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The Smart Cavalier cast: Lo Lieh, Sze Ma-lung, Lung Jun-er, Yi Yuen, and Doris Lung director: Joseph Kuo 90 minutes (15) 1977 widescreen ratio 2.35:1 MIA Old Skool Kung Fu DVD Region 2 retail Also available to buy on video RATING: 4/10 reviewed by Debbie Moon |
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Not that any of that really matters, because it's all very obviously an excuse for the kung fu. If five minutes pass without a fight, it's unusual - and that's probably a good thing, because the awkward dubbing doesn't do the comedy scenes any favours. A series of set-pieces - a search for the brothers in a whorehouse, rescuing strangers from bandits, a bar-room brawl - pad out the story, allowing the performers to showcase their remarkable agility. It's impressive stuff - but it's hard to believe the characters are in any danger, and some shoddy editing simply adds to the sense that you're watching a sports display, not a narrative.
The Smart Cavalier (which doesn't exactly live up to its title, since there's not a horse in sight) probably isn't going to win any new fans for kung fu movies. The story isn't strong enough to compare to narrative driven western cinema, nor fantastical enough to appeal to fans of the weird and wacky. If you're a real kung fu nut, you'll probably enjoy it; if not, I suspect there are better examples to begin your acquaintance with.