I initially got this video in the early 90's - a period of my life where any and all kung fu movies where like gold to me. I had seen its main stars in a couple of flicks before, but wasn't all that clued in on Asian cinema as I am today.
Back then, I enjoyed 5 Pattern Dragon Claws. It's very much the cliché kung fu film with an evil kung fu tyrant, stolen books, revenge and all that nonsense...
Watching it again today for the first time in 25 years, I was surprised to find just how much fun is actually still is!
While not as polished or modern as much of the classics coming out from Hong Kong around the same time - mainly from Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers - the film still delivers on kung fu action with some fantastic kicking, wonderfully choreographed fights and a mental end battle that totally impresses.
Most fans of kung fu cinema will recognise the majority of the cast, mainly South Korean actors - but of course its the wonderful Dragon Lee and Hwang Jang Lee (Wong Chen Li) who really steal the show. Hwang really needs no introduction as one of the most recognised bad guys in kung fu cinema, the Silver Fox rarely disappoints and treats us all to a flurry of kicks - some of which are highlighted as lightning strikes which is hilarious!
Starting film life as a Bruce Lee clone, Dragon Lee has always been an interesting character to me. His wild, over acting, manic style of kung fu is highly entertaining and I honestly find him a more exciting actor and fighter than Bruce himself. While he looks about knee-high, Dragon Lee is a little powerhouse and beats his way through this 90 minute fight with some great co-stars and rarely a rest.
So much fun!!
Overall: While not a classic, 5 Pattern Dragon Claws delivers and still holds up well today!
