Venom Mob Shines in Dynamic Kung Fu Double Feature

Read Time:4 Minute, 22 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Daredevils & Ode To Gallantry: Two Venom Mob Films
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Genre: Action, Drama / Action, Comedy
Year Released: 1979 / 1982, Eureka Entertainment Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 3h 10m
Director(s): Chang Cheh
Writer(s): Cheh Chang, Kuang Ni / Louis Cha, Cheh Chang, Kuang Ni
Cast: Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok, Feng Lu, Sheng Chiang / Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok, Ching Tang, Hui-Ling Liu
Where To Watch: available March 24, 2025; pre-order your copy here: www.eurekavideo.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Eureka Entertainment presents a fascinating double feature showcasing Venom Mob’s range with THE DAREDEVILS and ODE TO GALLANTRY. These two films highlight Venom Mob's martial arts prowess while exposing Chang Cheh’s storytelling strengths and weaknesses. While these films stand as a testament to the group's versatility, they also demonstrate the limitations of focusing on physical spectacle over narrative cohesion.

THE DAREDEVILS (1979) plunges headfirst into an energetic tale of revenge. The premise is simple: a group of street performers finds themselves entangled in a battle against corrupt officials after one of their own is murdered. The film wastes no time setting up high-stakes action, using its protagonists' acrobatic backgrounds to deliver elaborate, fast-paced fight choreography. The Venom Mob’s signature athleticism is on full display, with Chang Cheh giving them ample room to execute their highly coordinated sequences.

However, the film's relentless focus on action comes at the cost of deeper engagement with the characters. While each ensemble member is physically distinct, their personalities and motivations remain largely one-note, making investing in their struggles beyond the overarching vengeance plot difficult. The pacing is also somewhat uneven—while the final battle delivers an exhilarating payoff, the build-up can feel repetitive, relying on variations of training montages and smaller confrontations that lack narrative weight.

ODE TO GALLANTRY (1982) takes a drastically different approach, injecting humor and mistaken identity hijinks into the mix. The story follows a wandering, naive man repeatedly mistaken for a noble warrior, leading to misadventures that blend martial arts spectacle with comedic misunderstandings. It departs from the more straightforward revenge-driven narratives often associated with the Venom Mob. It allows Philip Kwok to showcase his acting chops as he toggles between two very different personalities.

The film’s lighthearted approach allows for a refreshing change of pace, but it also introduces tonal inconsistencies. While the comedic elements add charm, they sometimes feel forced, undercutting the stakes of the action sequences. Certain gags stretch on too long, and the humor occasionally veers into broad slapstick, which may not land for all viewers. The action remains a highlight, but the choreography is more sporadic than in THE DAREDEVILS, making it feel less integral to the storytelling.

Despite their flaws, both films are elevated by the unmistakable chemistry of the Venom Mob, whose precision and coordination remain their biggest selling point. In THE DAREDEVILS, their ability to construct intricate multi-person fight sequences reinforces their reputation as some of the most skilled martial artists of their time. In ODE TO GALLANTRY, they prove they are more than just fighters, blending humor with the physical.

With this remastered release, Eureka Entertainment continues to demonstrate its commitment to classic Hong Kong cinema. Both films benefit from improved visuals and audio, ensuring the fight choreography and performances are clearer than ever before. The special features add further value, offering context that enhances appreciation for the films—even if they fall short of top-tier entries in Chang Cheh’s filmography.

This double feature is a mixed bag. While both films showcase Venom Mob’s skills and Chang Cheh’s penchant for action, they also expose the director’s tendency to prioritize spectacle over storytelling. THE DAREDEVILS delivers intense and technically impressive fight sequences but struggles with character development, while ODE TO GALLANTRY offers a playful narrative but stumbles with tone shifts. The set remains a worthwhile addition for martial arts enthusiasts and collectors, even if these aren’t the strongest examples of what the Venom Mob offers.

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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