Xiao du long

THE YOUNG AVENGER is a second-tier Shaw adventure made as a showcase for the undoubtable talents of femme fatale Shih Szu, who rose to prominence in a supporting role in THE LADY HERMIT. Here, she's the archetypal revenge-seeking young swordswoman of the title, led down a dark path when family members are slaughtered by a brutal hunchback. Being a second-rate production, this one lacks the vibrant cinematography that the best of Shaw is known for; what should be an exciting, SEVEN SAMURAI-style siege climax plays out in an oddly inert and rushed way. But you do get fan favourites Yueh Hua and Fen Mei Sheng in support, so it's not all bad.