Two Journeys, One Vision

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Magnificent Chang Cheh
The Magnificent Trio –
Magnificent Wanderers –

Genre: Action, Drama / Action, Adventure
Year Released: 1966 / 1977, Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 40m / 1h 32m
Director(s): Chang Cheh
Writer(s): Kuang Ni / Kuang Ni
Cast: Jimmy Wang Yu, Lo Lieh, Cheng Lei / Ti Lung, David Chiang, Shih Szu
Where to Watch: Available April 29, 2025. Pre-order your copy here www.eurekavideo.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: The legacy of Chang Cheh can’t be overstated—he helped redefine the male-centric action genre in Hong Kong cinema, introducing themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and righteous rebellion long before they became mainstream storytelling devices. Eureka’s set, THE MAGNIFICENT CHANG CHEH, brings together two distinct works from his filmography: THE MAGNIFICENT TRIO and MAGNIFICENT WANDERERS, offering a snapshot of the director’s evolution from mid-1960s traditionalism to late 1970s mythmaking. While both films explore similar themes of camaraderie and defiance, their storytelling dynamics and execution place them at opposite ends of the genre spectrum.

Released in 1966, THE MAGNIFICENT TRIO feels like a pointed declaration of Cheh’s early directorial philosophy. Channeling the spirit of Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai while crafting something uniquely steeped in Chinese political and cultural context, this story of three warriors taking a stand against oppression feels more deliberate and emotionally resonant. Jimmy Wang Yu, Lo Lieh, and Cheng Lei form a compelling trio—each performance sharp in its own right, but collectively delivering a grounded intensity that drives the film’s core.

There’s a clear focus on moral ambiguity here—Cheh doesn’t offer easy answers or flawless heroes. Instead, he presents characters bound by honor but cornered by social hierarchy. This isn’t just stylized martial arts; it’s layered rebellion. The fight choreography is impressive—methodical and symbolic, with bursts of fury that match the anger burning beneath the surface. Cheh’s camera doesn’t flinch from the consequences of violence; instead, it chooses to linger, allowing the cost of resistance to resonate beyond the final blow.

Fast-forward to 1977, and THE MAGNIFICENT WANDERERS introduce a more playful energy. Themes of loyalty and righteousness still anchor it, but the tone is lighter, almost comic in its swagger. Ti Lung and David Chiang—two of Cheh’s frequent collaborators—bring star power to the screen, and their chemistry is undeniable. Alongside Shih Szu, they make for an entertaining ensemble that thrives in moments of charm and mischief. Yet where TRIO maintains a moral center, WANDERERS tends to meander.

This later effort relies more heavily on spectacle and stylized action than on narrative cohesion. The plot stretches thin at times, with comedic interludes and pacing that make it feel like a journey with occasional purpose rather than a story with drive. That’s not to say it lacks appeal—there’s plenty of charm, especially in the brotherly banter between Lung and Chiang—but the stakes never feel as immediate. The action sequences are flashier, the framing more theatrical, and the tone less grounded. That shift isn’t inherently bad, but it trades the emotional depth found in TRIO for more accessible thrills.

Cheh wanted to blend genres here—part road movie, part action drama, part satire—but the juggling act doesn’t always land. Still, fans of Ti Lung and David Chiang will find plenty to admire in their performances, which manage to lift even the film’s more aimless segments.

As a collection, THE MAGNIFICENT CHANG CHEH Blu-ray set captures two distinct creative moods from a director unafraid to evolve. The upgrade from Eureka is clean and respectful, with transfers that preserve the textured quality of the original prints while enhancing color depth and clarity. For fans of vintage martial arts cinema, these restorations offer a crisp, immersive experience that does justice to Cheh’s world.

This set functions as more than just a retrospective; it highlights the range of Cheh’s storytelling, from the quiet rebellion and grounded heroism of THE MAGNIFICENT TRIO to the charismatic but uneven flair of MAGNIFICENT WANDERERS. One film offers substance wrapped in grit, the other delivers spectacle sprinkled with charm. The disparity between the two ratings—3.5 for TRIO, 3 for WANDERERS—feels warranted, but neither film diminishes the other’s significance. Instead, they complement each other, offering a broader understanding of what made Cheh such a foundational force in martial arts cinema.

For newer audiences, this set may serve as a gateway into Cheh’s larger body of work. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to revisit two compelling but different takes on the same moral questions. Loyalty, justice, and honor remain at the core—but how they’re executed reflects a director unafraid to test the boundaries of his genre. Whether you're drawn to the intensity of principle or the appeal of personality, THE MAGNIFICENT CHANG CHEH gives both room to strike.

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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