From Folklore to Film

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Shadow Boxing (Mao shan jiang shi quan)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1979, 2024 88 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Chia-Liang Liu
Writer(s): Kuang Ni
Cast: Wong Yu, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Cecilia Wong, Norman Tsui Siu-Keung, Lee Hoi-Sang, Wilson Tong
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here www.88-films.myshopify.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In a realm where horror, martial arts, and comedy converge, Chia-Liang Liu's creation is a testament to genre-bending innovation. Released in 1979, THE SHADOW BOXING, also known as THE SPIRITUAL BOXER PART II, distinguishes itself in the genre by exploring the supernatural elements of kung fu, crafting a narrative rich with ghostly enchantments and quirky humor.

At the heart of this adventure is the arcane practice of corpse herding, a mystical vocation that involves transporting the dead back to their ancestral homes. Sifu Chen Wu, depicted with grizzled charm by Chia-Yung Liu and his bumbling apprentice Fan Chun Yuen, brought to life by Yue Wong, navigate their eerie cargo through spectral landscapes. Their journey takes a humorous twist with the addition of Cecilia Wong’s character, Ah Fei, and an obstinate undead played by Chia-Hui Liu, complicating their task and infusing the tale with a blend of slapstick and suspense.

THE SHADOW BOXING pioneers the integration of jiangshi—the Chinese hopping vampires—into its storyline, setting it apart within the sub-genre of horror martial arts films. These creatures, animated by Taoist spells and far removed from the Western vampire mythos, add a layer of cultural lore to the film's horror elements, making it a delightful curiosity in Hong Kong cinema.

While not as acclaimed as Liu’s epics like HEROES OF THE EAST or THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN, THE SHADOW BOXING showcases his ability to choreograph fight scenes that are as elegant as they are entertaining. Arthur Wong’s cinematography envelops these sequences in an atmospheric hue that complements the story's mystique.

Liu’s comedic direction in THE SHADOW BOXING is cleverly understated. It relies on the absurdity of its premise to elicit laughs rather than overt slapstick. The dynamic between Sifu Chen Wu and Fan Chun Yuen explores the depths of their mentor-mentee relationship. It underscores themes of fidelity and resilience against the backdrop of supernatural chaos.

The narrative pacing, however, does meander at times, with certain routines outstaying their welcome and the storyline drifting before regaining momentum with thrilling climactic sequences. The enigma surrounding the uncooperative "bald corpse" gradually unfolds, weaving suspense throughout the film and keeping viewers engaged with its light-hearted yet eerie tale.

The episodic nature of THE SHADOW BOXING imbues it with a folkloric feel, with each challenge faced by the corpse herders unveiling more about the characters and their ghostly counterparts. Liu uses this structure to probe his characters' limits and potential, offering humor and insight into their supernatural encounters.

While not his most celebrated film, Chia-Liang Liu’s THE SHADOW BOXING remains a captivating blend of action, horror, and comedy. It draws on rich cultural folklore to reimagine traditional martial arts cinema, paving the way for later genre classics. As an early example of how horror elements can be woven into martial arts choreography, it holds a special place in Hong Kong cinema, reflecting Liu’s creative versatility and foresight.

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[photo courtesy of 88 FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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