Cast Member: Wong Tao

Once again, Wu Ma has delivered an independent genre flick that is involving, utilising his excellent cast well and making a very predictable story about revenge something a little different.

‘Challenge Of Death’ was always going to provide some exhilarating action thanks to the collection of captivating combatants, but the story certainly leaves a lot to be desired.

Thankfully, you’re never too far away from a spot of fisticuffs, which is a very good thing because you’re not likely to gain much enjoyment from any other part of this film.

Yuen Woo Ping weaves more choreographed magic into the narrative and allows the entire cast to show what they can do.

‘Eagle’s Claw’ is a reminder of Lee Tso-Nam’s ability to take a potentially pedestrian storyline and fill it with shades of intrigue throughout.

‘Fatal Needles Vs. Fatal Fists’ is not a work of Kurosawan proportions, but it’s certainly better than there’s any reason to expect.

If you’re happy to laugh along with it then you’ll still find something to appreciate, but a kung fu classic this is not.

Although the film is nearly 25 years old, the action is not dated and serves as a breath of fresh air after a decade dominated by wirework.