Because I've grown enamored of Chang Cheh's period films featuring stars like Ti Lung and David Chiang, DUEL OF FISTS was high up on my list of movies to see. Until I actually saw it, I had no idea that it was set in a "contemporary" setting (like BLACK MAGIC and BLACK MAGIC II, both of which made both Ti Lung and Lo Lieh look very bad). Worst of all has to be David Chiang: as already pointed out here, the '70s-wear makes the slightly-built Chiang look positively dainty (and the flaming red ensemble and purse he sports at film's end must be seen to be appreciated). DUEL OF FISTS is slow, with a clichéd storyline that adds nothing new (or even remotely interesting) to the martial arts movie genre, and the Muay Thai bouts are instantly forgettable (like Western boxing, Muay Thai fights are nigh impossible to pull off believably and the numerous "slapping punches" we see here are about as convincing as something in a "professional wrestling" match).
Review of Duel of Fists
