:
Huang Hsing-Luiu,
Huang Hsing-Luiu,
David Chiang,
more...
:
Lau Kar-Leung,
Lau Kar-Leung
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: Ground Zero
: Action, Adventure, Espionage, Martial Arts
: 95 min.
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This title is currently out of print.
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Lau Kar-leung spins this kung-fu yarn that features a Manchu as the hero, something of a rarity in which Manchus are usually branded villains. Wei Fung (David Chiang Da-wei) is ordered to spy on the wealthy Tien family, who is suspected to have connections with the recently overthrown Ming. He works his way into the house by posing as a teacher for the family's spoiled daughter, Chi-chi (Wong Hang-sau), whose willful disposition has sent many a teacher packing. Though she loathes him at first, soon she falls for Wei, even to the point of claiming to be his lover when Wei's cover is blown. The family elders spare his life on the condition that he never leaves the village. Unfortunately, the Manchu government has his family hostage and if he does not report back they will be killed. Chi-chi decides to go along with Wei has he plots his escape, but to do this, he will have to beat the family's finest kung-fu master. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
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| Does not live up to the name
by dh22
May 26, 2004 - 7:18 PM PDT
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4 out of 5 members found this review helpful
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I was disappointed with this film. Being called "Shaolin Mantis" I was expecting plenty of mantis style kung-fu, but sadly, there was very little. The fight scenes were pretty good, and mostly with weapons, but not a whole lot of hand-to-hand. The lead character goes through the typical plot line of being wronged and looking for revenge, but doesn't learn the mantis style until very late in the film. When he finally does develop the style he doesn't use it until the very end. The other fights he continues to use wepons.
If you are interesting in seeing mantis style kung-fu, look elsewhere first, but if you are looking for a decent cookie-cutter, old style kung-fu flick to pass the time, this will do fine. |
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 6.50)
10 Votes
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