Genre: Drama

Ichikawa has put together an attractive and professional interpretation of one of Japan’s beloved characters.

Though the comedy is perhaps too obtrusive at times and does little to advance the film, there is lots to offer fans of the genre.

Director Frankie Chan does, to his credit, use some intriguing environments and fully capitalises on the grandeur of the wild landscape. However he pays little intention to any logical development of plot or characters.

Any Sammo Hung fan would love this film, as would anyone who enjoys old-school martial arts flicks.

Popular in its day ‘The Jade Bow’ now is more of historical interest for fans of wuxia pien, its thrills done bigger and better elsewhere.

Even fans of the convoluted martial world of the swordplay genre may find ‘Jade Tiger’ a tiresome 90 minutes.

‘The Kid’ offers very little that’s new or different. Nonetheless it commands the attention with some earnest acting and straight-forward directing.

Not as plot driven or character based as ‘Five Venoms’, ‘The Kid With The Golden Arm’ concentrates on the stylish action that dominates its running time.

It’s amazingly stylish with a brilliantly constructed story and some superb shoot-outs. If you call yourself an action movie fan then this one is going to be right up your alley!

Whether you’re looking for a martial arts movie with a bit more depth or just want some top-notch action, this really does deliver on all levels and I heartily recommend it.

A film that comes very highly recommended, especially to those who enjoy watching cinema that stirs the heart.

‘The Knight Of Knights’ could easily be considered standard Shaw Brothers fair, if it weren’t for the slight twist on the style of storytelling.