The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)

Why so much hype?

Must See Movie...

Brilliant and touching

Absolutely Brilliant!

Wu (Gordon Liu) and Liu (Fu Sheng) are the sole survivors of an ambush in THE 8 DIAGRAM POLE FIGHTER. Liu's mind snaps and he attacks anyone he comes into contact with, believing them to be The Enemy (who are led by Wang Lung Wei); even his own people have a hard time restraining him, and he eventually goes mute. Wu, meanwhile, is rescued by the film's director (Liu Chia-Liang), who sacrifices himself when he allows Wu to escape via an intentionally-caused cave-in. Wu tries to force his way into a Shaolin Temple, but the Monks reject him as a possible disciple because he's "too violent..." He begins to learn wirework on his own, and before long is allowed to join the Temple. THE 8 DIAGRAM POLE FIGHTER isn't a bad movie, but the opening scenes are so overly Stylized that they don't seem to belong to the rest of the movie. The use of wirework doesn't help any, either.

For many years, 36 Chambers or "Master Killer" had been unanimously decided by fans of the classic kung fu genre to be the best kung fu movie ever made. Directed by Lau Kar Leung in 1978, 36 Chambers marked a change in how audiences viewed the genre, and during this period, Lau, who had officially severed ties with Chang Cheh as a fight choreographer was crowned the "King of Kung Fu".I've watched 36 Chambers and while a powerful movie, I would have to say 8 Pole Diagram Fighter deserves the title of 'best kung fu movie ever made'. This was one of Lau Kar Leung's final masterpieces and the movie he was dying to make Both movies star Gordon Liu as a young man who transitions from a life of political intrigue to Buddhist Monk. While both movies depict the rewards of hard work as the hero overcomes the struggles of trying to adhere to a new life, it a also doesn't shy back away from the difficulties of staying true to his new beliefs when loved ones are endangered and the same evil men continue to oppress the people a "detached" monk can't stop caring about.Emotions run incredibly high, in 8 Diagram Pole Fighter, but while a bit over-dramatic, it is sure not to disappoint fans and new comers to this genre of movies. 8 Pole Diagram Fighter is simply put, a movie you have to see to believe. Cheesy costumes an goofy set pieces doesn't distract. This is the best kung fu movie ever made.

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.

i don't know how many times i tried to start watching this movie. After hearing great things and purchasing it, i found the first 15-30 minutes exceedingly awful (and they are). Of course, these intro scenes are good for a few laughs, but once you get past it, the film is top notch. The fight scenes are wonderful (great pole fighting, as you'd expect from the title), and once again Gordon Liu is himself (i.e. THE MAN).It's a bit difficult to keep characters straight at first, but put this one in you DVD/VHS player, sit back, and get ready for some really (unintentional) funny moments as well as some of the best Kung Fu action out there.