Scenes like this and the generally undemanding nature of the film make this a definite thumbs up for genre-lovers. The high-point of ‘Five Superfighters’ is the lengthy final confrontation which throws together a number of different styles with aplomb. Law Ma though keeps things moving along at a consistent pace. There is the potential, with a storyline of this nature, for things to get too familiar and uninteresting. The cast of young Shaw’s stars are well-equipped to deliver an exciting end product and they do succeed, with varying levels of skill. The amount of masters/students on offer here means that the choreography has a wide scope and constantly throws something fresh into a conflict. Thankfully though, this particular kung-fu flick is packed with some impressive fight action. Here the main antagonist is merely a very unpleasant stranger whose whole purpose is to arouse trouble with those he meets. In the very best genre films, the villain at least has some motivation or reason for his activities. The plot is very basic with each character given very little depth or explanation. With each of the four now galvanised by this period of teaching, they are now ready to meet their tormentor.įirst thing’s first: ‘Five Superfighters’ is not among the absolute cream of the Shaw Brothers’ crop. Meanwhile the original shamed master is also preparing his skills and, in between drinking bouts, sharpens up his swordplay skills. This opening animosity also turns into a fruitful teacher/student relationship. Finally, the third is given a chance to learn pole-fighting from a fisherman after a failed attempt to steal his fish. An initial misunderstanding is turned into a teaching opportunity when the second student is taught legwork by the high-kicking woman. The second meets a bean curd seller and her blind father. After some persuasion, the master accepts the newcomer and decides to teach him the precise Crane movements. The first avenger meets an eccentric Crane style master who easily beats him during a fight. However, they are well aware of their limitations and decide to split up in the search for worthy masters. It is this dejected state that persuades his three students to look for revenge against the mysterious wanderer. The defeated master stumbles away with his pupils, but is left shattered by his complete loss of face. After meeting a humble, unassuming master and his three eager students, the fighter continues his arrogant mission and leaves another few reputations in tatters. Trouble arrives in town when a cloaked kung-fu expert sets about embarrassing local masters with his exceptional ability. This later Shaw Brothers film takes this concept to its natural progression: if one master/student has proven such a hit with fans, why not have three? Add to this a depressed and shamed master seeking revenge for his humiliation and ‘Five Superfighters’ is born. The basic kung-fu plot thread of a student learning new skills from a reluctant and reclusive master is one which has proved popular ever since ‘Snake In The Eagle’s Shadow’ (and before). Three young martial arts students and their teacher are beaten up badly by a wandering man who proclaims himself a corrector of bad kung-fu.

Five superfighters movie