Killer Army

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre Print of A Great Movie
Review: A Five Venoms classic from Chang Cheh, and a personal favourite of star Lo Mang. Great fights, some character development, even a couple of female characters-- unusual in Chang's normally all-male world.

This is a film I've watched, taped and purchased often in the last fifteen years-- and I'm sorry to say that the print chosen for this DVD is not a good one. There are sound quality problems, blackouts and repetitions in the sound, clumsy editing (it appears to have been assembled from two or more prints edited for television...). It is definitely not the best print of this film, but as it IS the DVD print, it's likely to become the definitive version, to the chagrin of purists who have seen it uncensored and whole.

Rating:
Summary: Early Venoms Action, with a few bumps
Review: I've watched all of the better Shaw Bros kung fu films, and have always been a fan of the Venoms. The fighting in this DVD is well staged, especailly the ending fight where the 2 heroes takes on 5 spear fighters.

The DVD image quality is a little poor in the beginning of the film, showing lots of grain but fear not, the image gets better as the film progresses. A major plus is that this DVD is presented in letterboxed widescreen, which is hard to find in many of the old school kung fu flicks.

The MAJOR problem with this DVD is the fact that many portions of the fights have been edited, to cut out the violence and gore. Key strikes, like when an opponent is killed are cut, confusing you on how certain battles are won. Its chopped up so badly in some places that the action makes no sense, even if you go through the fight in slow motion. Too bad...

Rating:
Summary: The Five Venoms on opposite sides in Chinese civil war
Review: KILLER ARMY (1979) is a historical kung fu adventure starring the five actors collectively known as the Five Venoms. Like most of the Venoms films, it's got an engaging plotline, superb fight sequences, and strong production values provided by Hong Kong's Shaw Bros. studio. Set during a time of civil war when refugees are flooding into cities from the war-ravaged countryside, the film casts three of the five Venoms as refugees who team up to use their kung fu skills for maximum survival. When they are framed for the murder of an army colonel, they turn for help to a sympathetic militia faction, setting the stage for a spectacular final brawl on massive sets representing the city's waterfront.

The three main performers, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng and Lo Meng, were the best fighters (and actors) among the Five Venoms and they get plenty of opportunity to show their stuff, whether in straight-on hand-to-hand kung fu or in battles involving exotic weapons, such as the three-section staff favored by Kuo Chui in some scenes. (The other two Venoms, Sun Chien and Lu Feng, are among the villains.) It's a colorful, action-packed and consistently exciting Shaw Bros. kung fu movie, directed by the studio's top hand, Chang Cheh, who made nearly all of the Venoms films. Please note that the version of this film currently in distribution is missing approx. 12 minutes of footage.

Rating:
Summary: What happened to the movie?
Review: Killer Army was the very first movie starring the Venoms that I have seen and taped as a child back in 1984. Sadly, my taped from television version, along with other Venoms movies, was stolen back in '87. But during those three years that I had the taped version, I cannot say exactly how many times I watched Killer Army. It was my favorite and still is. I was delighted when I was able to find another copy last year. It's not on DVD but I can understand what people are complaining about with the DVD version. The editing problems aren't limited to DVD, my VHS version is also cut up and edited, not to mention the audio bloopers. It saddens me to see that after such great fights, the end of the better ones are cut out copmletely. This was probably to... Well, to tell the truth I really don't know why. I mean, the television version from the old days showed it all, so why not the newer versions?

Now when I view the movie I have to rely on my memory to finish off the ending fight scenes that they fail to show. It's my only way of making sense of it. For example, the move that the older blood brother Wong Chu (played by Kuo Chui) executed to kill the four spearmen during the final showdown was removed completely. Normally I wouldn't include a spoiler by revealing scenes or outcomes. But what I'm about to write isn't even shown in the contemporary version anyway. This is just an insight to help with understanding what actually occured in the film. I still strongly recommend Killer Army for any kung fu movie enthusiast.

From what I recall, after being thrown in the air by the four spearmen, Wong Chu started flipping uncontrollably. In slow motion he was almost killed by The rebel leader Chan, or King Spear(played by Lu Feng). While Wong Chu was in trouble, King Spear jumped up in the air to strike at him with his spear. But the younger blood brother Yu Han San (played by Chiang Sheng) jumped in the air and put himself in the way only to be fatally wounded by King Spear instead. As the two blood brothers were falling back down Yu Han San caught the sharp spears of the four spearmen in his shield and held them in place. Wong Chu finally landed from the flip in front of the four men who happened to all be in a line. With one quick swing of his three-way nunchucks, Wong Chu killed all four men by breaking their faces (bap, bap, bap, bap). In the contemporary version you might hear the sounds of this incredible scene, but it's like those four just disappeared. Next, Wong Chu jumped back up to meet with King Spear who had already flipped and jumped back in the air. Wong Chu blocked the blow of his spear, and the now fatally wounded Yu Han San jumped up as well with is last burst of energy to successfully remove the spear from the rebel leader's hands, then landed flat on his back. What follows after all of that is shown.

People who didn't get a chance to see the original wouldn't have a clue about what really happened to the second blood brother Chin Chan Ping in the movie (played by Lo Meng). It would be too easy for someone who is not familiar with the original version to quickly determine this movie as making no sense. That's disappointing because this movie is actually very good. I wonder if there are versions being sold out there today with the scenes not removed? If anyone knows of any I would appreciate your time in writing about it in a review. My only problem other than the editing of Killer Army is that Lu Feng's mastery in wielding weapons was displayed briefly and limited to one fight during the movie. His potential wasn't fully showcased like it was in Shaolin Rescuers, or in The Destroyers (aka, Magnificent Ruffians), two more must haves.

I would have gladly given the movie a five star rating. Only because it's Killer Army did I give it a four star rating due to the editing foul-ups. Yet, I do still recommend Killer Army for anyone interested in a good well plotted kung fu movie.

Rating:
Summary: What happened to the movie?
Review: Killer Army was the very first movie starring the Venoms that I have seen and taped as a child back in 1984. Sadly, my taped from television version, along with other Venoms movies, was stolen back in '87. But during those three years that I had the taped version, I cannot say exactly how many times I watched Killer Army. It was my favorite and still is. I was delighted when I was able to find another copy last year. It's not on DVD but I can understand what people are complaining about with the DVD version. The editing problems aren't limited to DVD, my VHS version is also cut up and edited, not to mention the audio bloopers. It saddens me to see that after such great fights, the end of the better ones are cut out copmletely. This was probably to... Well, to tell the truth I really don't know why. I mean, the television version from the old days showed it all, so why not the newer versions?

Now when I view the movie I have to rely on my memory to finish off the ending fight scenes that they fail to show. It's my only way of making sense of it. For example, the move that the older blood brother Wong Chu (played by Kuo Chui) executed to kill the four spearmen during the final showdown was removed completely. Normally I wouldn't include a spoiler by revealing scenes or outcomes. But what I'm about to write isn't even shown in the contemporary version anyway. This is just an insight to help with understanding what actually occured in the film. I still strongly recommend Killer Army for any kung fu movie enthusiast.

From what I recall, after being thrown in the air by the four spearmen, Wong Chu started flipping uncontrollably. In slow motion he was almost killed by the rebel leader Chan, or King Spear(played by Lu Feng). While Wong Chu was in trouble, King Spear jumped up in the air to strike at him with his spear. But the younger blood brother Yu Han San (played by Chiang Sheng) jumped in the air and put himself in the way only to be fatally wounded by King Spear instead. As the two blood brothers were falling back down Yu Han San caught the sharp spears of the four spearmen in his shield and held them in place. Wong Chu finally landed from the flip in front of the four men who happened to all be in a line. With one quick swing of his three-way nunchucks, Wong Chu killed all four men by breaking their faces (bap, bap, bap, bap). In the contemporary version you might hear the sounds of this incredible scene, but it's like those four just disappeared. Next, Wong Chu jumped back up to meet with King Spear who had already flipped and jumped back in the air. Wong Chu blocked the blow of his spear, and the now fatally wounded Yu Han San jumped up as well with is last burst of energy to successfully remove the spear from the rebel leader's hands, then landed flat on his back. What follows after all of that is shown.

People who didn't get a chance to see the original wouldn't have a clue about what really happened to the second blood brother Chin Chan Ping in the movie (played by Lo Meng). It would be too easy for someone who is not familiar with the original version to quickly determine this movie as making no sense. That's disappointing because this movie is actually very good. I wonder if there are versions being sold out there today with the scenes not removed? If anyone knows of any I would appreciate your time in writing about it in a review. My only problem other than the editing of Killer Army is that Lu Feng's mastery in wielding weapons was displayed briefly and limited to one fight during the movie. His potential wasn't fully showcased like it was in Shaolin Rescuers (aka, Avenging Warriors of Shaolin), or in The Destroyers (aka, Magnificent Ruffians), two more must haves.

I would have gladly given the movie a five star rating. Only because it's Killer Army did I give it a four star rating due to the editing foul-ups. Yet, I do still recommend Killer Army for anyone interested in a good well plotted kung fu movie.

Rating:
Summary: Killer Army, edited action
Review: Let me say first, I am a huge fan of the Venoms movies, in the mid to late eighties Monday night was Kung Fu night on tv and the Venoms were the stars. I used to get a little frustrated with how they edited out some of the violence, but understood that movies are sometimes edited for television. Which brings me to Killer Army on DVD, I felt I was a young kid again watching the edited version, except all the death scenes are completely edited, if I had never seen this movie before I would be confused as to what is happening. All the fight scenes are chopped up even worse than being on tv. All the blood and death scenes are pretty much gone. I have ordered quite a few of the Venoms flicks and I know not to always expect the best picture quality, but this is the first one I have recieved that is edited so bad. I really enjoyed the story and the parts of fight scenes you do see are great, but a die hard fan will be disappointed with the butchery of the film.

Rating:
Summary: Another classic.
Review: Plain and simple, the venoms are great. In this movie the fight sequences are excellent, timing is insane. The movie is a bit choped down, but it's still great.

Rating:
Summary: Another classic.
Review: Plain and simple, the venoms are great. In this movie the fight sequences are excellent, timing is insane. The movie is a bit choped down, but it's still great.

Rating:
Summary: Killer Venoms!
Review: Refugees are being driven out of the provinces when China is torn by civil war. Homeless, the refugees pour in by the thousands into towns and are forced to steal if they want to eat. Those that are caught are beaten, tortured and sometimes killed by the soldiers of the General, Lin. Lin is represented in the town by his top soldier, Pan Peng (Chu Ker), who is particularly evil and enjoys torturing the refugees. One particular town is controlled by Chen Chu Chuang (Lu Feng) and his brother. They run everything, including the casino and the brothel. Chen is just biding his time, waiting to join General Lin's forces, but he is unsure how to do it because the opposing soldiers, led by General Wang, are in the way. General Wang is represented in the town by his loyal man, Col. Cheng. Before Chen and his men can safely align with General Lin, they must dispose of Col. Cheng, but they are not sure of how to do this. Among the unfortunate refugees are three young men named Wong Shu (Kuo Chui), Yu Wen Sang (Chiang Sheng) and Ti Chia Ping (Lo Meng). Escaping from a serious fight with the soldiers over a roast chicken he stole, Wong Shu ends up hiding in the local brothel. A kind woman there takes him in, and gets him a job there by saying he is a relative of hers. Ti Chia Ping takes shelter outside a local Kung Fu school, and gets in a fight with some of the students there. The teacher, Chiang Shao Hu (Yang Mi-Chu), is so impressed with his Mantis Style that he gives him a job as well. Yu Wen Sang lucks out as well- he is caught stealing a basket of buns from a local inn, and the owner, Tang Tu Tung (Sun Chien) takes pity on him and also finds him a job, in the local casino. Wong Shu, Yu Wen Sang and Ti Chia Ping meet each other during a giant brawl that they start in the casino. Initially fighting one another, they are impressed with each other's skills, and realize it doesn't make any sense to fight amongst themselves. Instead, they go out drinking, and at the end of the night, they vow to become blood brothers, and quickly go through the ceremony. Then they stumble out into the night, barely avoiding trouble when they come face to face with Pan Peng, who is out looking for refugees to torture. During the torture of one man, Pan Peng unwittingly learns that Chen is seeking to align with General Lin, and offers to help him. The two become allies, and they quickly hatch a plot to get Col. Cheng out of the way once and for all so Chen can pledge allegiance to General Lin. Chen sends his brother Chi Ya, and his lackey, Fan Chang Hu (Yu Tai-Ping) to treat Col. Cheng to a drunken night at the brothel, then kill him, and blame the murder on the doorman, refugee Wong Shu. All is going according to plan, Fan and Chi Ya murder the Colonel and are about to dump his body in the river and report that Wong Shu has murdered him, when suddenly they run into Wong Shu, Yu Wen Sang and Ti Chia Ping. When the three men realizes that they will all be framed for the Colonel's murder, a big fight breaks out, and Chi Ya is killed. The three refugees take shelter in the brothel to figure out their next move. They decide to go to Tang Yu Tung for help, but they're not sure they can get there without being caught by Chen and Peng. The woman at the brothel is concerned, and Wong Shu promises that they will meet her behind the brothel in the morning. Through many roundabout ways and narrow misses, the three men end up at Chiang Shao Hu's school. He gives them uniforms and takes them in disguise to Tang Yu Tung's school. But in a shocking twist (I won't give it away), they barely manage to escape Peng once again. Afterwards, they debate on whether they should try and get past the soldiers and join up with the other General, Wang, or if they should head south across the river and join up with the rebels there. In the end, they decide to join the rebels, but in another bizarre twist (again, I won't give it away), Ti Chia Ping is captured, and they must fight a brutal and bloody battle in order to make it to the coast, only to find that Chen Chu Chuang is waiting for them... There are a number of exciting fight sequences in the film, Lo Meng tears through the ranks of soldiers with his powerful Mantis fist, while Kuo Chui, once again using "Black Tiger Clan" style (not sure if this is a real style, but he uses it in a number of films), using everything and everything as a weapon in intricate and cleverly choreographed routines. Chiang Sheng is beyond impressive in his sequences, though he is known for lightskill, and playful, teasing fight scenes, a couple of his scenes here are unusually violent. Chu Ker does a standout job in his fight sequences. And in an unusual addition to the Venoms films, several of the young soldiers have a unique and inventive practice sequence using acrobatics and weapons. But of course, it always has been, and always will be, the ultimate villain Lu Feng who truly shines in this film, once again using a spear, and spinning it to dizzying speeds all around his body while at the same time leaping and tumbling, and impaling his victims.Though the storyline of General Vs General Vs loyal followers and friends can be a bit confusing, this still ranks up there as one of the best Venoms films ever made.

Rating:
Summary: Astounding choreography
Review: The Venoms... the mere mention of the name will send any kung fu fan into a tirade about their awesome skill and unbeleivable fight choreography. They were indeed super human beings and I beleive that no one has been able to match their god like abilities to this day. Chang Cheh, who directs all the venoms flicks, does a wonderful job once again and I guarantee you will be consecutively amazed to the point where you will utter profanities whenever a fight scene occurs. And man are there ever tons of fight scenes! I recommend every Chang Cheh film I've seen and this one especially delivers, packed to the brim with kung fu goodness that has yet to be surpassed.