Kung Fu Killer
Dir: Teddy Chen
Starring: Donnie Yen, Charlie Yeung, Baoqiang Wang, and Bing Bai
100 Minutes
“Iron Monkey”, “Enter the Dragon”, “Born Invincible”, “Five
Element Ninjas”, “Fist of Legend” and “Once Upon a Time in China II”, these are
six of my favorite martial arts movies. What do two of these films have in
common? They star Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen. Director Teddy Chen clearly
wants to pay homage to martial arts films of the past, for instance Shaw
Brothers films, and he succeeds in making an action packed film that honors the
past that influences it.
Hahou Mo (Donnie Yen) is a martial arts instructor/master
who helps train the police force in Hong Kong. Hahou is imprisoned after a duel
where he accidentally killed someone. A few years pass and a killer named Fung
Yu-Sau (Baoqiang Wang) begins to target martial arts masters, challenging them
in their respective style in a battle to the death. Using techniques like grappling,
boxing, and weapon work to name a few, Fung attracts the attention of Hahou who
finds the particulars of the killings familiar. Hahou contacts a police
detective (Charlie Yeung) and agrees to help find Fung in exchange for his
freedom.
Chen understands the nature of martial arts films, which is
ultimately the origin that lead to the duel. Here, Fung is motivated by the
death of his wife and his determination to be the best by beating the best. The
narrative doesn’t hide the mystery of the killer, we know Fung and understand
early his purpose for fighting. Where the mystery exists is with the intentions
of Hahou. Why did he kill someone? What side is he on? These questions are
easily answered but they help in building the anticipation of what is
unquestionably coming, an epic freeway confrontation between Hahou and Fung.
The film is ultimately a vehicle for Donnie Yen, who has an
undeniable presence and still has the physical chops to command the action
sequences in the film. One where he also served as fight choreographer.
Surprisingly Yen is nearly upstaged by Baoqiang Wang who had nice turns in “A
Touch of Sin” and “Lost in Thailand” and here plays the unhinged Fung with
ferocity.
The production level is high with numerous locations
showcasing the many modern and traditional aspects associated with Hong Kong.
The action scenes are impressive, with chase scenes that weave in and out of
locations with a mix of handheld and stationary camera work. This camera work
offers a nice balance during fight scenes to display both the quickness and
power of the martial arts technique. The fight scenes are meticulously paced,
one fight happening acrobatically on the top of a large sculpture. The film operates
the best of realistic and gravity defying combat to make the fight scenes energetic
and distinct.
The film ends with a nice homage to the many actors and
crewmembers that have given their skilled talents to the art of martial arts
filmmaking. While the film may not reach the realms of some of the classic kung
fu films, the ambition and passion offer a first-rate effort.
Monte’s Rating
3.50 out of 5.00
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