Black Hornet (1977)

An Exercise In Nonsense

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

The "say what you see" title hides the quality of this low rent and relatively unknown Hong Kong kung fu film which is far better than expected given the budget, or lack thereof. Ostensibly a vehicle for low rent star Don Wong, BANDITS, PROSTITUTES AND SILVER features an intricate storyline that offers far more characterisation than one would expect from a stock kung fu movie. Okay, so that also means that the first half of the film is relatively slow and action-free, but how often do you get a film like this with proper character motivations?Wong plays a romantic character who just so happens to fall in love with a prostitute employed by a cruel brothel owner. He wants to set her free but to do so he needs a large amount of ready cash, cash which he doesn't have available, so he agrees to steal a shipment of silver on behalf of some criminals. All goes straightforward until a wide-ranging bandit gang get involved, all desperate to get their hands on the loot, and a master villain shows up with murder in mind.Although Wong is the listed protagonist in this film he's actually outshone by the supporting players; there are no less than three luminaries present here and all are more than welcome. First up is Angela Mao in a rare villainous turn as a fighter with some wicked spinning blade boots; she burns up the screen as always. Second we get the inimitable Phillip Ko as the bald-headed bandit leader, always a favourite of mine alongside the likes of Dick Wei and Chen Sing. Best of all is Lo Lieh in one of his stock master villain roles, but at least he gets an interesting chain necklace weapon here, a little like the flying blade he used in THE DRAGON MISSILE. Add in plentiful action, some gore, a wagon chase, and a bratty kung fu-fighting kid, and you have the ingredients of an entertaining movie.

This is one of the better old school kung fu movie featuring Wang Tao, and to a lesser extent Angela Mao. Wang Tao is a wagon driver who's trying to buy off the girl he hopes to marry from the brothel. He needs to make $200 to buy her. He's offered a job that he's promised $800, but of course the job is of a shady kind, to steal and transport a chest containing silver. Group of bandits headed by Angela Mao is after him also to get the silver. There's story, and good kung-fu action in this classic movie. Each of the actors can act, and directing is also good. Wang Tao movies really well in this movie. Fight scenes are well choreographed, and showcases the actor's clean body line. Overall, it's one of the better old school kung fu movies made, and is worth viewing.

Don Wong Tao stars as a carriage driver who is in love with a prostitute. He needs $120 to buy her out of the brothel, so he decides to accept an offer to rob some silver. Now he has a bunch of bandits after him including Phillip Ko fei and Angela Mao Ying. Also after him is a corrupt government official played by Lo Lieh. This movie is a bit darker than most and has a fantastic finish.The fighting is above average, and Lo Lieh is much better in the action department than he usually is. He uses a really cool weapon that is a chain with a handcuff type thing on the end that can lock onto people's neck, arms and legs.Also starring is Man Kong Lung and Wong Hap and they look good in their fights.The Crash DVD has a decent widescreen print and the English dub sounds good.

it was good how they set up the robbery and the fighting. there is also something that makes you feel bad for shang yee. it is the thought of how he was treated for stealing when all he wanted was his girl shaochoi but it ends up being a fight over money a rep. very good