Director: Lee Tso-Nam
Notable Cast: Ha Kwong-Li, Dorian Tan Tao-Liang, Wang Hsieh,
Tsai Hung, Peng Kang, Sun Jung-Chi, Shih Ting-Ken, Chin Lung
Also known as: The Invincible Kung Fu Legs
The last few years has seen a significant uptick in the
amount and quality of proper releases for martial arts films from the golden
age of the genre. For fans, like myself, it’s about time. Living in the realms
of bootlegs and poor-quality editions, getting restored home video releases of
so many overlooked classics is a miracle. When it was announced that the fan
favorite The Leg Fighters was getting a coveted Blu Ray release through a
new label, Pearl River, I was shocked. Most of the proper HK and martial arts
releases were from the major two studios, Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest, and
the others have been buried to questionable DVDs and dubbed/VHS rips on the Wu
Tang Collection via YouTube. In fact, prior to this release, I had only seen a
dubbed low-quality version of this film. Needless to say, the fact that this
film even exists in this format for the US means its worth buying for all fans
of the genre.
As for the film itself, The Leg Fighters represents that
period of time where many of the smaller production companies were trying to
capitalize on the kung fu comedy elements that had made Jackie Chan and other
stars at Golden Harvest sensations. The film focuses on a brash young woman
named Phoenix who is being trained in kung fu. Although there are a ton of
films that focus on the headstrong protagonist who must work hard while learning
disciple and respect to take on the big bad of the film, there are not nearly
as many films that feature a woman in the role and actress Ha Kwong-Li ably
handles the job. She is given a comedic sidekick who handles most of the slapstick
comedy as an inept servant, but the combination of the two provides plenty of
charm to carry most of the film. This is partnered with a slew of gimmicky
villains (including two with bells and silly names) and a couple of disciplined
by well-meaning teachers – one played by the welcome presence of Dorian Tan Tao-Liang,
and The Leg Fighters delivers on most fronts for what kung fu fans will want
from a film.
Notably, this latest Blu Ray from Pearl River features a new
2K restoration from the original 35 mm print of the film in its original language.
As a fan who has only seen the film via a VHS dubbed version, the ability to
see it in such a lovingly restored manner is worth it alone. Extra features
like a new audio commentary by Michael Worth, interviews, and a fun intro to
the film that goes a bit into the plight to get films like The Leg Fighters are
all just additional worth to being able to see it in the best format this film
has ever seen.
The Leg Fighters might not be the most unique martial arts
film, nor does it always find that great balance between its comedy and action
like some of its peers, but there is a reason that it has the cult following it
does from kung fu fanatics. The film can be incredibly charming, particularly
with a handful of great performances at the heart of its story, and the action
build is delightful. The true reason one should pick up this new Pearl River
collection disc is to be able to see it the way it was intended – restored with
respect and in its original language.
The big question remains is what other films Pearl River
expects to release in the future? No matter what, I’ll be there.
Written By Matt Reifschneider
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