Xi Zang xiao zi

I had an itch for more martial arts action so I checked out this Yuen Biao action/fantasy film. Biao stars as Wong La, a Tibetan monk who is sent to Hong Kong to recover an ancient vase from a lawyer. Naturally there is an evil sect of Buddhists (led by Yuen Wah) that want to get their hands on it too. The first half of the film depends too heavily on some "fish out of water" and fantasy comedy (like a bit where Biao accidentally makes everyone's clothes disappear). A lot of it is reminiscent of Biao's earlier vehicle THE ICEMAN COMETH. It will turn some viewers off while others may find it funny. Personally, I enjoyed it because Biao has such a funny on screen persona. When it gets down to the action, there are some impressive scenes. Most notable is the final fight between Biao and Wah. This is only the second (and last) film that Biao ever directed. It is too bad because he certainly has a good eye and the Tibetan locations are stunning. Jackie Chan has a quick cameo in the airport scene.