The Deadly Duo (1971)

Studio: Tokyo Shock/Media Blasters/Shaw Brothers

Theatrical Release: December 1971

Blu Ray Release: May 2010

Not Rated

Review by James Klein

Being a huge fan of chop socky/kung fu films in the glorious 1970's, I was thrilled when a lot of martial arts films started to get re-released on DVD in the late 90's and early 2000's. It helped even more when the Kill Bill films were released and fans rushed out to see the original films that inspired Tarantino's epic bloodbath. And now with blu ray, the picture and sound is crystal clear and allows martial arts lovers to see the films as they were meant to be. I grew up with these kung fu films when they would play every Sunday afternoon on Kung Fu Theater back in the 1980's. The films were always bloody, had tons of action and were unintentionally funny such as characters jumping up in the air 100 feet or flying through the air. Watching Media Blasters release of the blu ray The Deadly Duo brought back those fond memories.

The plot is a bit off the wall and at times hard to follow as I wasn't sure who was good or who was bad. A group of men try to save a kidnapped prince from this army who has been going through China, overtaking it. On their way, these men join forces with this mysterious stranger who seems to have superhuman powers and with his help they are able to break into the army's fortress. The film moves along so fast and with a running time of just 82 minutes, the story doesn't really pull the viewer in. But are you watching this film for the storyline?

From the very beginning to the action-packed conclusion, the film doesn't let up on the action. Plenty of blood is sprayed, tons of fighting with various weapons like spears, swords, dart guns, exploding bombs, you name it. At the 25 minute mark I counted almost four fights total. By the films conclusion I had lost count. The movie is non stop action. What adds to the fun isn't just the violence and great martial arts but also some excellent camera work and direction. Modern film makers should take note: this is how you direct an action film. Not a lot of quick cuts and leave the camera still.

The Deadly Duo isn't going to win anyone over if you aren't a fan of silly martial arts. But I prefer this kind of action than the pretentious Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon kind of muck. This movie knows what it is trying to be and isn't ashamed of being goofy and cartoonish. There is absolute no romance either to bog the movie down. For fans of good 70's chop socky, The Deadly Duo is a blast.