Blood Brothers (1973) April 22, 2007
Posted by Cal in : Blogroll, 1970s films, Kung Fu , trackbackDiretor: Chang Cheh Starring: Ti Lung, David Chiang, Chen Kuan-Tai Action Diretor: Lau Kar-Leung, Tong Gai Territory: Hong Kong Production Company: Shaw Brothers
Two small-time bandits, Chang Wen-Hsiang and Huang Chung (David Chiang and Chen Kuan-Tai) meet and befriend another by the name of Ma Hsin I (Ti Lung). The three – along with Huang’s wife Mi Lan (Ching Li) overtake a bandit hideout and set up base. All seems well, but Ma aspires to become a Qing officer. Furthermore, he develops strong feelings for Mi Lan, although Huang is completely oblivious to the fact. We find that Mi Lan married Huang when she was young and now regrets the decision, thinking that Huang would grow as a person when in fact he was always destined to be shallow and unambitious. Driving himself hard, Ma achieves his dream and eventually becomes a well-respected general in the Qing army and, mindful of the promises he made to his brothers, enlists Chang and Huang. However, the reunion also means meeting Mi Lan again, and neither party’s feeling have changed. In fact, Mi Lan now thinks she’s found the man she’s always wanted…
This is by far the most widely seen film by western audiences of a Chang Cheh starring his two favourite leads – and for a good reason: it’s fantastic.
Told in a series of flashbacks following the capture of Chang Wen-Hsiang for the assassination of Ma, we are shown the doomed friendship from start to finish already knowing the final outcome. He sits resignedly throughout the movie writing his confession in front of his captors, wanting nothing except the truth of the matter to be brought to the world. It’s a device that works brilliantly, and you find yourself engrossed in the story, wondering why exactly things went so wrong for them.
This film surprisingly flirts with symbolism and shows great restraint – we do not get nearly as many buckets of blood here, the emphasis more on the story and characters. It is excellently scripted throughout (although the subtitles do fall below expectation on a number of occasions on the Celestial DVD) and the pace remains constant with no “flat” moments that can appear in such productions of the time.
This is also the film that won Ti Lung deserved recognition when he received the Golden Horse award for Outstanding Performance. Although none of the main characters are two-dimensional (with the exception of Huang Chung – who is SUPPOSED to be two-dimensional!), Ti Lung really does shine.
SPOILER WARNING FOR THE REST OF THIS REVIEW!
His character is complex as he copes with his inappropriate feeling towards his brother’s wife. Furthermore, does he order Huang to be killed because he wants him out of the way so he can be with Mi Lan forever, or because Huang is a liability as an officer and does not appreciate his wife? Although Ma insists repeatedly that he will crush anything that stands in his way, I find it interesting that he only gives the order after discovering that Huang frequents brothels and bad-mouths his wife.
David Chiang is also superb as Chang Wen-Hsiang. He shows great range as he finds himself between his brothers, faced with almost impossible decisions. After his final confrontation with Ma, rather than gloating over his victory at bringing justice to a brother betrayed, he says to his dying friend: “you can rest in peace. I will not try to escape”, before peacefully giving himself up to the inevitable torture and execution at the hands of the government.
Powerful stuff.
Comments»
Hey you spoilt it! Actually this is one of the MA films I’ve seen - borrowed it off someone a couple of years ago
I seem to remember quite enjoying it. You have to do the King of Martial Arts Movies (officially) next …. Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires!
No sooner said than done!
I think this is one of Chang Cheh’s best films with regards to script writing and performanes. Fight choreography lets the side down though - too clunky and un-cinematic