While far from terrible, this kung fu comedy boasts an impressive cast as well as having the talents of director Chan Chi Hwa and Jackie Chan behind the camera. Chan Chi Hwa had already directed Jackie in the fun Shaolin Wooden Men for Lo Lei, then would go on to work together in 1978 with the awesome Snake And Crane Arts Of Shaolin, and the hilarious Half A Loaf Of Kung Fu!
Interestingly enough, the 2 Chan's would continue a great working relationship for many years to come with Hwa working as assistant director for Jackie on films such as The Young Master, Police Story 1 & 2, and Operation Condor...
I can understand the mixed reviews online for 36 Crazy Fists. While its cast impresses, and choreography is quite fun and inventive, there does seem to be a lag or something in the direction that just stops the film from being the hit it deserves to be.
Yes the story is typically cliched for a late 70's kung fu flick - although if we are to believe the production dates listed, this similarly themed tale beats Jackie's own Drunken Master by a year, complete with a master beggar (played by Chiang Cheng aka Rambo Kong from Shaolin Drunk Fighter, and Monkey Kung Fu) who looks extremely like Sam Seed himself - Simon Yuen. But that cliché allows for many fun kung fu fights as the great Tony Leung Siu Hung trains and battles his way throughout against the great Fung Hak On (Police Story), Yen Shi Kwan (Iron Monkey) and many more!
Tony of course would go on to be a top HK choreographer and director for films such as Blood Moon; Superfights; Magic Crystal; In The Line Of Duty 3 and much more...
Of course, I haven't even got talking yet about Tony's co-star Lau Kar Yung - nephew of the incredible Lau Kar Leung and Lau Kar Wing. He's a fantastic mover in this, and has always impressed me on-screen going on to star alongside Jackie in Drunken Master 2 and directing another fave of mine with Moon Lee - New Kids In Town! I like 36 Crazy Fists! While it wouldn't be one I'd hurry back to for repeated viewings, it is a fun watch and a nice showcase for everyone involved in seeing what they have achieved today.
Overall: Not amazing, but still great fun - 36 Crazy Fists is worth seeing at least once!
