MASTER OF DEATH is a very typical kung fu film from Taiwan with the usual revenge-focused storyline. The hero of the piece I found more than a little big-headed; we're introduced to him as his wise old master sends him on his way, proclaiming that he's spent 18 years teaching him everything he knows so anything else would be a waste of time.
Chi Kuan-Chun heads back to his old township to discover a conspiracy surrounding the death of his parents. He swears vengeance on the man responsible, but discovering the guy's identity proves to be tricky, and meanwhile a number of deadly martial arts masters stand in his way. What follows is near-constant action, although sadly none of it is very exciting.
Kuan-Chun makes for a wooden hero and the film only comes to life when better actors show up in support, such as Wu Ma in a gambling scene or Lo Lieh in a stock cameo appearance. I liked some of the outdoor scenery but the fight scenes are too ordinary and cheap-looking to really entertain. Unfortunately, MASTER OF DEATH is a film like its title; completely forgettable.
