Last Hurrah for Chivalry (1979)

"Let others do the dirty work while you sit here and reap the rewards"

Last Hurrah for Chivalry was one of John Woo’s early directorial efforts. He used a traditional kung fu theme of revenge and turned it into a film about friendship and loyalty. The cast was strong and for a 1979 film in this genre was quite engaging.

Kao Pang’s wedding reception is interrupted by Pak Chung Tong, his father’s arch nemesis. In short order nearly everyone is killed except for Kao and his two trusted servants who all escape out the backdoor. Kao’s sifu takes care of him and gives him the name of the famous swordsman, The Divine Blade aka Chang San. Chang has given up the sword but Kao deviously manipulates him into picking it up again. Coincidentally, Tsing Yi, a great swordsman but failed assassin keeps running into Chang and develops his own grudge against Pak. The two swordsmen form a bond and attack Pak for different reasons, neither of which may be legitimate.

John Woo was an assistant director to Chang Cheh in several films. Much like Chang’s films, the blood ran freely and the body count was high. Wai Pak (Snake Venom) played the congenial, if hot-tempered Chang San, who was willing to risk his life to help a new friend. Damian Lau as Tsing Yi used his sword for money and had no attachments to people even though the local courtesan was deeply in love with him. Lau Kong's duplicitous Kao Pang came across as a smooth snake in the grass before he became unhinged. Lee Hoi Sang was thoroughly believable as the fierce baddie who struck fear into men’s hearts. At 38 Lee was tight. Most of his scenes were without a shirt and his workout routine was definitely effective.

Fung Hak On’s fight choreography was quite creative with limited use of wires until the final fights. He also played the assassin Pray. “Pray and accept your fate!” His fight with Wai Pak was intense but dragged on for too long. Most of the bloody skirmishes were with swords with kung fu thrown in for good measure. While many of the fights had the traditional 1970s rhythm, they moved quicker than the Five Venoms’ kung fu posing. Chin Yuet Sang’s Sleeping Buddha style required skill to implement even if it was done for a brief moment of lethal levity. One battle to the death took place by candlelight!

I liked how John Woo began the film with the traditional revenge trope and then quickly turned it on its head. Damian Lau and Wai Pak brought their characters’ bromance to life. Woo’s writing also made me care about Chang San and Tsing Yi. The betrayals and double crosses hurt and I cared about the characters’ outcome, especially in a film where the bodies were stacking up. It was a long and bloody road to discover who was truly chivalrous and who deserved no mercy.

Though I enjoyed The Last Hurrah for Chivalry it would still only be for fans of this style of film as the acting and fights are now dated. If you do watch old kung fu flicks, this Golden Harvest film has either been restored or well cared for, unusual for a non-Shaw Brothers film.

23 March 2025
Trigger warning: Bag of snakes! And hacking of said snakes.

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