The Venoms films are well regarded amongst Shaw Brothers fans as some of the best of the studio's output. THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS and RETURN OF THE DEADLY VENOMS (aka CRIPPLED AVENGERS) are two of their classic films which most fans will have seen, but they also made loads of other movies along the way, pretty much all of them stand alone titles, and THE FLAG OF IRON is such a film.
And the good news is that this is an exceptional bit of entertainment and one of Chang Cheh's very best movies. It's a vibrant and colourful film with a complex yet easily understandable storyline full of intrigue, betrayal, and double crossing. There's mystery and suspense in spades, and of course the narrative is bolstered by a series of madly exciting fight scenes which help to tell and develop the storyline instead of just being added in for the sake of having some action.
Nearly all of the Venoms are present in this one, and they're at the top of their game. Phillip Kwok is the best I've seen him, playing the loyal warrior who ends up being exiled and working undercover as a waiter. The segment of the film in which he's attacked by a series of outlandish assassins is my favourite and great, imaginative stuff. Watch out for the guy with the killer abacus, of all things! Chiang Sheng lends solid support as Kwok's buddy while Lu Feng takes a typical role and yet adds layers to it.
Lung Tien Hsiang is a little weak as the white robed rambler, a non-Venom added to the story, but he's certainly adequate enough all things considered. As usual, Chang Cheh is the real star of the show, bringing to life the gorgeous sets and costumes in a special way and shooting the action with his usual verve and dynamism. Yes, there is some 'flag fu' in this film, particularly towards the end of the picture, although it's not overdone. There is plenty of violence and bloodshed in the best Shaw tradition, however. Having loved every minute of FLAG OF IRON, I can only describe this as a masterpiece.
And the good news is that this is an exceptional bit of entertainment and one of Chang Cheh's very best movies. It's a vibrant and colourful film with a complex yet easily understandable storyline full of intrigue, betrayal, and double crossing. There's mystery and suspense in spades, and of course the narrative is bolstered by a series of madly exciting fight scenes which help to tell and develop the storyline instead of just being added in for the sake of having some action.
Nearly all of the Venoms are present in this one, and they're at the top of their game. Phillip Kwok is the best I've seen him, playing the loyal warrior who ends up being exiled and working undercover as a waiter. The segment of the film in which he's attacked by a series of outlandish assassins is my favourite and great, imaginative stuff. Watch out for the guy with the killer abacus, of all things! Chiang Sheng lends solid support as Kwok's buddy while Lu Feng takes a typical role and yet adds layers to it.
Lung Tien Hsiang is a little weak as the white robed rambler, a non-Venom added to the story, but he's certainly adequate enough all things considered. As usual, Chang Cheh is the real star of the show, bringing to life the gorgeous sets and costumes in a special way and shooting the action with his usual verve and dynamism. Yes, there is some 'flag fu' in this film, particularly towards the end of the picture, although it's not overdone. There is plenty of violence and bloodshed in the best Shaw tradition, however. Having loved every minute of FLAG OF IRON, I can only describe this as a masterpiece.