Rating: 3 out of 5
Director: Shi-Hyeon Kim
Year: 1983
Plot:
“5 Pattern Dragon Claws” is a 1983 kung fu film that has a
very simple plot, and a lot of fighting to its credit. It focuses on a temple that
has 4 books of shaolin martial arts techniques. These 4 books are wanted
throughout the land, and a local evil gang plots to steal them somehow, anyway
possible. When the head of the school is taken out, the students argue over
which should keep the books safe, and they must also avenge the loss of the
person in charge. There are minor subplots that move the story along, but the
main story has to do with the 4 books and their importance.
Thoughts:
Let’s begin with the transfer quality, and it is done very
well. It is standard definition, and doesn’t showcase any upgrades. I watched
it dubbed and it wasn’t that bad overall. Standard dubbing with a little bit of
an issue here and there with the translation, but nothing egregious that I
could find. The sound is good, the film grain is there, and it’s good quality
for being an 1983 kung fu movie if you ask me. It’s not great, mind you, but it’s
above average at times, especially in the daylight sequences.
The plot takes a little to get through and started. However,
it flows well enough so you’re not bored. There’s a bit of fighting that all
leads forward to a storyline in which the main characters must fight the bad
guys in a bit of revenge and protection of the four books that everyone is
after. That being said, there’s a great deal of kung fu action here, and a lot
of it is stellar and hand to hand action. You’re going to enjoy a lot of the fights,
even if they seem to be filler at times, including a fight with a masked kung
fu master that shows up for a training montage.
Overall “5 Pattern Dragon Claws” has an interesting story,
and some good overall fights. The 4 books of kung being stolen, and revenge
subplot work through the film. It has its moments of filler, but not enough to
get too negative of a rating. There’s a great deal to watch here, even if the
plot gets a little slow at times. It features a good mix of kung fu and plot,
and definitely worth your time. The final sequencing fights are well worth your
investment. I rate it a 3 out of 5.
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