In the middle of the Ching (Manchurean) Dynasty, there was a period of prolonged social uncertainty. The Han Chinese had at last abandoned the hope of a return to power by the Ming Dynasty; the Ching themselves were undergoing political uncertainty, and so their oppressive rule was to some extent relieved, but without any other enforcement of law except for that by local families and clans wealthy enough to hire able fighters. It was a period quite similar to American West in the late 1800s, or again around mob-dominated cities like Chicago during Prohibition. Naturally, unstable times generate all the right conditions for wild acts of violence. The perfect environment for your typical chop-sock 'fu film.
A gang of jewel thieves, a load of jewels, and eight escorts (security guards) acting independently of one another, and not a one of them to be trusted - d'ya think there's gonna be a lotta fighting in this film? You betchem! Actually, if you blink, you'll miss the narrative exposition - you'll be convinced the film is just one fight after another, there are so many, and they fly by so fast.
The majority of actors here are excellent 'fu performers, and decent actors as well. The choreography is a little plain (for instance, no special styles are emphasized), but very tight. The lighting, camera work, and editing are superior to much of what many might expect from this genre. The dialog is just so-so, but, after all, its purpose is to get us from one fight to another, and it fulfills that purpose well. Solid 'fu entertainment.
One other note: If you happen to be a fan of John Woo's The Killer, you already know the co-star of that film, Danny Lee, who plays the Killer's cop compatriot. Lee eventually abandoned acting and became a director of thrillers and horror films. Well, many people don't know that he had a career as a supporting actor in many 'fu films before The Killer, and this is one where his abilities are allowed to shine. He has good role here, and does well with it.
Currently available on a low-cost DVD from World Video (which seems to have inherited a great deal of the old Ocean Shores catalog). Pan-&-scan, but decent video transfer. Worth the viewing.
