Once again, I am pleasantly surprised by an old school Kung Fu film that, despite a routine story, elevates itself above the mundane with excellent characters, some welcome wackiness and superb acrobatic fighting. I fully expected Dragon's Claws to be a chore to sit through, but thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this wonderfully entertaining fight flick.
Jimmy Liu stars as Leung Chow, son of Master Lung, leader of the Dragon Boxing sect. When Master Lung is killed by Ling Fung (played by legendary kicker Hwang Jang Lee), Leung and his mother (Kan Chia Fung from Kung Fu Hustle) must go into hiding to protect the Dragon's Claw medallion, which signifies power and position.
In order to do battle with Ling, Leung trains with the strange old man who peddles medicines in the village, and learns the skills necessary to avenge his father.
This film has so much going for it that one can easily overlook the banality of the plot. Fighters use poles, fans, chopsticks and even piglets during the course of their mêlées. The obligatory training scenes include some great methods involving the use of gold balls to strengthen the arms and jumping like a toad to improve agility.
One unbelievable scene has the old man collect the urine of little boys in order to cure Leung of an otherwise fatal attack from Ling; in the process he gets covered from head to foot in wee!
The movie culminates in an incredible hilltop battle between Leung and Ling which features some truly jaw dropping martial arts. Don't miss this great example of classic Kung Fu movie making.
