Revenge, a Dish Best Served With Scorpions

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MOVIE REVIEW
Broken Oath (Po jie) [Special Edition]
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Genre: Action, Drama
Year Released: 1977, 2024 Eureka Entertainment Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Jeong Chang-hwa
Writer(s): Shih Kang
Cast: Angela Mao Ying, Michael Chan, Bruce Leung, Kuo Cheng-Yu, Guan Shan, Chao Hsiung, Fong Yau, Chang Pei-Shan
Where To Watch: available in the US here: www.diabolikdvd.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com and available in the UK here www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Dive into the electrifying world of martial arts cinema. With the precision direction of Jeong Chang-hwa, BROKEN OATH captures a visceral tale of vengeance. Angela Mao, as Lotus, is a force of nature, embodying revenge with such hunger that it’s impossible not to be engrossed from the beginning. This film intertwines adrenaline-pumping martial arts showdowns with a narrative rich in emotion, drawing lines between loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Lotus’ journey begins in a monastery’s serene yet strict confines, where the Buddhist nuns who raised her after her parents’ untimely deaths instill the principles of peace and passivity. However, the tranquility does little to quell the storm brewing within her, leading to her expulsion due to uncontrollable anger. The solitude that follows uncovers the tragic pieces of her legacy. With the dark truths of her past, Lotus embarks on a path soaked in retribution.

Visually, the film is a knockout. Its attention to historical authenticity is evident in every frame, from meticulously crafted costumes to sprawling, detailed sets that serve as battlegrounds for Lotus’ confrontations.

Mao commands the screen, and her portrayal of Lotus is a blend of raw power and subtle artistry, making her character unforgettable. The fight scenes are as emotionally charged as they are physically demanding. Each frame that captures her is a lesson in martial arts cinema, with choreography that enhances her formidable presence without overwhelming the narrative’s deeper themes.

The film also tackles the complex theme of revenge, steering clear of glorifying violence and presenting a multifaceted look at the repercussions of such a path. As the story unfolds, the line between victory and loss blurs, leaving the audience to ponder the cost of Lotus’ bloody crusade.

Though BROKEN OATH begins with a somewhat slow exposition of Lotus’ backstory, the pace picks up momentum once her quest for vengeance begins. This shift catapults the film into a string of exhilarating combat sequences that more than compensate for any initial narrative inertia. The fight choreography in BROKEN OATH stands out for its originality and precision.

BROKEN OATH is more than just a martial arts film; it explores the depths of revenge and the high price of justice. While it doesn’t delve as deeply into the psychological aspects as some might hope, its blend of breathtaking action and poignant storytelling makes it an essential watch for fans of the genre and those new to martial arts cinema. Mao’s dynamic performance alone makes BROKEN OATH a standout film that entertains and provokes thought about the enduring consequences of vengeance.

Bonus Materials
Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Grégory Sacré (Gokaiju)
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray of the uncut theatrical version from a brand new 2K restoration
Original Mandarin audio and optional English dub tracks (original mono presentations)
Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
Brand new audio commentary by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)
Brand new audio commentary by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Brand new interview with actor Bruce Leung (The Dragon Lives Again)
Patrick Macias on Lady Snowblood – new appreciation by film writer Patrick Macias
Trailer
PLUS: A Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Kung Fu Cult Masters author Leon Hunt

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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