Breaking Barriers in Martial Arts Storytelling

Read Time:4 Minute, 13 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
When Taekwondo Strikes
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Genre: Action, War, Drama
Year Released: 1973, 2024 Eureka Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Feng Huang
Writer(s): Feng Huang
Cast: Angela Mao Ying, Jhoon Rhee, Carter Wong, Sammo Hung, In-shik Hwang, Chin Yuet-Sang, Kim Ki-Joo, Ken Kazama
Where To Watch: available January 22, 2024; pre-order here www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: WHEN TAEKWONDO STRIKES is a film that offers more than just high-flying kicks and well-timed punches. It's a journey through a significant chapter in history, combined with the cultural interplay of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese martial arts. Here, we have a captivating and educational narrative, leaving viewers both thrilled and enlightened.

The film, set against World War II in Japanese-occupied Korea, is a conglomeration of martial arts expertise. It masterfully combines Korean Taekwondo, Chinese Hapkido, and Japanese Karate, offering a cultural melange rarely witnessed in the genre.

Jhoon Rhee, a legend in the world of martial arts, portrays Lee Chung Tung, the Taekwondo grandmaster leading the resistance. His performance is imbued with a raw authenticity that's both refreshing and impactful. His natural prowess adds a layer of grit to the character, making his journey compelling and incredibly authentic.

As Wan Ling Ching, Angela Mao is a force to be reckoned with. She brings a dynamic combination of elegance and strength to her role, challenging the conventional portrayal of women in martial arts films. Her character is a powerhouse, embodying empowerment and defying expectations, making her a standout in the genre.

The film’s narrative, rich with themes of resistance and oppression, takes a refreshing detour from the typical martial arts stories we’re used to. Its setting in war-torn Korea and its focus on diverse martial arts disciplines raises it above standard genre fare. These unique choices are one of the film's many strengths, making WHEN TAEKWONDO STRIKES a distinctive and memorable cinematic experience.

The ensemble cast, featuring Carter Wong, Sammo Hung, Wang In-Sik, and Kenji Kazuma, brings depth and diversity to the storyline. Their characters are well-crafted, each adding a unique element to the film's rich narrative tapestry, enhancing the viewing experience.

Director Huang Feng strikes a perfect balance between gripping storytelling and breathtaking action. The fight scenes, choreographed by Sammo Hung and Chan Chuen, are critical narrative components that push the story forward and add layers to the character development. The film's technical aspects have aged remarkably well, as evidenced by this restoration by Eureka Classics.

WHEN TAEKWONDO STRIKES is a film that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of its genre; it celebrates cultural diversity, historical richness, and cinematic expertise. It's a film that appeals to a broad audience, offering a story as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. The performances of Angela Mao and Jhoon Rhee, combined with the talents of the supporting cast and the visionary direction, make this film a must-see. It's a cinematic adventure that captivates with its action and resonates with its portrayal of cultural fusion and historical depth. Whether you're a seasoned fan of martial arts films or someone who loves a well-crafted movie with a strong narrative, WHEN TAEKWONDO STRIKES promises to entertain and enlighten in equal measure.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling [2000 copies]
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the original Hong Kong theatrical cut from a brand new 2K restoration
Original Mandarin mono audio
“Classic” English dubbed mono audio
Optional alternate English audio track with different music cues
Optional English Subtitles, newly translated for this release
Brand new feature-length audio commentary by film historian and author Samm Deighan
The Best of the Martial Arts Films (1990, dir. Sandra Weintraub. 91 mins) – feature-length documentary presented by John Saxon
Trailers
A Limited Edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing by James Oliver [2000 copies]

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO]

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