The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter

8 Reasons to Watch "8 Diagram Pole Fighter"

Whether it would be your first time or 36th viewing, here are 8 reasons why you should watch, in my opinion, the greatest kung-fu movie of all time.

1) Liu-Chi-Liang/Lau Kar Leung --I grew up watching kung-fu films in decrepit New York City theaters as well as on Saturday 3PM on NY channel 5 - "Drive-In" feature. My favorite director of these action flicks was and still is Liu-Chi-Liang/Lau Kar Leung.

This legendary director is himself a marital artist (able to trace his mastery from demi-hero, Wong Fei Hung) and imparts adherence to the art of kung-fu in every movie he directs and/or choreographs. His greatest screen triumph comes in the form of "The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter" ("Invincible Pole Fighter").

2) A compelling storyline -- Mongols with the help of an insider, ambush the influential Yang Family, defenders of the dynasty. The Mongols must hunt down all Yang survivors so their insidious plot to overthrow the dynasty will not be uncovered.

3) An all-star cast -- Those who watch films of the Shaw Brothers will recognize the familiar faces of the charismatic dynamo Gordon Liu Chia Hui, kung fu babe Kara Hui Ying-Hung, legendary Lily Li, superstar Alexander Fu Sheng in his last screen role, all-time bad guy Johnny Wang Lung Wei, veteran Phillip Ko Fei, talented Hsiao Ho, technical Lau Kar Wing, heroic Wong Yu and Lau Kar Leung himself.

3) Unobtrusive use of "wire-fu" or special effects -- At least there are no quadruple flips and people flipping off swords (i.e. "Swordsman 2").

4) The greatest pole fighting sequence filmed -- Gordon Liu wants revenge. Phillip Ko Fei denies this bloodlust. Watch them engage in a fantastic duel of ethics and poles.

5) The climactic end sequence -- Words cannot describe the mayhem involved. Only the finale of films such as "Drunken Master 2" and "Thundering Mantis" can compare. Must be seen to be believed.

6) No gratuitous humor --While not everyone can have the sense of humor of a Jacky Chan or Sammo Hung, many martial arts films have comical segments/elements that take away from the overall picture.

Take Lau Kar Leung's masterful `Legendary Weapons of Kung-Fu.' The entire Alexander Fu Sheng subplot of the crackpot martial artist could've been done without the cross eyes and silly music.

Chang Cheh's `10 Tiger's of Kwangtung' had many memorable moments but a couple of comedic attempts such as the overly long 'torture training,' and the bystander who lounges about and watches a duel at close range, distracts.

In `8 Diagram Pole Fighter' there is no mixing of genres. What you get is a smash-mouth kung-fu action movie.

7) Themes -- This movie is not just about kung-fu and revenge. It deals with family honor. Loyalty to one's country. Loyalty to a group. Belief in one's self. And ultimately - belonging.

8) Gordon Liu -- As the main star of this movie, Gordon cements his place in kung-fu film history as one of the baddest-asses ever. Here's an elite warrior that goes to Shaolin Temple to IMPROVE his killing skills. In particular his first encounter against a Mongol outpost is the stuff of action film legend.



I feel so strongly about this movie that it not only is my favorite martial arts film, it currently ranks as my favorite movie. It stands above my other favorites (which include: The Godfather, Golgo 13, The Seven Samurai, On the Waterfront, 12 Angry Men, High Noon, Monty Python's Holy Grail), because it stands the test of repeated viewings and never fails to fill me with the full gamut of all emotions, leaving me more passionate about my life, my family and my destiny.

Maybe it's the coffee talking. Maybe I need to get out more. Nevertheless, I offer a toast to all other `8 Diagram Pole Fighter' fans around the world, new and old.

'The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)' is one of the more brutal martial arts movies of its type, with a finale that features some jaw-dropping (and teeth-shattering) moments of gore that really punctuate the otherwise balletic choreography and hammer home the fact that in this dance, people die. The feature puts a lot of other Kung fu flicks to shame before its opening titles are even over, beginning with a glorious battle sequence that sees seven brothers go up against an ambush of Tartan soldiers. Only two brothers make it out alive, with one returning home a traumatised wreck and the other seeking refuge in a monetary until a suitable moment arises for him to get his vengeance. The bulk of the film depicts the two brothers' attempted recovery from their staggering loss and betrayal, building to an expected indulgence in revenge while also having one of them engage in a practice that constantly implores them to forget all worldly issues. Gordon Liu portrays an angry and impatient warrior whose determination to be a monk seems to come from an inability to take no for an answer rather than some genuine longing for enlightenment, and he essentially bullies his way to (almost) the top of the order. Even towards the end of his journey, he isn't the calm and collected Kung fu monk you may expect; he's almost the polar opposite of Liu's similar character in 'The 36 Chambers Of Shaolin (1978)'. Alexander Fu-Sheng, whose tragic death during filming prevented him from appearing in the final battle, plays someone suffering with severe PTSD that seems to be causing him to have intense flashbacks which kick him into fight or flight mode - which, for him, is more like fight or fight mode. It's an interesting angle to explore, primarily because it doesn't exactly fit with the conventional genre format and isn't given the conclusion you may expect. Unfortunately, the mid-section of the movie just isn't all that engaging, with neither of the main storylines being as compelling as they need to be to justify their length. At the same time, though, the flick is pretty breezy throughout and features more than a few brilliant action set-pieces to keep you entertained. Furthermore, the final third is simply phenomenal, with one of the most intense and impressive final fights I can recall. It's satisfyingly fast-paced, masterfully filmed and surprisingly violent. It's genuinely fantastic in every way. Ultiamtely, this is a somewhat uneven but mostly successful martial arts movie with a fairly bleak tone and some amazing action scenes. Its strong opening and closing movements more than make up for its weaker middle portion (even though its second act does dampen its overall impact somewhat and prevents it from being quite as strong as something like the aforementioned 'The 36 Chambers Of Shaolin (1978)'). It's a really solid effort that will keep you entertained from start to finish, and occasionally knock your socks clean off.

This is an action packed film filled with terrific swordplay and choreography in the battles. Its best to watch on a big screen for full effect. It is a period piece set during the Sung Dynasty, but just suffice to say there is usually something going on. One of the stars, Fu Sheng, was killed in a car crash midway through filming, so its a miracle the film was finished. There's lots of blood, lots of yelling, lots of running around. As always with these kind of films produced by the Shaw Brothers, the colors are vivid. Not usually my kind of film, it was a lot of fun to watch. If you like martial arts films, this is definitely for you.

Gordon Liu, Alexander Fu Sheng, Venoms, Kara Hui. This movie has it all.

One definite thing about the movie is it is dark. The whole mood is set from the incredible opening credits sequence and all throughout the film. Gordon Liu is Yang #6; a man bent on seeking revenge. His pole fighting is amazing in this one in both battle and training. You cannot miss the scene when he enters the Shaolin temple - classic Liu!!

Alexander Fu Sheng as Yang #5 gives a great performance as man driven insane from traumatic events. Although it's english dubbing, Fu Sheng's facial expressions and acting is really great in this one...he really looks crazy!! I enjoyed seeing his panic attacks being doused by Mother Yang who's not too shabby a fighter herself. Kara Hui is Yang #8 and her fight scenes are always a sight to see! Oh, Lau Kar Leung's cameo is short, but is wickedly intense!

Overall, this has become a favorite of mine. Whether it's the pole training in the wolf room, the final battle, or those deadly coiling staffs, I could watch this one again and again and...

As in the case of many Shaw Brothers masterpieces, the following lessons can be learned:

a) DON'T be a traitor b) DON'T leave the hero unless one is 100% sure that he's dead c) DON'T MAKE THE HERO (in this case, LUI CHIA HUI) ANGRY - YOU WON'T LIKE HIM WHEN HE'S ANGRY. d) If you love this type of movie, DON'T leave this life without seeing it.