A New Take on Taoist Trickery!

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MOVIE REVIEW
Two Taoist Tales
Taoism Drunkard (Gui ma tian shi) –
The Young Taoism Fighter (Yin yang qi bin) –

Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror / Slapstick, Action, Comedy
Year Released: 1984 / 1986, 2024 Eureka Entertainment
Runtime: 3h 13m
Director(s): Yuen Cheung-yan / Chen Chi-hwa
Writer(s): Yuen Clan, Kei Mai / Chi-Sheng Hsieh
Cast: Yuen Yat-Choh, Yuen Cheung-Yan, Chu Hoi-Ling, Lo Pi-Ling, Yuen Shun-Yi, Hilda Liu Hao-Yi, Yen Shi-Kwan / Yuen Yat-Choh, Hilda Liu Hao-Yi, Yen Shi-Kwan, Kwan Chung, Tai Bo, Jang Il-Do, Kuk Jeong-Seok, Ma Chin-Ku, Wang Yao
Language: Cantonese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available September 24, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.eurekavideo.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Exploring the unconventional corridors of martial arts and spectral chaos, TWO TAOIST TALES: TAOISM DRUNKARD and THE YOUNG TAOISM FIGHTER, strike a chord against the usual cinematic narratives. Directed by the innovative Yuen Cheung-yan and Chen Chi-hwa, respectively, these films blend martial prowess with slapstick humor and fantastical elements, crafting a uniquely enthralling viewing experience that defies convention while celebrating the whimsical side of Taoist mysticism and comedic kung fu.

In TAOISM DRUNKARD, audiences are thrown into the turbulent world of a Taoist monk whose love for liquor leads to misadventures. The monk’s accidental desecration of a sacred relic sends him on a quest for redemption, seeking the virtuous one to appease the spirits. Yuen Cheung-yan directs and stars, playing the monk and his wise grandmother. His energetic portrayal injects the film with a robust comedic spirit, enhancing the narrative with his vibrant physical comedy that keeps the absurdity spinning.

The storyline introduces viewers to an array of fantastical creatures, including a quirky "banana-eating monster" that adds a layer of unbelievable chaos. This creature and other whimsical elements seamlessly integrated into the plot amplify the film’s surreal quality while showcasing the choreographic ingenuity that transforms bizarre scenarios into visually arresting martial arts displays. At times, feeling like a Hayao Miyazaki anime brought to life as a B movie.

Shifting the focus slightly, THE YOUNG TAOISM FIGHTER continues with a more concentrated storyline yet retains the magical allure of its predecessor. Here, the spotlight is on Ko Sang, a Taoist apprentice whose ambitions are thwarted by his lack of discipline. His journey to master a spiritual martial arts technique brings him together with a fierce female warrior, and together, they embark on a quest to defeat sinister forces. This chapter of the tale is enriched with breathtaking choreography and supernatural stunts that elevate the narrative to spectacular heights.

The fight choreography across both films is a standout feature, characterized by the signature melding of martial arts with a dash of visual humor. These sequences challenge gravity and conventional storytelling, pushing the boundaries of cinematic action to include audacious and creatively ambitious feats that delight and impress in equal measure.

While the films boast a comedic overlay, the humor’s broadness—replete with exaggerated expressions and improbable scenarios—might perplex those new to the stylistic quirks of Hong Kong cinema. Nonetheless, this comedic approach is integral to the films' charm, blending uproarious laughter with martial arts spectacle in a package as unconventional as captivating.

Despite their strengths, the films are not without their narrative challenges. TAOISM DRUNKARD occasionally veers into frenetic territory, where the rapid pace muddles character development and plot clarity, mainly as new supernatural characters are introduced. Similarly, THE YOUNG TAOISM FIGHTER can feel disjointed, resembling a patchwork of scenes rather than a fluid narrative.

Yet, these minor pitfalls do little to overshadow the films’ overall impact. With their bold storytelling, stylistic flair, and genre-blending antics, they stand out as contributions to martial arts filmography. More than mere entertainment, these films celebrate cinematic innovation and the artistry of fight choreography.

For those with an appetite for martial arts and cinema that dares defy the ordinary, TWO TAOIST TALES: TAOISM DRUNKARD and THE YOUNG TAOISM FIGHTER, are must-sees. They not only showcase the potential for genre fusion but also pay homage to the genre's enduring legacy in shaping the landscape of action cinema. These films promise a refreshing departure from the mundane, offering a feast of creativity as provocative as enjoyable.

Bonus Materials:
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling
Both films are presented in 1080p HD from brand new 2K restorations
Original Cantonese audio and optional English dub tracks (original mono presentations)
Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
Brand new audio commentaries on both films by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
Brand new audio commentaries on both films by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Brand new interview with director and actor Yuen Cheung-yan
Brand new interview with critic Andrew Heskins (easternKicks)
Trailers
PLUS: A limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Southeast Asian horror expert Dr. Katarzyna Ancuta, and Daniel O’Brien, author of Spooky Encounters: A Gwailo’s Guide to Hong Kong Horror

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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