The Hero of Swallow
Director: Siu Sang
Year: 1996
Rating: 5.0
Swallow as in a bird - I thought it was as in
to swallow something. Not that it really matters in this Yuen Biao vehicle.
A difficult film to judge - there are a lot of the elements that I enjoy
in a HK film - action, heroics and wire flying - but none of it was very
satisfying.
The film takes place in the early 1900's and Yuen's girlfriend Chinny is
kidnapped and sold into the brothels of Peking. Intent on getting her back,
he becomes a martial arts master and takes on the identity of the Hero of
Swallow - who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Finally he goes
to Peking to look for his love, but is at the same time being looked for by
the law. Lots of action scenes as Yuen battles the police and also with Eddie
Ko who is guardian to a Prince.
The fight scenes though lack a certain oomph as they appear to be more choreographed
dance routines than martial arts as there is a lot of swirling about and a
huge amount of flying around - thus the Swallow of the title. The final
religious like tableau is a bit bizarre and out of step with the rest of
the film. Others inform me that Yuen was hurting and actually was doubled
for much of the film.
