Rating: 3 out of 5
Director: Han-Hsiang Yu
Year: 1979
Plot:
The main plot of “Tai Chi Shadow Boxing” is about a couple
of brothers that meet a drunk that teaches them a new style of kung fu.
However, before you get to that storyline, you are introduced to several other
players that aren’t part of the movie long term, but rather are just thieves
and kung fu experts. They move along the plot showing that they want to help others,
getting into brawls defending the little guy, but honestly it’s a little convoluted
to start. There’s a bit of comedy in the fights, so they are entertaining to
say the least. The plot thickens and we get a revenge storyline at one point,
but for the most part, it’s training and kung fu tactics with the old drunk, showing
the young ones his overall style and showing them that it’s a superior fighting
method to what they already know.
Thoughts:
The transfer quality on “Tai Chi Shadow Boxing” is VHS
quality, with a lot of good to it, but no major upgrade from what I saw. The
dub isn’t bad at all. The story gets a little while to really get started with
a focus on comedic fights, stealing, and random moments. The movie then
switches gears and turns into a training movie, with a good nod to Jackie Chan’s
movies and style. There’s a subplot here and there, but the majority of the
story focuses on the two brothers and the old man, even unto the end fight scene.
The fights are good overall, and the old man’s style is
legit, showcasing some great moments, and even good overall kung fu towards the
end of the movie. I like seeing the old man characters fight, especially in
light of young kung fu experts that need to learn more. There are moments where
the camera is too close up for the action, and other moments are almost at half
speed, making for a little bit of a downside. Overall, though, the movie funnels
its way into working well with kung fu, comedy, training, and enough subplot to
keep you entertained. I give “Tai Chi Shadow Boxing” a 3 out of 5.
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