Yakuza, Vengeance, and the Quest for Truth

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MOVIE REVIEW
A Man Called Tiger (Leng mian hu)
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Genre: Kung Fu, Martial Arts, Action, Adventure, Crime
Year Released: 1973, 2024 Eureka Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Wei Lo
Writer(s): Wei Lo
Cast: Kawai Okada, Maria Yi, James Tien Chuen, Jimmy Wang Yu, Tien Feng, Yuko Minakaze, Li Kun, Lee Tin-Ying, Kuro Mitsuo
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.eurekavideo.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Diving into the gritty world of Japan's criminal world, A MAN CALLED TIGER unfolds an enthralling tale of Chin Fu (Jimmy Wang Yu,) a martial artist driven by a deep suspicion over his father’s untimely death. Not your average action flick, this Wei Lo-directed martial arts extravaganza combines suspense, vengeance, and dark family secrets, all tightly woven into a thrilling experience.

A MAN CALLED TIGER raises the stakes higher than typical martial arts cinema, boasting an ensemble cast whose lives are interwoven with personal vendettas and shadowy pasts. However, the film’s lofty ambitions might also be its Achilles' heel as it struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative through the dense thicket of subplots. While enriching the plot with more backstory, the extended cut occasionally drags down the pacing and muddles the central storyline with extra scenes.

A MAN CALLED TIGER excels spectacularly in its choreographed combat scenes. Jimmy Wang Yu, despite not being a trained martial artist, delivers a powerhouse performance backed by dynamic choreography and crisp editing that highlights his character’s resilience and ferocity. One of the film's highlights is an intense fight scene in a dilapidated building, escalating into a high-adrenaline chase on an aerial lift, showcasing the film’s flair for innovative and gripping action sequences.

Another standout aspect of the film is its visual storytelling, with its cinematography capturing the stark contrasts of Japan’s urban landscapes and the shadowy nuances of the underworld. The camera work navigates through tight, suspense-filled scenes, enhancing the tension and drawing the audience deeper into the narrative. Lighting is particularly effective, casting long shadows and creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation.

While the tangled plotlines may sometimes eclipse the film's core appeal, the action scenes stand out, capturing the innovative spirit that would define Hong Kong cinema in later years. The film's commendable box office performance in 1973 is a testament to its visual and dramatic appeal, resonating with audiences and holding its ground as a significant genre piece.

The film was initially set to star Bruce Lee before he opted to direct THE WAY OF THE DRAGON, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the film. This 'what if' scenario adds a fascinating speculative dimension to the movie, pondering how Lee’s martial arts mastery might have elevated the film further.

Ultimately, A MAN CALLED TIGER is a snapshot of early 1970s martial arts filmmaking, brimming with ambition and flaws. It offers a captivating look into a transformative era in cinema, providing enough narrative depth and visual spectacle to engage viewers despite its imperfections. For those who appreciate a mix of dramatic storytelling and thrilling martial arts action, the film presents a unique and memorable cinematic journey.

Bonus Materials
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Darren Wheeling
Limited edition reversible poster featuring original poster artwork
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K restoration of the rarely seen uncut Hong Kong theatrical release version of the film, making its home video debut in the UK / US (112 mins)
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K restoration of the re-release version of the film (79 mins)
Original Mandarin and classic English dub audio options on both cuts of the film (original mono presentations)
Optional English subtitles, newly translated for this release
Brand new audio commentary on the Hong Kong version by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) and Michael Worth
Brand new audio commentary on the export version by action cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
Cutting Tiger, Hidden Subtitles – Brand new video essay by Brandon Bentley
Do You Know What Sadness Means? + Because I Have Your Love – Music videos prepared exclusively for this release
Textless opening
Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork
Trailer
PLUS: A limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by writer and critic James Oliver and a short essay by Brandon Bentley about the versions of the film presented on this release

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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