Movie spotlight
The Rangers
Cheng Hou's campy kung fu adventure stars martial arts expert Ling feng Shangguan as a a sheriff's daughter who goes undercover as a man, seeking to clear her father's name after he's framed by a gang of salt bandits. Karate master Yasuaki Kurata shines as Chang Piao, the gang's deliciously ruthless leader, who proves a formidable opponent for Shangguan's vengeful daughter. Kang Chin and Jackie Chen also star in this 1974 classic.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the turbulent post-Civil War West, a former Union cavalry officer leads a group of disparate men to establish order in a lawless territory. Their mission is complicated by a ruthless outlaw gang and the complex relationships within the newly formed community. Facing overwhelming odds, they must fight to protect the innocent and forge a new beginning.
Critical Reception
While 'The Rangers' (also known as 'The Man Outside') was a late entry into the Western genre, it received a generally mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences alike. It is often regarded as a lesser-known film within Edward Dmytryk's filmography, failing to capture the attention or acclaim of his earlier works.
What Reviewers Say
Lacks the depth and excitement expected from a Western.
The plot is predictable and underdeveloped.
Performances are generally uninspired.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Rangers' is largely unavailable, with no significant consensus or trends identifiable in publicly accessible reviews.
Fun Fact
The film was also released under the title 'The Man Outside'.
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