Legendary Weapons of China (1982)

This was the most fun I've had in a long time with a kung fu movie from this era. Lau Kar Leung who directed, wrote, choreographed the fights and starred in this movie did not disappoint. He put on a kung fu clinic with the 18 legendary weapons of China, creating some breathtaking fight scenes.

Based loosely on the time when foreigners with guns were invading China, there were those who thought their fighters would be able to repel bullets with their kung fu. Lau Kar Leung's character disbands his school because he doesn't want to see any more young men die trying to survive bullet wounds with kung fu techniques. Of course, now he's branded as a traitor and the other schools send people to execute him. He's living quietly as a woodcutter though it doesn't take long for Hsiao Hou and Kara Hui to track him down. Kara's character is in agreement with his philosophy, Hsiao's character ends up having to question all his training and loyalty to his master when confronted with the truth of the human body and bullets.

There are some magical elements to the action with mind and body control. Two scenes with Alexander Fu Sheng, who plays a local conman, are particularly funny with Lau Kar Leung controlling his body with a straw doll.

Aside from Kara Hui, this is not a movie with pretty actors in the lead roles. This movie was made with actors, including Kara, who could perform the fights with precision and grace.

I could go on about the clash of traditionalism vs modern warfare and the nature of kung fu touched on in the film, but honestly what I enjoyed the most was watching the amazing fight scenes. Lau Kar Leung vs Hsiao Hou. Hsiao Hou and Kara Hui in a crazy attic fight. Gordon Liu, here in a supporting role as the antagonist, fighting against Lau Kar Leung was great. Just watching Lau Kar Leung practice with the weapons was worth the price of admission. The best was literally brother on brother fighting when Lau Kar Wing and Lau Kar Leung fight using all 18 weapons and their fists and kicks. The fighting is fast, expertly choreographed, no obviously missed hits or kicks, no missed timing. It was a joy to behold watching these experts put on a show.

After all the thrilling fights, the story even came to a satisfying end. If you are a kung fu movie enthusiast, this one is not to be missed.

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