If you are
in the mood for some classic Old School Kung Fu, MASTER OF THE FLYING
GUILLOTINE is the way to go. When his pupils are killed, an evil blind
man seeks revenge on the rebel One Armed Boxer who murdered them. Disguised
as a monk, he takes with him his Flying Guillotine, a device that he throws
over his enemy's head and decapitates them. When he arrives in town searching
for the One Armed Boxer, he recruits some foreigners who have gathered
for a tournament to help him. Along the way, he decapitates anybody who
has one arm. Even though he is greatly skilled, The One Armed Boxer does
not join the tournament so he doesn't bring attention to himself. Unfortunately,
he attends as a spectator and is spotted. He must use his Kung Fu as well
as his wits to defeat his opponents. The final showdown is a battle between
THE MASTER OF THE FLYING GUILLOTINE and the ONE ARMED BOXER.
It is a treat
to see a movie like this presented in its original aspect ratio and original
language. The music playing over the beginning credits sounds very modern
but according to the commentary it was added for it's 1977 release. This
is definitely a fun movie to watch. Jimmy Wang Yu is great as the One
Armed Boxer. It's not because he is greatly skilled in Kung FU (he's not),
but because of the ways in which he sets traps for his enemies. The movie
is also funny because for being blind, the Master has no trouble aiming
his flying guillotine. There also seems to be a lot of one-armed men walking
around town. One of the oddest characters is the Yoga Master. He is able
to extend his arms to attack his enemies. I never pictured Yoga being
used to fight but it works for this guy. Other than this instance, the
Kung Fu is more traditional except for Jimmy Wang Yu being able to walk
up walls.
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