Rating: 5 out of 5
Director: Lo Lieh
Year: 1980
Plot:
“Clan of the White Lotus” is also known as “Fists of the
White Lotus” and it is an interesting follow up to the 1977 movie “Executioners
from Shaolin” and the 1979 film “Abbot of Shaolin”, featuring similarities to
the other two, but of course bringing forth a new story as well. We get started
in a fast and furious fight where Pai Mei is defeated by two individuals, and
when White Lotus hears of this, demands revenge and murders one of the two. The
survivor has to go out and perfect a new technique in order to fight back
against White Lotus, and take revenge for his fallen friend. There are two sides
to this, both of which seeking revenge, and well, both with just cause all
things considered. A simple premise from the Shaw Brothers camp, and definitely
one that is not light on the action.
Thoughts:
A double revenge plot? I can dig that. The movie starts fast
and furious with a duo fighting Pai Mei, the evil kung fu master. They seem to
have a hard time getting through, but eventually win. Two on one seems unfair,
but we’re dealing with a master of the martial arts, and well he takes on some
incredible movements. Overall the story moves from that of fighting, to layered
fights where our main hero loses time and time again and has to go back to the
drawing board. The main focus of the film is the training, and that’s where we
really get to the heart of the characters and movies.
The visual design is great on this movie, the dubbing is top
notch, and the clarity of the cuts is great too. I liked the flow of the film,
and the drama that it takes on, with two revenge plots going at once, both of
which justified in their attempts to take out the other. There’s plenty to sink
your teeth into on this one, and something for every fan of martial arts cinema,
including straight forward kung fu, as well as sword play, and different techniques
showcased. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 as it really is an outstanding genre
film.
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