Knockabout

Martial arts films are far from a one-man (or woman) show.  In fact, it takes a small army of tightly choreographed stunt people to get all those kicks, punches, leaps and flips just right.  And, just like a romantic comedy, some chemistry is better than others.  Knockabout (1979) pairs two of more famous graduates of the China Drama Academy -  Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao -  who, along with Jackie Chan, graduated from background actors to full-fledged stars under the Golden Harvest banner.   

Two con artist brothers – Yipao (Yuen Biao) and Taipao (Bryan Leung) - fall under the tutelage of a mysterious kung fu master, Silver Fox, who agrees to pass on his skills.  Quickly excelling as students, their choice turns out to be a bad one as the master is a wanted criminal who turns on them to cover his tracks.  In a quest for revenge, Yipao takes on an eccentric new teacher, Fat Beggar (Sammo Hung), whose unconventional kung fu and lifestyle makes for a big learning curve.

 

Bad jokes and physical comedy are the bread and butter of Knockabout (aka Monkeyfist) which averages more gags per minute than a Zucker Brothers spoof.  It’s overtly corny but completely comfortable with itself.  Sammo Hung, who also directed, keeps himself in the background for most of the film, giving Biao his first lead role after serving as a Bruce Lee stand-in for much of the decade.  And there’s an easy camaraderie between everyone in the cast that makes Knockabout feel a genuine good time.

 

Still, it’s the action that puts butts in seat and while Hung’s film doesn’t lack for showdowns and standoffs, it’s lightheartedness is its own worst enemy at times.  Which is why the bad guy is so important.  As Silver Fox, Lau Kar-wing brings a much-needed bit of nastiness into play, the perfect foil for Hung’s oddball antics and camera mugging.  Speaking of which, Knockabout’s “monkey-style” sequences are near the top of the list in Hong Kong hijinks, accompanied by a signature screech and plenty of flea scratching. 

 

With a 2K restoration from the original film elements, this is the best-looking Golden Harvest title Arrow Video has put out thus far.  And to make it even better, both the dubbed export version and extended Hong Kong theatrical cut are included.  Extras are mostly archival interviews pulled from the previous DVD release, but a new commentary track is included on each version along with a collector’s booklet and slipcover. 

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