gridoon
"Operation Scorpio" is not one of the best HK action flicks you can find. The story is only mildly engaging, and at times utterly confusing. The martial arts choreography is unique and fascinating (in one of the fights, superhuman strength is pitted against superhuman agility; in another one, we have "scorpio-style" kung fu vs. "eel-style" kung fu!), but a bit too "exaggerated" for my tastes. I'd say there is about 40% wirework and 60% physical skill involved, but even that percentage is still to be admired. One other thing the film lacks is star power: Chin Kar Lok is likable, but not strong enough to carry the entire film as a lead (but that girl he rescues is incredibly lovely). Overall, if you just skip to the last 20 minutes and the three main fights, you won't have missed much. (**)
sarastro7
Hong Kong, the 1920s. A young man from poor beginnings dreams of being a hero, and spends most of his time training and learning about kung fu and bodybuilding, much against his father's will. He helps a servant girl escape from a ruthless businessman, whose goons then come after them, and terrorizes the young man's uncle's noodle restaurant. The uncle turns out to be an old, reformed Triad assassin, who now helps the young guy become proficient in martial arts. It's all-out Karate Kid style with "wash the wok" instead of "wax on, wax off". The kung fu villain is the ruthless businessman's son, who has a trademark scorpion style that looks cool although it is quite silly and surely completely unrealistic.But the story, which develops over time, has an epic feel, good characterization, great kung fu and is generally very entertaining. The young hero is very sympathetic and provides a good protagonist to root for. The romance dimension remains undeveloped, though, which is a bit disappointing. Otherwise a great movie.My rating: 8 out of 10.
Phillip Escott
Awesome kung fu movie! Won Jin makes possible the best debut in the history of kung fu action movies here! with unmatchable kicking skills and just sheer menace!The rumors about his death are all false, he is alive and kicking (heh) On the recent Hong Kong Legends DVD release of this film it has a interview with him, wich is recent. It also includes an awesome showcase of the man himself :) a must buy :)4 outta 5
AlbertV79
When I saw OPERATION SCORPIO, I never thought I would see such a fantastic villain in Yuen Jeung. His kicking abilities are the best I've seen since Hwang Jang-lee in the 70's classics. There was wire use in the film, but Yuen didn't really use wires in his fights as his acrobatics and kicks were superb. Sadly, it is a tragedy that Yuen died a while later.