In the late 70's and early 80's other stars of the jade screen were showing off some of their own talents such as, Liu Chia Liang (aka The Pops), Gordon Liu, Hsiao Hou, and the impressive female fighting ace, Hui Ying Hung.

Liu Chia Liang

Liu Chia Liang not only starred in Shaw Brothers movies, but he directed some of them and choreographed the action . His roles has often been that of a kung fu master, farther, uncle or hermit. His fighting technique was called Hung Gar Kung fu, but he is also known for using untold animal forms like in the movie Mad Monkey Kung Fu where he and Hsiao Hou display the monkey style with perfection.

His movies tend to show that arm and finger strength is very important when training in kung fu. Liu Chia Liang's other starring credits are My Young Auntie (director), Legendary Weapons Of China and Samo Hung's ever enjoyable Pedicab Driver. His directorial efforts are Dirty Ho, New Killers In Town(starred), Tiger On The Beat and Drunken Master 2 & 3 (starred).

Gordon Liu

Gordon Liu who appeared in a number of movies directed by Liu Chia Liang, has often played the part of a Shaolin monk or abbot. His most memorable movie is with out doubt, The 36 Chambers Of Shaolin where he learns how to train his body for combat and masters a variety of weapons after his family and business are destroyed by the local government.

After all his vigorous training is complete, he faces the legendary bad guy, Lo Lieh for an all out final. Liu's display of the 3 Section Staff, Sword and other deadly weapons is riveting. He was cast in the two Kill Bill movies, broadening a wider appeal to new audiences and bringing awareness to his legendary talents. His other movie appearances include, Dirty Ho, Treasure Hunters(supporting role), Return To The 36 Chambers, Shaolin and Wutang and Jet Lee's The Last Hero In China.

Hsiao Hou

Hsiao Hou just like Gordon Liu, has starred in many of Liu Chia Liang movies. He was best known for his role in Mad Monkey Kung Fu. The movie starts where Mr Chen (Liu Chia Liang) and his sister ( Hui Ying Hung) are invited to an old friends home (Lo Lieh), after watching a stage play, but once they get there, Lo manages to gently persuade Chen in to drinking and show off his kung fu in order to set him up. Lo knows that his weakness has always been alcohol .

Eventually one glass lead to another and before you know it, he's under the influence. He's led to a room to lay down. He awakes next to a lady who wrongly accuses him of assault. Lo Lieh order his hands to be crippled by beating them.

Now living as a recluse he earns money as a street performer for the locals. The tax collectors turn up and take all his hard earned money. A member of the audience known as Monkey (Hsiao Hou) befriends him and both help each other to make a living. Monkey knows nothing about Martial Arts, but is quickly trained in the art of monkey kung fu by Chen.

Once his training's complete they both go on a kung fu rampage to bring about justice in their home town. The final showdown is spectacular as they take a stand against Lo Lieh and his henchmen.

Hui Ying Hung

One of the most entertaining movies Hui Ying Hung has made is My Young Auntie. This movie is jam-packed with non-stop kung fu from beginning to end with a clean slice of comedy and a great storyline that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. When Ah Tao (Hsiao Hou) comes home after spending the season in college he finds out that the young woman in his home is actually his auntie (Hui Ying Hung) who his father says he must respect, he decides to rebel and refuses to call her auntie causing her much disappointment.

Eventually, he accepts her position. Auntie explains to Ah Tao and his farther that she married a senior member of their family to protect the families asset, but another member of the family (Lung Wei) and his children are trying to get their hands on them, to use them for their own evil deeds. This erupts into constant encounters with hired henchmen. In the end, both sides of the family face off for an all-out jaw dropping, kung fu finale.

After the release of this movie, Hui Ying Hung became a recognised female kung fu star. This is one of Shaw Brothers best productions and a must-see for fans of kung fu movies.

First a brief word about Previews. Sitting there waiting for the much anticipated Fearless, I had to suffer through at least three previews for horror films. I like horror—when it's done well--classic, gothic stuff like “The Lady in White,” or “Frankenstein.” Horror is easy to screw up and most of what hits the screen is lousy. I just want them to match the preview to the film. Preview comedies before a comedy, action before action, etc. There I said it, now for your feature presentation.

Go see “Fearless”

Fearless is a great film! Jet Li has chosen this to be his last and I have to say I agree. Yes I want to see more of him, but if he's looking to go out on top this is the movie.

This film is poignant in many ways. For one thing Li's character, Huo Yuanjia (1868-1910) was the real deal. He stood for something, and that began to lend identity and pride to China 's people in her darkest hours. Li's success as an action star has also become about more than just him. You can tell Li feels a kinship with this Chinese Robin Hood type character. And of course Li is 42 now—the age at which Huo died.

But What About the Action?

I love three things about the action in this film.

1. The director let the brilliance of the choreography shine instead of editing and camera work.

2. All the moves are real and true. (i.e. the boxer boxed, Li used Kung Fu, Shidou used Karate and Kendo. I wouldn't have a clue if the costumes were wrong but I know the fighting styles were amazing.)

3. With one exception the fight scenes were authentic, natural, integral to the movie, and 85% realistic. ( Yuen Wo Ping is famous for his wire work and it either works "The Matrix" or it doesn't "Crouching Tiger").

What about the “PG-13” Rating?

It's about right for the film. No nudity just violence. The cool action kind of violence not the “Godfather III” shock value kind of violence. The theme and character of the film would have justified even more.

There are three things which are true to nearly any big budget film out of China . Their violence won't be gratuitous the cinematography will be amazing, and the plot will end tragically. I appreciate the first two and abhor the last. In this case, unlike “Crouching Tiger” the tragedy fits perfectly the plot of the film.

Larger Story

When I say larger story I speak of a style of film criticism in which secular movies are examined for elements of truth that transcend the intended scope of the film. Not necessarily Christian themes so much as human themes from the perspective of a person who believes we are all in God's story.

Yes there is larger story. Father wound, vow, all of it. My guess is that some scenes from this movie will turn up among your all time favorites. A hero who lives and dies in such a way as to call out the best even in his opponents is a true man of character.

Jaa’s first movie can be found in the foreign language section of the video store. It’s called “Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior” and it also a great movie. “The Protector” was initially released as “Ong-Bak 2” overseas but was sponsored into America by Quinton Terantino’s production company, Baa Ram Ewe.

Tony Jaa is being billed as the next Jackie Chan and he lives up to it. In fact there is a cameo by Jackie that seems to indicate an official passing of the torch.

This film does several things right, which will look familiar to fans of Chan. The portions of the film that are in Thailand everyone speaks Thai (subtitled). When in Australia they speak English. Given Australia’s tight gun laws it’s possible that most thugs rely of brute force, so it’s not the type of martial art movie where the whole movie should have been over in a five minute fire fight. Instead the fight scenes are phenomenal and original, but not ridiculously implausible, and not repetitive.

I also demand a “smart factor” from my action hero’s. I can’t stand when the hero runs out of ammo but doesn’t pick up any of the half-empty guns on fallen enemies. Our protagonist uses a weapon when it is available.

What about the “R” Rating?

There wasn’t any tough language in the film and if there is nudity it’s not gratuitous.

The R is definitely for violence, and that is best reserved for films where a hero is attempting to do something noble. Our protagonist has more than enough reason to seek revenge but it’s clear that his mission is to find his elephants.

The bad guys are clearly aggressive and violent, but our hero doesn’t really stoop to their level. He shows remarkable restraint through-out the movie. There are no coupe de grace scenes or much collateral damage. The R is probably 90% for a fight scene nearly movie’s climax. Every Martial Artist under the sun will reply the same way if asked, “What would you do if someone attacked you with a knife.” The answer is, “break his arm.” At the risk of spoiling the surprise there are probably 50 guys wielding knives.

Larger Story

When I say larger story I speak in reference to John Eldredge although he makes no claim to have created the concept. It’s become a style of film criticism in which secular movies are examined for elements of truth that transcend the intended scope of the film. Not necessarily Christian themes so much as human themes from the perspective of a person who believes we are all in God’s story.

Our hero’s mission doesn’t change because the odds against him grow. His mission is relational—he wants his family back. Our hero has virtually no resources, no local connections, nor is he even familiar with local customs. Still he is able to conduct an investigation into organized crime, and determine who to trust in the crime family and in the corrupt local police department. He is a classic example of a hero who knows who he is and what he must do—and does it.