Ma Yong Zhen (1972)

Ma Yong Zhen: Directed by Cheh Chang, Hsueh-Li Pao. With Kuan Tai Chen, Li Ching, David Chiang, Mario Milano. Leaving the poverty of his life in Shantung to seek fortune in Shanghai, The Boxer is instead drawn into a world of corruption, gang warfare and evil… Where his only protection is his famed fighting technique.

“This 1970u0026#39;s Shaw Brothers studio epic from legendary director Chang Cheh still seems to be as increasingly watchable to this day.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eChen Kuan Tai stars as Ma Yong Zhen, a street urchin in 1930u0026#39;s Shanghai who gets by washing carriages for the upper-class. But he desires more, he wants to have his own power, wealth and status in the city of Shanghai. After a couple of errands with the Four Dragonu0026#39;s gang, Ma gets the recognition he yearns for and is seen as a saviour to the poor and begins his parade by taking over districts in Shanghai. Soon the power and status he has craved for begins to crumble the inner-happiness he has longed for.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film has proved to be very influential to this day, as John Woo was assistant director and the Four Dragonu0026#39;s gang was also used in Stephen Chowu0026#39;s u0026#39;Kung Fu Hustleu0026#39; (but known as the Axe Gang), the finale of Ryo Seung Wanu0026#39;s u0026#39;City of Violenceu0026#39; also bears resemblance to the finale of u0026#39;Ma Yong Zhenu0026#39;. Chen proves to be a worthy lead as his appearance and performance comes as very empathetic and proves quite adequately in fight sequences. Chang Cheh regular David Chiang plays a small role but sadly shows very little martial arts skills. The fights are somewhat average, if not very bloody but the story line, the central performances, the cinematography and the music score make this film stand out as an evergreen classic. What drew me into this film was itu0026#39;s cool and slick opening sequence (kind of like Chang Chehu0026#39;s u0026#39;Vengeanceu0026#39;) it creates the atmosphere of mystery, danger, rage and excitement.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAll I can say is if you can see a worthy version of this movie (sadly thereu0026#39;s no DVD released in the UK yet) go and see it. But Iu0026#39;m sure other DVD distributors in other countries have released the full uncut version of this classic.”