Initial exposition is rather rough, but thankfully it's fairly brief. Even more unfortunate is if the version of this one manages to find is the dub, for this is the type of dubbing that gives dubbing a bad name. One can forgive the common premise, one that we've seen time and again; on the other hand, the writing decidedly direct, and the brisk pacing makes it feel even more so. There are also instances here of editing, be they overzealous or emptily favoring slow motion, and more uncommonly instances of overzealous cinematography, that distract and detract from the core value of the title. For what it's worth, though, there's but one thing that we especially anticipate from movies out of Hong Kong, movies from Golden Harvest, and/or movies involving Sammo Hung, Barry Wong, Corey Yuen, or Yuen Biao, and I don't think there's any arguing that the stunts, actions sequences, and effects here are pretty terrific. That's what we came here for, and that's the value we get; only, would that as much are care had gone into every other facet of the feature as was put into those moments that are are splendidly artistic as they are invigorating. I don't think 'Eastern condors' is a must-see in any measure, but if you're a fan of like fare or of those involved, it's still definitely worth checking out.
The narrative and scene writing are fine in the broad strokes, with some moments (the action-oriented ones in particular) being stronger than others, even where it's outright imitative. Then again, the plot at large is quite thin, a lot of the attempted humor just isn't funny, and most of the dialogue is just plain bad (admittedly, again, this is the dub, and I can only hope the original Cantonese is better). The music, it must be noted, is so highly repetitive that it swiftly becomes overbearing and irritating. Yet in other capacities this is admirably well made, with beautiful filming locations, great sets, and costume design, props, weapons, and vehicles that were a boon for the production. Hung's direction is never in question; while fare like this doesn't specifically require much by way of performances, the acting is fine. Still, there's no disputing where the intent and strength of the picture lie, and it bears repeating that even at its most overblown all the action looks fantastic. Some moments are even more violent than I expected, for that matter, and one way or another the stunts, effects, and fights are executed with a precision and expertise that's deeply gratifying. Everyone involved knew what their chief skills were, and what 'Eastern condors' was meant to be, and the end result is as good and entertaining as it is for exactly these reasons.
Even if you're a diehard devotee of Hong Kong cinema, or the participants here, I don't think this is so substantial as to mark it as a must-see. There are countless other titles of a like mind, from the 70s and 80s not least, that are more dependably solid and enjoyable, with fewer distinct flaws and maybe none at all. All the same, if you come across this you know what you're looking for, and you know you'll get it. This isn't perfect or essential, but 'Eastern condors' is nevertheless a good time overall, and is surely enough to earn a fair recommendation.
The narrative and scene writing are fine in the broad strokes, with some moments (the action-oriented ones in particular) being stronger than others, even where it's outright imitative. Then again, the plot at large is quite thin, a lot of the attempted humor just isn't funny, and most of the dialogue is just plain bad (admittedly, again, this is the dub, and I can only hope the original Cantonese is better). The music, it must be noted, is so highly repetitive that it swiftly becomes overbearing and irritating. Yet in other capacities this is admirably well made, with beautiful filming locations, great sets, and costume design, props, weapons, and vehicles that were a boon for the production. Hung's direction is never in question; while fare like this doesn't specifically require much by way of performances, the acting is fine. Still, there's no disputing where the intent and strength of the picture lie, and it bears repeating that even at its most overblown all the action looks fantastic. Some moments are even more violent than I expected, for that matter, and one way or another the stunts, effects, and fights are executed with a precision and expertise that's deeply gratifying. Everyone involved knew what their chief skills were, and what 'Eastern condors' was meant to be, and the end result is as good and entertaining as it is for exactly these reasons.
Even if you're a diehard devotee of Hong Kong cinema, or the participants here, I don't think this is so substantial as to mark it as a must-see. There are countless other titles of a like mind, from the 70s and 80s not least, that are more dependably solid and enjoyable, with fewer distinct flaws and maybe none at all. All the same, if you come across this you know what you're looking for, and you know you'll get it. This isn't perfect or essential, but 'Eastern condors' is nevertheless a good time overall, and is surely enough to earn a fair recommendation.