The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter

The wave of Shaw Brothers films continues – as does the online argument about which titles are most essential – with Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter, the studio’s 1983 spear-poking, eye-gouging, tooth-shattering ballet of kung fu artistry.  While the formula was growing a bit tired at this point, there’s still some amazing choreography and physical prowess on display in nearly every scene.

The plot certainly doesn’t break any new ground.  After suffering a crushing defeat in battle, the two surviving brothers of the Yang family go into hiding; the PTSD-afflicted 6th son under the protection of his sisters, while the 5th joins a monastery to train for his revenge.  While the treacherous Mongols search the kingdom for the remaining brothers, the Yang sisters enter the fray to restore the family name.

 

The death of Alexander Fu Sheng (who plays the 6th son) necessitated a reshuffling of the plot, leaving his character’s story unfulfilled and completely left out of the finale.  But what a finale!  Director Lau Kar-leung certainly saves the best for last, staging a gymnastic free-for-all peppered with some stunning moments of violence (particularly the aforementioned teeth smashing).  Star Gordon Liu is also on top of his game, selling the fight scenes with righteous fury. Together they turn a rather pedestrian entry from the studio into something that can still leave audiences black and blue.

 

Arrow’s Blu-ray special edition is just as gorgeous as their previous Shaw Brothers releases, sporting a new 2K restoration that looks as bright and colorful as an Ultra HD upgrade.  Extras includes a commentary, video appreciation, interview, Fu Sheng tribute film and trailers.

 

 

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