The Oily Maniac

This cheesy highly 70's Hong Kong feature immediately gives you the impression that you're going to regret watching it. From it's immensely 70's feel, terrible dialogue and cheesy plot I expected the worst and maybe that's why I came out the other end pleasantly surprised.

Don't get me wrong The Oily Maniac isn't exactly a great film but it's not terrible either.

Arguably a superhero movie our hero gains the ability to turn into The Oily Maniac whose powers are essentially to be a man made of *Wait for it* oil! Though the plot isn't exactly original our leading character certainly is and though you may find it laughable and perhaps hard to get behind the character it is definitely memorable.

This is a film I'd happily see a western remake of as the concept is a lot of fun. A bit of a higher budget to overcome the terrible 70's sfx and maybe make it either R rated or more tongue in cheek (This one doesn't know what it wants to be) Better yet here's an idea The Oily Maniac vs The Greasy Strangler Can you smell the potential? Make it happen Hollywood

This would probably amuse a young adolescent male, what with the rampaging oil covered monster interrupting fairly explicit sexual goings and other non consensual abuses. Just about of interest too as an example of the myths and legends out of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, where some of this is filmed. For the general viewer, this is problematic, not due to any lack of cinematic skills, the Shaw brothers tend to know their audience and be able to cater for it but their is a distinct lack of focus. The oily maniac is pretty well done as far as the effects department go and whether it is the life size monster or the mere puddle that can slide under doors all is fairly satisfactory (especially helped by Jaws like rip off music to accompany each rampage) but there is no consistency as to his actions and those around him. Whilst all the girls who have their tops torn off are lovely the support acting is generally poor and with so much running about without anyone (us included) knowing why, those eyelids begin to drop. Fun in places and fantastic having a 1976 Hong Kong exploitation movie look so good but here even 84 minutes seems a long time.

Among all the esteemed classics that the Shaw Brothers produced, this one feels quite unlike most of its brethren. The contemporary setting is certainly a bit uncommon, and the choice to film exclusively in Malaysia, as are the more plainly dramatic airs with comparatively few genre elements. Even more noteworthy are the strong notes of ableism and misogyny that characterize the story, not to mention the sexual overtones that feel rather exploitative, especially in light of considerable nudity and sexual assault that require a subststantial content warning. And still even more distinct, and rather concerning, is how astoundingly direct and simplified the dialogue, scene writing, and overall narrative are, mostly quite blunt and brusque. That forthrightness extends to the majority of the acting and direction, meaning that in those moments when the titular figure isn't in action, the proceedings come off rather curiously as an overt and very heavy-handed melodrama. There actually is much to like here, and the story at large is fairly solid, yet 'Oily maniac' faces considerable problems for how very unsubtle, tactless, and gawky it is in its craft in many regards. Why, though it's not true across the board, there are moments when the tale feels altogether nihilist as there are few figures here that do not come off poorly at one time or another. There's so much going on here.

With all that said, if it's horror that you're looking for, you'll definitely find it. The very premise suggests a blending of modern regional folklore with classic comic book creations like Swamp Thing or Man-Thing, or other folk beliefs from various cultures about humans who take on properties of the natural world. I don't think the full potential of the scenario is borne out as protagonist shows himself to be easily manipulated to use his powers against anyone, yet the core is very sturdy as beleaguered Shen initially sets out to fight crime and corruption but quickly loses himself in the process. The violence and action sequences are duly striking, and if less than fully detailed, the costume of the "oily maniac" is more than suitable enough to fit the needs of the feature. Meanwhile this is admirably well made in most other ways, befitting the usual standards of the Shaw Brothers, including excellent production design and art direction, and great stunts and effects (if less finessed than in the kung fu flicks for which the studio is best known). The post-production special effects that are employed to visualize the monster's movements are glaringly obvious, though one can't fault this too much aspect too much since the title could only make use of what technology was available to it. While the acting and direction are broadly less than nuanced, both Ho Meng-Hua and his cast illustrate sufficient capability to bring the whole to fruition.

All things considered this doesn't count among the top premier movies that the Hong Kong legends have ever churned out. Even if we twist semantics to say that the readily discernible issues aren't abject flaws but just factors that may limit audience engagement, the fact remains that there's a lot about this 1976 flick that doesn't necessarily come off well; in the very least, it's not as refined and carefully made as some of the production company's other works. Be all that as it may, I still had a good time watching - I expected I'd enjoy 'Oily maniac,' and that I did, even as I recognize where it's less successful. Unless you're a diehard Shaw Brothers fan or a horror fanatic I don't think this anything one needs to go out of their way to see, but it's most very well done and entertaining, and when all is said and done it's a fine credit to those involved. It's no must-see, but bearing in mind some necessary content warnings, 'Oily maniac' is worth a look if you do have the chance to watch.

THE OILY MANIAC Stars Danny Lee as Shen Yuan, who is given a mystical secret that can cure him of his polio. It also makes him invulnerable as long as he does good deeds. Following instructions, Shen turns into the shrieking petroleum product of the title, and begins wiping out bad guys right away.

All goes well until Shen uses his powers out of anger, causing him to go totally berserk! The scene where he deals with his corrupt boss is quite memorable indeed! The finale is a feast of fiery fluidity.

As Shaw Brothers films go, this is a good one. It's funny, exhilarating, and absolutely nuts! Sort of like a hybrid of SWAMP THING and THE TOXIC AVENGER (predating both of these films by a few years). The copious amount of female toplessness adds immensely to the absurdity of the whole affair!

You will not forget the Maniac's scream if you live to be a thousand!...

I watched this bad boy last night and I simply loved it!

If you are looking for usual Shaw Brothers' martial arts extravaganza you better to skip this one. There's only couple fighting scenes and they ain't nothing special. Oil Monster likes more to stomp, pound and strangle peoples to death than bust some kick-ass kung fu moves.

But if you are B-movie fanatic like me and you like flicks with monsters in the bad costumes, you will love this movie too! Story is based on the old Chinese folk tale.. Crippled man learns magic spell from his uncle who is sentenced to be executed The spell turns him into a Oil Monster and it's payback time! Monster starts to kill bad guys like there's no tomorrow..excellent!

'You gui zi a.k.a Oily Maniac' ain't horror, I would categorize it as a cheesy superhero tragedy. Yeah, that's right..

Monster itself is like when Superman meets Mr. Hyde and Swamp Thing. This Chinese Toxic Avenger is really cheap looking in bad costume with shining yellow eyes and heart stuck to the chest. Special effects are hilariously poor, especially when Oil Monster turns pool of oil and starts to move around.

'Oily Maniac' has lots of nudity and lots of sexual violence. Every Female character shows their boobs, except Lily Li. Don't show this film to your feminist girlfriend because there's plenty of rape scenes that she couldn't handle.

This movie could be more entertaining with more gore. There's couple of smashed skulls, but nothing more. This might be filmed at same time with Black Magic (by same director Meng Hua Ho), as many of the locations looks pretty similar. The plot is entertaining and acting isn't bad, actually pretty decent. Danny Lee shines in this as usually.

In overall, if you want to see piece of Chinese b-movie cult cinema you need to check this one out.

I also recommend Meng Hua Ho's King Kong -rip off 'The Mighty Peking Man'.

I give 'You Gui Zi' a.k.a 'The Oily Maniac' 7 1/2 oil-stained corpses out of 10