World Movies' Martial Arts Marathon!
30 hours of Asian Action
from Sunday 26 January 8:30pm
Preview by Alison Jobling |
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The 30-odd hours of Asian action starts strong, with the premiere of the
third film in the Lone Wolf And Cub series, also known as
the Baby Cart series. Not to worry, though: the first three
episodes are screened in correct order later in the marathon. Note for
purists: yes, I know that it is actually the fourth of the series, but
it's the third screened by World Movies, so forgive me.
This series contains fine martial arts action with a distinctly
Japanese flavour. The emphasis is on swordplay, and expert swordplay at
that: there's no wildly slashing about with a big chunk of metal here. No,
indeedy, our hero and most of his adversaries wield finely crafted
Japanese swords, and use the minimum motion to achieve the maximum
results. In most cases, the results are graced by an enthusiastic spouting
of blood to indicate to us where the wound was. These films were made in
the seventies, which accounts for the director coming over all Peckinpah
with the fake blood: I'm sure they bought the blood in industrial
quantities, to judge from the vigour with which it gets splashed around.
There's also an interesting glimpse of traditional Japanese life, and
insight into samurai ethics and honour, which kept me riveted during the
non-fighting moments. If you want to expand your mind and learn about
historical Japanese culture, these are the films for you. My personal
favourite is the third episode, Baby Cart In Peril, and not
solely because of the tattoo sub-theme: I'm also chuffed by the female
samurai Oyuki, the last fight (in which Itto Ogami fights several hundred
people apparently, and finally shows some expression), and the plot twists
occasioned by the honour of the samurai and the underclass governed by the
father of Oyuki.
The marathon then continues with the first of what I'm bundling
together as Car Fu films: not traditional martial arts, but
full of action nonetheless. Lots of cars, guns, and people giving each
other a good (if unscientific) kicking. This first one is Time And
Tide, by master director Tsui Hark, and features two rock stars in
the lead roles, one each from Hong Kong and Taiwan. It's fast and not
always easy to follow, but loads of fun, as are the other two Car Fu
contestants, The Last Blood and Legend Of Speed.
The former features the delectable Andy Lau being thrown through hospital
glass closely followed by exploding things, and just generally being
mistreated rather shamefully, while the latter features Ekin Cheng playing
a rich brat, driving fast cars, and snogging with Kelly Lin (in very
tight, very short leather shorts). There's also a side order of Patrick
Tam playing the talented but stammering mechanic with his usual elan, and
Cecilia Cheung in what is possibly her least annoying role as his sister.
World Movies Martial Arts Marathon:
