This historical epic opens like the closing-battle of most other kung-fu movies, with the massacre of the famed General Yang and his army, slaughtered by the invading Mongolians - led by Tien Feng (Young Master, The Assassin). From there, the 14 women of his family (including wife and daughters) set out on a blood-soaked revenge mission, which doesn't disappoint. Cheng Kang's action-packed classic explodes with many great characters, all of who give great performances, with hundreds of extras and a host of great kung-fu and weapons battles!
As with most Shaw Brothers productions, the sets and costumes are outstanding with such great attention-to-detail, complimenting the amazing cast on offer. The ladies of the 14 Amazons all do a great job as the vengeful daughters, both in the acting and action department. The action choreography of course, is looked after by the fantastic Tony Ching Siu Tung and Shaw Brother's regular, Leung Siu Chung. Leung worked as action director on classics such as Billy Chong's Sun Dragon, TheThunderbolt Fist, The Two Cavaliers with Wang Yu, and many more. Most of these fights include using the family weapon which is a spear, so any fans of the incredible 8 Diagram Pole Fighter will enjoy it - and even more so with its many similarities.
The legendary stories of the Yang Family have been passed down for generations, and told countless times in Hong Kong cinema. The Yang's took part in many wars for many years, although was not without its losses. Anyone who's not a fan of the old-school kung-fu movies can check out Frankie Chan's 2011 update, Legendary Amazons, which is great fun and just as action-packed...
Director Cheng Kang, the same man behind classics such as The Sword Of Swords with Jimmy Wang Yu, The Flying Guillotine 2, and Gambling Soul which would be his last as director. But most importantly, he gave us his son - Tony Ching Siu Tung - who would go on to bring Hong Kong film fans some of the greatest martial arts action films ever made!
The fights come often enough, from large-scale war battles to one-on-one action, such as the fight between a young Bolo Yeung and Shaw Brothers superstar, Yuen Hua, and are wonderfully choreographed, inventive and exciting to watch - not to mention violent at times. One hilarious thing I must point out though, is the fact that most of the bad guys are dressed like little Santa's which just adds some unintentional humour to it all, but its hardly distracting...
Overall: Epic in its running time, action and cast, 14 Amazons is wonderfully scripted, beautifully shot and directed, and highly entertaining!
