The Snake Strikes Back

I picked this title up yesterday along with another 10 Hong Kong Collection Dvd's for a pound each ($1.50approx)and this was the first one I watched. It's starting to show it's age and the dubbing was dreadful but who watches low budget Kung Fu for acting or script quality. The story revolves around a fool Sui who wants to learn the art of the Absolutes Kung Fu and whoever becomes master becomes the keeper of the secret book of the Invincible Snake Fist, another prize that goes along with the title is a secret weapon a mega belly (I kid you not). The story is quite good the action is fast and often and the laugh's are around for all to see. The film stars Eagle Han, Elton Chong & Kim Miou my only complaint is that Sui keeps on having to fight the same people over and over again to gain control of the book. My score 6/10 not the best but well worth the money I paid out for the film.

This kung-fu comedy opens with student Lam being repeatedly punished for failing his master and being bullied by fellow student Sui. When the master dies Sui is determined to get his hands on a secret book; a book that teaches the 'Invincible Snake Fist' skill. He isn't the only one after the book; there are also three vicious characters from the south known as the 'Immortal Trio'. Now Lam must repeatedly fight against Sui and the trio to stop them getting the book. He is helped in this by being trained by the 'Potbellied Beggar' a skilled practitioner of Kung-fu.

If you are looking for a serious martial arts film this isn't it... there are lots of fights but much of the action is played for laughs. These fight scenes are highly choreographed and are exciting at times even if things aren't taken that seriously... it is impossible to take things seriously when a character's main weapon is his belly! Things weren't helped by the English dub in the version I saw... many characters spoke like cowpokes in a cheesy western; perhaps those responsible thought that would add to the comedy! The editing wasn't great; often scenes felt cut short to such an extent that I wondered if I was watching an edited version... the length of the film suggested this theory was wrong. For all its faults the film grew on me as I watched and as the end approached I was really enjoying it. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of low budget martial arts; partly for the action and partially for the laughs.