Secret Rivals

It's been more than a minute since I posted a blog entry, and I'd like to thank this damn cold I currently am suffering from and my wife for bringing me back. The cold has me laid up on the couch, and my wife was nice enough to buy me 5 movies yesterday from my Martial Arts connect (thanks honey...I luh you woman!)

So I woke up this morning sick as shit, but also feeling like a kid on Christmas!!! I decided to go with Secret Rivals. I just finished reading the Rza's book The Tao of Wu for the third time, and The Abbott bigs up this movie as a classic. I don't remember seeing it as a kid, so I was especially excited when my wifey brought home parts I, II and II.

The plot of the movies is pretty basic, but interesting enough to hold your attention. Northern Leg (played excellently by John Liu) travels to Korea in search of the man who killed his parents. The person responsible is a feared martial arts expert known as Silver Fox (one of Hwang Jang Lee's first of many roles), who also is involved in the robbery game. This attracts the attention of a government law enforcer known as Southern Fist (Wong Tao), who is in town posing as a potential bodyguard for the King (who is in cahoots with Silver Fox).

The two heroes do not hit it off at first, since they are keeping their true intentions secret from each other. They are also pursuing the same woman, which complicates things even more. Eventually they realize that although they have tremendous fighting skills, alone they are no match for Silver Fox. In the final scene, Northern Leg and Southern Fist team up and work together to open up a first class can of whoop ass on their foe.


Here is a clip of the final fight scene:

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with Secret Rivals. Although the movie was released in 1976, the story and action have withstood the test of time. John Liu and Wong Tao do an excellent job as "rivals-turned-partners." Hwang Jang Lee also thoroughly impresses as the menacing villain Silver Fox. The score, like most martial arts films, sets the mood for each scene.

I give Secret Rivals 4 1/2 Fists. It is definitely the type of movie that I am glad is in my collection. I can't wait to watch parts II and III! You should be doing the same!!!