(1979) Directed by: Dung Gam-Woo Rejecting an offer to assassin a royal and overthrow the dynasty, Kao Jo-Hsueh's (Shih Szu) father and men are massacred and the only survivor is the daughter. Swearing to take revenge, she is put through rigorous training and along the way encounters the Prince of the Eastern Palace (Chung Wa) who becomes an important alley. Dung Gam-Woo's formulaic story is spiced up with intensity and a darkness that is welcome. Rain plays a part and revenge is played up to a very emotional level to the point where Jo Hsueh trusts nothing and noone but her own blood thirsty instincts. A stance that isn't bulletproof. Much of this drama is rather slight though and would've worked better with more of a charismatic star lead. Shih Szu has the fury and beauty in place but not ALL of it. Yuen Cheung-Yan's and Corey Yuen's action delivers expectedly though with multiple, intricate bouts that are at their peak the more outrageous the weaponry becomes. Highlight still remains the always fun genre staple in the form of the training sequences. Also with Lung Fei, Wong Chung, Yuen Cheung-Yan, Corey Yuen and Yuen Yat-Choh. Language: Chinese W/English Subs
