Leofwine_draca I saw this one under the title PRODIGAL BOXER 3: SECRET OF THE SHAOLIN POLES. The latter part of the title is the original part and the one that makes sense. It's a film that features actor Meng Fei in the role of Chinese folk hero Fong Sai Yuk, a role popularised by Jet Li in the 1990s. Fong Sai Yuk is portrayed in the usual mould here: impetuous, youthful, full of spirit and bravery. Not particularly interesting, in other words.On the other hand, we do get Yasuaki Kurata playing another of his trademark villain roles and Kurata doesn't disappoint in that respect. Chang Yi also appears as a general in a role which requires more acting talent than fighting ability. The film is quite low budget and grainy and the action scenes are below average quality, let down by choppy editing and the like. However, things do pick up at the surprisingly mean-spirited climax in which the Shaolin poles of the title come into play: it's a beach-set complex of poles jutting from the ground on which the fighters must battle. Kind of a like a deadly version of IT'S A KNOCKOUT, if you will.

gorthu Meng Fei returns to his role as Fong Sai Yuk and once again the government is after him. Meng Fei is the main reason this movie is so good. He has a very likable personality and he shows once again to be the king of fan fighting. Whether his opponent is unarmed or has a huge spear, Meng Fei always uses his fan. Basically the story has Chang Yi trying to kill Fong Sai Yuk by setting up a death match on top of large wooden poles. Yasuaki Kurata plays Meng Fei's opponent and does a great job. Lau Kar Wing has a part in the movie as someone who is impersonating Fong Sai Yuk. The fight between Lau Kar Wing and Meng Fei is the highlight of the movie for me. Then you have Dorian Tan who plays a teacher figure and while he doesn't get to fight much, he gives a great acting performance. In fact, I think this is the first time I have ever said that Dorian Tan gave a great acting performance. He really shines in his small role. The only problem I have with this movie is that the final fight with Chang Yi is too short and feels like an exhibition. Everything else is great.The Crash Cinema DVD is full screen and the picture is very faded. It's bad, but it's watchable.

nkingstown3 This is one of the best "Kung Fu Theater" type movies out there. Meng Fei is an ideal hero, he's youthful and charismatic with a mischievous grin. Chang Yi plays General Ma, and man this guy can ACT!! He brings a very dramatic feel to every movie he's ever been in. He really is world-class. He is probably the most famous villain of the entire genre along with Hwang Jang Lee. And Lung Chun Erh is simply the most beautiful thing I think I've ever seen. I think they call her Cherry Lung in this flick. She plays Meng Fei's girlfriend and man am I jealous. The soundtrack is decent for this type of movie as well. The only gripe I have is the transfer. It's a bit grainy and blurry, so it's not even worth watching on say a projection TV. If you have plasma or LCD, it's much more enjoyable. Maybe they'll remaster this one, but I won't hold my breath. Another rather humorous aspect I noticed was that Bruce Law plays Fang Ting, the "fake" Fang Sai Yuk. Bruce Law played "Wimp Lo" in "Kung Pow, Enter the Fist". To summarize, this film is a must see for any die-hard enthusiasts.

Joost I've just watched this old school kung fu movie. It's not bad compared to a lot of other movies in this style. And indeed, this Chinese girl is good looking. She actually made me think of this woman in Once upon a time in the west who also had such beautiful eyes. Another 6/10.