, shot on picturesque locations, and the presence of female fighting star Cynthia Khan in the important role of the daughter of an assassinated kung fu master who has entrusted her with the much-sought-after "Star-Bleed Skill" manual.

Cynthia appeared in such other wire fu costume epics of the 1990s as DEADEND OF BESIEGERS, ZEN OF SWORD, and BLADE OF FURY, but is probably better known for starring in three entries in the IN THE LINE OF DUTY series of thrillers spotlighting kung fu-fighting Hong Kong policewomen. She's quite beautifully costumed and made-up here and her presence lends the film the only real star power it has. She doesn't get to do a lot of kung fu, but instead fights chiefly with weapons and on wires, leaping about, flying and doing acrobatic flips. She's a delight to watch throughout and her fans will be happy to see this film. Also in the cast are Waise Lee (A BULLET IN THE HEAD), as Red Eagle, and Yen Shi-Kwan (ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA) as the 13 Eagles' manipulative master.

Rating:
Summary: Low budget, high impact
Review: This relativley low budget wire ridden feast is truly a joy to behold. Flying warriors, ridiculous super powers and some very impressive choreography round out this entertaining fantasy flick. You'll be laughing at the hilarious wire work but also sit up in awe as you view some very intricate martial arts sequences that don't rely too heavily on wires. The main bad guy is "Iron Robe Yim" from the first Once Upon a Time in China and you really can't go wrong with that. All in all this is a great movie but be warned that if you're a newcomer to the world of asian cinema or you don't appreciate ludicrous wire work, you probably won't enjoy this film.

Rating:
Summary: Low budget, high impact
Review: This relativley low budget wire ridden feast is truly a joy to behold. Flying warriors, ridiculous super powers and some very impressive choreography round out this entertaining fantasy flick. You'll be laughing at the hilarious wire work but also sit up in awe as you view some very intricate martial arts sequences that don't rely too heavily on wires. The main bad guy is "Iron Robe Yim" from the first Once Upon a Time in China and you really can't go wrong with that. All in all this is a great movie but be warned that if you're a newcomer to the world of asian cinema or you don't appreciate ludicrous wire work, you probably won't enjoy this film.