A very "out there" film from director Chang Cheh--at least I think it was "Heaven and Hell" that I saw...the box was labelled "Shaolin Hell Gate" but I don't think this was it. Whatever this was, it was strange, and mostly set in the director's vision of Hell. A bunch of guys who are damned but were apparently wronged get a chance to fight back and escape. This movie is just too weird to try to describe, but interesting, so if you're in the mood for something different from the usual period dramas or triad gangs, you might want to check it out.
Fu Sheng has a couple weird scenes early on that I'm not even sure how they fit in the rest of the movie. They're like excerpts from a kung fu musical and the fighting is more like dancing. But, he does look as adorable as usual.
SUMMARY:
Overall rating: I can't even think of how to rate this one, maybe B on the curiosity scale.
Droolworthiness: B+ Being a Shaw Brothers film, there are a lot of pretty boys all over the place.
Slashiness: F I didn't really think about it or see much to notice.
Action: B- There are some decent fight scenes early on and toward the end, but it's all pretty goofy.
Next stop: Hell. Please check your souls at the door.
