Tiger Killer
TIGER KILLER (1982) is a straightforward adaptation of one story from the sprawling Chinese literary epic, "The Water Margin." It tells the tale of Wu Song, who slays a man-eating tiger preying on farmers and villagers and becomes the hero of the province, getting appointed as a constable by the local magistrate. He is reunited with his older brother, the short, disfigured Wu the Elder, a peddler of buns, who invites Wu Song to move in with him and his new wife. The wife, Golden Lotus, is an attractive young former maid who had been forced to marry Wu the Elder as punishment for getting caught in bed with her master by the master's wife. She takes a liking to the handsome, strong Wu Song, who rebuffs her attempts to seduce him. When Wu Song is sent on a long journey, the wife begins an affair with a rich local merchant. When Wu Song returns from his mission, he is met with shocking news which sets off a series of violent acts of retribution.
Insights
Plot Summary
In ancient China, a young warrior named Long seeks to avenge his master's death at the hands of the tyrannical Tiger General. Along the way, he encounters a mystical tribe and must master a legendary martial art to defeat his powerful foe. Long's journey is fraught with peril, testing his courage, skill, and determination to uphold justice.
Critical Reception
Tiger Killer, while an early work by acclaimed director Tsui Hark, is often seen as a cult classic among martial arts film enthusiasts. It is praised for its energetic action sequences and imaginative fantasy elements, though its narrative and character development are sometimes considered less refined compared to his later, more polished productions. The film has garnered a dedicated following over the years for its unique blend of traditional martial arts and supernatural themes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its creative action choreography and fantastical elements.
- Acknowledged as an early, yet ambitious, effort by Tsui Hark.
- Noted for its vibrant visual style and energetic pacing.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'Tiger Killer (1982)' is not readily available. However, general sentiment from martial arts film fans often highlights its innovative fight scenes and mystical plot.
Fun Fact
Donnie Yen, who would later become a global martial arts superstar, had a minor role in this early Tsui Hark film, showcasing his burgeoning talent in the martial arts genre.
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