R E V I E W :    Prodigal Son  

Reviewed 1/2/01 | Background | Movie Review | DVD Review | Recommendation

Background 

Universe / 1982 / 99 minutes
Directed by Sammo Hung
Written by Wong Jing

Sammo Hung was solidly established as a multiple-threat talent (martial arts choreographer, director and actor) by 1982. His earlier films include Enter the Fat Dragon, Knockabout (the first starring role for Yuen Biao), The Victim, and Encounter of the Spooky Kind.

Also in 1982, Sammo Hung directed Carry On Pickpocket, and in short order made the financially successful films Winners and Sinners, Wheels on Meals, and The Owl and Bumbo (which introduced Michelle Yeoh to the big screen).

Movie: plot, performances, production, rating

The plot couldn't be simpler. The only son (Yuen Biao) of a rich man thinks he is the town's best fighter; the truth, however, is that his parents have paid off opponents to keep him from being hurt. When a visiting Chinese opera singer and kung fu master (Lam Ching-Ying) reveals the truth to him, the "prodigal son" (a man who wastes the material resources of his father) seeks to learn from the master. Many fights ensue until the duo come in contact with other "masters": one is another deluded "prodigal son" (Frankie Chan Fan Kei) and the other a single father and former associate (Sammo Hung) of the opera singer. More mayhem ensues.

The fighting is snappy and near-continuous. It's definitely "old school," with nearly all the moves obeying the laws of gravity, although some have to be seen to be believed. Sammo Hung is not afraid to make a fool of himself in his supporting role, and the movie is all the better for it. Yuen Biao is fine as the titular character, but it is Lam Ching-Ying who carries the weight of the story's dramatic elements. As director, Sammo Hung also deserves credit for the brisk pace and the balancing of drama and comedy with the furious martial arts action.

The film is not rated. Plenty of fighting, of course, along with some briefly explicit violence (including two beheadings) and blood spattering.

DVD: look, sound, subtitles, and features

Amazing transfer! The colors are bright and sharp, and the blacks are very deep. To be sure, the source print (2.35 to 1) reveals numerous blemishes, scratches, etc., but that is hardly surprising considering the age of the film. A fine job by Universe.

The remixed Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is fine - the added surrounds are used for insect sounds, crackling fire, and the like, in an unobtrusive way. Audio tracks are provided in Cantonese and Mandarin. The removable white subtitles are OK. Subtitles are provided in traditional and simplified Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Bahasa (Indonesia), Bahasa (Malaysia), Thai, and Vietnamese.

The disk is divided into 8 chapters. Additional features includes stars' files for Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung, and trailers for the original theatrical release, Eastern Condors, and Millionaires' Express.

Buy, rent, or pass?

Rent. An excellent example of a currently dead genre (so-called "Old School" Kung Fu), and an enjoyable film to boot.

 

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