Legacy Vs. Originality in Cinema

Read Time:4 Minute, 31 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
New Fist Of Fury (Xin jing wu men)
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Genre: Action, Drama
Year Released: 1976, 2023 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h
Director(s): Lo Wei
Writer(s): Lo Wei, Pan Lei
Cast: Jackie Chan, Nora Miao, Sing Chen, Ying-Chieh Han, Ming Yi
Where To Watch: available August 29, 2023; pre-order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the shoes of a legend isn't a walk in the park, and director Lo Wei felt the gravity of this challenge when Bruce Lee's irreplaceable void loomed large. Imagine being at a carnival, and every ride is already legendary. Where would you set up your new ride? Enter Jackie Chan. Not too long ago, he performed daring stunts as a background stuntperson. But now? He stood on the cusp of a meteoric rise.

Imagine, if you will, Shanghai of the 1910s. Jing Wu, the renowned martial arts school, is amid a tectonic shift. Chen Zhen's departure pushes Miss Lee (effortlessly played by Nora Miao) towards Taiwan's comforting embrace. But life loves throwing curveballs. For Miss Lee, this curveball had a name – Okimura (Sing Chen,) the ambitious karate zealot hungry for more. If this weren't enough plot twists, enter A Lung (Jackie Chan, in a role that screams mischief and depth). A particular nunchaku incident with A Lung not only causes a stir but also stirs the pot of questions surrounding loyalty, legacy, and lineage.

Now, picture the Hong Kong cinema scene of the '70s. It's like a ship in search of its captain. The void left by Bruce Lee led to a frantic search for someone who could not just fill his shoes but wear them with panache. Jackie Chan wasn't just in this race; he was sprinting, looking to create his lane. However, the NEW FIST OF FURY felt like the echoing steps of a past titan rather than fresh footprints.

Jackie's cinematic charm, which would later become the stuff of legends, was still in its infancy. There were moments in NEW FIST OF FURY where he felt like a guest at his party. Like any cinematic journey, this one had its peaks and valleys. The sequel, while oozing ambition, often felt tethered to the overwhelming aura of its predecessor. While some Japanese characters bordered on stereotypes, the story's tempo sometimes lost rhythm. The cinematography, fluid and dynamic, enhanced the movie's pulse. And let's not forget the layered narrative of the Japanese father-daughter duo – they brought texture to the plot.

NEW FIST OF FURY had grand dreams that sometimes felt chained by the colossal shadow of its predecessor. This flick is a gem for those who pledge allegiance to Jackie Chan, a snapshot of his raw and early brilliance. But fans of his distinct brand of humor-infused action might want to explore more titles in his expansive repertoire. However, it offers cinematic moments that dazzle and resonate. It's a testament to Hong Kong cinema's vibrant legacy and a beacon signaling the dawn of Jackie Chan's illustrious career.

BONUS MATERIALS
New 2K restoration from the original negatives by Fortune Star
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray transfers of the 120-min Original Theatrical Cut and the 82-min 1980 Re-release Cut
Original Mandarin and English lossless mono audio for the Theatrical Cut, plus newly uncovered alternate Mandarin and Cantonese mono audio
Original Cantonese and English lossless mono audio for the Re-Release Cut
Newly translated optional English subtitles
New feature commentary on the Theatrical Cut by martial arts cinema experts Frank Djeng & Michael Worth, co-directors of Enter the Clones of Bruce Lee
New feature commentary on the Re-Release Cut by action cinema expert Brandon Bentley
Duelling Furies, a new video essay by Bentley comparing New Fist of Fury to the rival sequel made simultaneously, Fist of Fury Part II
Trailer gallery, including a Chen Zhen trailer reel of sequels and reboots
Image Gallery
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Jonathan Clements and an archival retrospective article by Brian Bankston

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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