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Fist of the White Lotus

Fist of the White Lotus

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Top 10 Best Kung Fu Cinema!
Review:

I have seen possibly hundreds of martial arts films...I am a fan for many years. Fists Of The White Lotus (Clan Of The White Lotus I believe is an alternate title) is among my top 10 Best martial arts films for a few reasons.

Here are some of the reasons:

1) the fight scenes are excellently choreographed with none of the cut-chop-cut film editing that often is done when either the skills of the actors is lacking or the skills of the martial arts choreography is lacking. Additionally, the fight scenes are very well lit (good lighting) which is somewhat unusual in many martial arts films that try to mask poor quality with dark and poorly lit scenes.

2) the fight scenes are both very creative (in the unique style that is displayed by Lo Lieh's character) and very realistic in the many non-weapons and weapons fights with martial arts greats like Wang Lung Wei and other 'lesser' fighters (the body guard swordsmen fight scenes are quite decent as far as secondary sequences are concerned).

3) the plot is quite good and carries through with an above average story line. There are many memorable scenes and some memorable lines as well. The film has a serious overtone yet it is creatively whitty and funny just where it needs to be. There are enough interesting training sequences, fight scenes, and other various story scenes that moves this film at an enjoyable pace.

4) the actors / actresses are really skilled martial artists, not just pretty faces or gymnasts cast in unsuitable roles.
The two leading women, Mei-Hsiao (Kara Hui Ying-Hung) and Ching-Ching (Yeung Jing-Jing) are perfect in their roles and their skills match their elegance, poise, and beauty.

5) the closing fight scene is just brilliant and worth the price of admission by itself.


One thing that would have made this film even better (am I asking too much?) is more of a showcase of Wang Lung Wei and his superb talents as one of the best screen fighters of all time (my humble opinion). A talent that good, deserved a little more of the limelight (although an argument could be made that he is cast alongside two other giant talents---Liu Chia Hui and of course Lo Lieh and thus showcasing Wei more than he was, would have detracted from the obvious dynamic between Hui and Lieh).


Nonetheless, a great classic and timeless martial arts film...a MUST HAVE for any serious or casual enthusiast of the MA genre.




Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Lo Lieh Was The Best Pai Mei
Review: Lo Lieh not only stars in this classic Kung Fu tale. He also directed it. Gordon Liu also stars. Almost the exact same cast from Executioners of Shaolin. But Fist Of The White Lotus a much better movie in my opinion. Lo Lieh (as always) is such a good villain. You almost feel sorry for him in the end. One thing that stood out in this movie to me. Was the amount of wire work. Most old school Kung Fu movies used very little, if any wire work at all. Wire work or not check this movie out.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Classic
Review: Another fine film with Gordon Liu, this time as Hung Wei Ting, Tiger Claw expert. Lo Lieh plays the white-haired priest (again). The fights are entertaining, however, the film's structure is very similar to Executioners From Shaolin: 3 major fights against the priest at the temple. That said, the fights like the other film escalate in complexity and excitement. Definately on my "A" list. Best Fight: Gordon Liu with steel whip. Most shocking moment: Gordon Liu getting struck by the "hundred-pace palm strike".

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: OLD SCHOOL MARTIAL ARTS FLICK
Review: Fist Of The White Lotus shows why these Kung Fu films of
the late 70s and early 80s are top notch in fighting.The
stoy about revenge against a white haired monk.The fighting
between the monk and hero are great.A Kung Fu movie today
can not match the Shaw Brothers films of that time.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Oh My Yes!
Review: Gordon Liu is awesome in this great old school kung-fu flick. This movie is a real treat for pure kung-fu fans as it is one of the only movies I have seen depicting the tiger/crane style. Also, has a very interesting depiction of a soft style combined with the tiger/crane style.

Overall the movie is extremely entertaining and has some great fight scenes and some very interesting and unique training scenes. Pick this one up. It's an important assett to your kung-fu collection.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: O.K. Gordon Liu Flick
Review: I am a huge fan of old Shaw Brothers films and this particular one isn't that bad. The Kung-Fu styles are a little ridiculous; but the version of the film is remastered a little and looks in great shape for a twenty year old film.

Gordon Liu has done better, but is you like old Kung-Fu Flicks and are starting a collection, grab it.

The renegade lives!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Fantastic
Review: I thought this movie ruled. Great film quality, which can be hard to find in these old movies. It rivals Mystery of Chess boxing as my favorite kung fu flick. Gordon Liu plays a guy hell bent on revenge against the White lotus priest and many a battle ensues. Great kung fu and many memorable lines.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Martial Thespian Performance!
Review: I trembled inside as handsome Gordon Liu powerfully re-created the persona of the White Lotus leader Bai Mei with his vehemently butch execution of every deadly dim mak strike. I felt all tingly inside as Gordon faithfully performed the training and fighting forms of Chueng Lai Chun's Bak Mei Pai kung fu system which actually was created by White Lotus leader Bai Mei, and passed down from generation to generation to the current day. I give this cinematographic production five luscious stars! All kung fu fans will enjoy this one!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Martial Thespian Performance!
Review: I trembled inside as handsome Gordon Liu powerfully re-created the persona of the White Lotus leader Bai Mei with his vehemently butch execution of every deadly dim mak strike. I felt all tingly inside as Gordon faithfully performed the training and fighting forms of Chueng Lai Chun's Bak Mei Pai kung fu system which actually was created by White Lotus leader Bai Mei, and passed down from generation to generation to the current day. I give this cinematographic production five luscious stars! All kung fu fans will enjoy this one!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Weightless White Lotus!!
Review: If you really want to enjoy this film, you should try to see the prequel "Executioners from Shaolin". In this film we see Lo Lieh again reprising the role of Bai Mei the white lotus chief. He defies the laws of gravity by applying weightlessness to his style, which makes it practically impossible for anyone to beat him. He spins with the speed of light which totally bamboozles his opponents. After a series of severe walloping, Gordon Liu manages to defeat him using acupuncture to find his weak spot. The fights which are mostly between Liu and the white lotus are quite good. There is a lot of humor as well... Liu trying to break the white lotus with a ballet dance style tactic. This is good for old school martial arts fans.


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