I know, man. They can survive anything. lol. At first for some reason I thought it was Korean cuz of the names. Most of the Chinese names I see are english first names, like Jackie or Nicholas.
The 80's was the prime for some of the most hardcore fight scenes in HK films, IMO. They were just soo raw back then.
Overall, the action was really good and the pyrotechnics were fuckin' A, but some of the choreography looked a little sloppy. Yu Rong Guong's moves looked clean but everybody else looked like their movements were flailing a bit much.
Millionare's Express' action just seems more clean cut and polished compared to this. Even though Sammo undercranked the **** outta the fights. Hell, he made undercranking into a fuckin' art form with that movie if ya ask me.
The breakfalls were crazier in this flick though. Wicked stuff.
Basically it's just sped up. It's really noticeable in older movies where they hadn't gotten the hang of it yet, and it was used a lot in the 80's but only to make the moves look sharper. It's the alternative of frame-cutting, which is what Jackie does.
Bueno said:
but some of the choreography looked a little sloppy. Yu Rong Guong's moves looked clean but everybody else looked like their movements were flailing a bit much.
I'm a fan of fights that look like fights. My biggest gripe with a lot of HK output is it's too clean, with too many flowery movements and unnecessary flash and acrobatics. Millionaire's Express is a good example of prime HK fights but there are times when I'd rather watch choreo like Tsiu Siu Ming's (Bury Me High is also wicked awesome).
I agree that HK's fights are too clean. Even Flash Point, where the action was supposed to look more raw tired to make every move stand out. But I guess from a marketing standpoint, HK just wants to make their action more viewable to everybody, hence being able to see the moves despite being difficult to catch up to at times.
I personally enjoy the flashy side of HK action/martial arts flicks. It entertains me.
I'm sure he was fine, I've seen some Thai stunt guys take some way crazier bumps then that and walk it off. Thai stunt guys are the most insane, hands down.