EIGHT DIAGRAM POLE FIGHTER (Fu Sheng died in an automobile accident during the filming of this movie.) Release date: 1983 Alternate titles: Magnificent Pole Fighters Director: Liu Chia-liang Starring: Liu Chia-hui, Hui Ying-hung, Fu Sheng, Li Li-li, Wang Lung-wei, Ku Ming Plot: A heroic family is double-crossed and massacred on the battlefield. Only two brothers--Liu Chia-hui and Fu Sheng-- survive the slaughter. Fu Sheng returns home to his mother and sisters, but has been driven insane by witnessing the slaughter of all his brothers and father. Chia-hui escapes to a monastery where his bloodlust and warlike demeanor put him at odds with the monks. The family mother (Li Li-li) sends the elder daughter (Hui Ying-hung) to look for the lost brother, but she is captured by the villains. Chia-hui eventually leaves the monastery to rescue her. Notes: The fights are brilliant and filled with emotion. The mood is bleak, angry, and depressing due to the fact that Fu Sheng was killed in a car accident during the filming of the movie. The final battle is spectacular, not to mention a bit disturbing, as monks rip out whole sets of enemies teeth. A must-see video. One of my personal favorites because of the excellent sets, staging and camera placement.
