The Disciples Of The 36th Chamber (1985/Dragon Dynasty DVD)
Picture:
C- Sound: C Extras: D Film: C+
Fong
Sai-Yuk is a genius martial artist, but only his pride is a match for his
skills. Hard headed and proud, he takes
any excuse to show off his martial arts and getting into trouble, tests both
the limits and patience of his teachers, family and his masters. After getting into local dispute with the
magistrate he is sent to the Shaolin temple to hide, and learn a little
humility and respect for others. However,
his foolhardy ways soon land him in deeper waters than he can handle, and falls
to Master San Te save his disciples and teach him the errors of his ways.
This was
a comical martial arts film, but only so funny. Fong is so good that finding no equal he
causes endless grief for his brothers, mother and teachers as they do their
best to try and keep him out of trouble. His only match is head Monk San Te who tries
to teach him the value of patience and not everything can be solved with fists.
Tired of his lessons and lectures, he
sneaks out of the temple and soon leads his temple brothers into a trap for the
Shaolin disciples. A young, headstrong,
arrogant young disciple, believing he and his ways is better and he is
above the rules he 'takes responsibility' by diving head first in any
situation. However, his naive and
foolish way soon proves his master is correct that a person may be martial
arts master, but unless he masters himself he is only a master fool.
The film
is here in anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 framing, but was weak, especially
for a film shot in ShawScope and the Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono was not much better
making this disappointing all around. Extras
include audio commentary.
- Ricky Chiang
