Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Kung Fu – Girl Fighter (1970)
Director: Hou Jing
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
A slightly haphazard film that nevertheless frequently achieves an intense visual grace as it weaves its discursive plot around the theme of China's need for national regeneration and rebirth, specifically through a wandering hero figure. It even foreshadows Bruce Lee's charismatic smashing of a 'No Dogs or Chinese Allowed' sign. Its uncertain period recreation is less important than its general description of a shady and manipulated world, laden with political innuendoes which are probably more intelligible to Chinese than Western eyes. It is no doubt a clue of sorts that the film was produced by a brother of Chiang Kai Shek's personal bodyguard, and hence makes (somewhat odd) use of Taiwan's military establishments, but then again it's hardly a rabid political tract. There's a superbly sensual bath-house murder scene, sadly and with ridiculous prurience cut by the censor.Author: VG
Cast & crew
Director: Hou Jing
Producer: Hou Un-Chian
Cast: Tang Paoyun, Chang Yu, Chen Hong Rie, Tien Yie, Hou Jing full cast
Genre(s): Action/Adventure
Duration: 88 mins
Top Stories
Ridley Scott interview
Director Ridley Scott tells Cath Clarke why he's making a science fiction comeback
Cannes Film Festival 2012: half-time report
Dave Calhoun reports on the hits, misses and a shocking new masterpiece from Michael Haneke






What do you think?
Post your review now