70s Cinema Revived: a Blend of Tranquility, Ferocity and Justice

Read Time:3 Minute, 9 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Shanghai Joe (Il mio nome è Shangai Joe)/The Fighting Fists of Shanghai Joe
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Genre: Action, Drama, Western
Year Released: 1973, 2023 Cauldron Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Mario Caiano
Writer(s): Mario Caiano, Fabrizio Trifone Trecca, Carlo Alberto Alfieri
Cast: Chen Lee, Klaus Kinski, Carla Romanelli, Gordon Mitchell, Katsutoshi Mikuriya, Robert Hundar, Giacomo Rossi Stuart
Where To Watch: available May 16, 2023; pre-order now at www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Prepare to hang onto your hats! SHANGHAI JOE is here to entertain with its zesty blend of Eastern martial arts and Western grit! This flick from the 70s is not just a movie; it's a whirlwind trip through cinematic genres that breaks all rules with a smile.

Our hero, Shanghai Joe, is brought to life by Chen Lee, whose performance blends tranquility and ferocity. Arriving in America with dreams as wide as the open range, Joe quickly finds himself up against some less-than-hospitable locals. But worry not, for Joe has a kung-fu arsenal that is second to none!

Mario Caiano, the man in the director's chair, tackles this mashup of classic genres into a roller coaster ride filled with fistfights, high kicks, and even a pinch of romance. The plot turns darker when Joe lands a job with Stanley Spencer (Piero Lulli,) a ranch owner with ill intentions. His exploitation of Mexican farmers hits Joe's sense of justice, and our hero takes it upon himself to battle for the oppressed. Joe's legend grows with each showdown, but his fight against injustice forms the beating heart of this narrative.

What makes SHANGHAI JOE special is its fusion of martial arts and Western style; it's an odd mix that works. This unusual twist is a testament to the creativity of the 70s filmmaking era, where creators dared to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional ideas. Despite the story's darker elements, SHANGHAI JOE balances them with the right amount of humor.

SHANGHAI JOE is far from a flawless film, but it's a fun-filled joyride that brings together the best of the East and West. Some memorable performances, unique narrative style, and genre fusion make it an experience to be noticed.

Lee's performance as Shanghai Joe is genuinely magnetic. His quiet charisma and strong screen presence pull you in, while his unwavering commitment to justice provides a beacon of light in the narrative's darker moments. The character of Shanghai Joe is far from your run-of-the-mill protagonist. His strong moral compass, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering commitment to defending the oppressed make him a character you can't help but admire.

Promising an exciting, action-packed journey, SHANGHAI JOE welcomes those ready to embark on an unconventional cinematic adventure. If you're eager to step off the well-trodden path and experience a slice of cinema history that continues to resonate today, SHANGHAI JOE is well worth the ride.

BONUS MATERIALS:
– 2K restoration from the negative / 1080p presentation
– English audio with Optional English SDH subtitles
– Italian audio w/ English subtitles
– Samurai Spirit: Interview with Master Katsutoshi Mikuriya
– Commentary with film historian Mike Hauss
– Trailer
– East Meets West: Italian Style – visual essay by film historian Eric Zaldivar

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[photo courtesy of CAULDRON FILMS/MVD ENTERTAINMENT]