Gui liu xing (1971) Online

This comes up many times through out this movie and always precedes a lot of bloody deaths at the hands of the Brothers Five. First off, this movie inspired me to write my first review on IMDb since I saw no one has yet and there weren't many votes. I own way over 100+ kung fu movies, at least half of which are Shaw Brothers. I would have to say that Brothers Five now easily ranks in my top 10 of entertaining kung fu movies.

It stars the great Pei-Pei Cheng (Golden Swallow, Come Drink With Me)who informs five different guys that they are brothers whose father was killed by evil and corrupt leader of the Flying Dragons, Lord Wan. Each Brother wants to kill Lord Wan, but they must learn to work together to get the job done. (Lord Wan does not die easily) Unlike some Shaw Brothers, the plot is very easy to follow. No wondering who the hell is who and what side they are on.

This movie is just one fight after the next. There's not really any hand to hand combat, it's all weapons. This movie has a great variety of weapons (Swords, halberds, hammers, knives, throwing claws w/chains, whips, tridents, and many more) all masterfully wielded. It's next to impossible to count how many people are slaughtered in this film. If you a fan of bloody action, you will not be disappointed. It reminded me a bit of Chang Cheh's work or the Lone Wolf and Cub series. The best part is that the blood sprays do not come across as cheesy.

Director Wei Lo used Pei-Pei Cheng in a lot of his movies, and with good reason. Her swordplay is incredible. It's a real pleasure to see everyone in action, each having a different weapon and style.

So if you like non-stop fighting with weapons, an easy to follow but good plot, and bloody violence, don't pass up this recently remastered (Celestial)gem from Shaw Brothers. I hope you found this review helpful.