Watch Come Drink with Me

Come Drink with Me is a martial arts classic from Hong Kong, released in 1966. It is directed by King Hu and stars Pei-Pei Cheng, Hua Yueh, and Chih-Ching Yang in lead roles. The story follows Golden Swallow (played by Pei-Pei Cheng), a skilled martial artist and assassin, who is sent to rescue a kidnapped official from a group of bandits. Accompanied by Drunken Cat (played by Hua Yueh), a lovable rogue with a penchant for alcohol, Golden Swallow infiltrates the bandit's stronghold, and chaos ensues.

The movie was a groundbreaking film for its time due to its portrayal of a female lead character in a martial arts movie. Pei-Pei Cheng's performance as Golden Swallow is exceptional, and she delivers high-octane action sequences with effortless grace and skill. Her portrayal of a strong, independent woman was a refreshing change from the typical damsel in distress roles that were common in martial arts movies at the time.

Aside from the groundbreaking portrayal of a female lead, Come Drink with Me is also notable for its innovative fight choreography. The film's director, King Hu, was a master of the genre and had a deep understanding of martial arts. He would meticulously plan and choreograph every fight scene, and his attention to detail shines through in the final product. The fight scenes in Come Drink with Me are fluid and realistic, with a focus on hand-to-hand combat rather than the use of weapons.

Hua Yueh's Drunken Cat is a perfect foil to Pei-Pei Cheng's Golden Swallow. Hua's portrayal of the comic relief character is charming and endearing, and his chemistry with Pei-Pei Cheng is one of the highlights of the film. Together, they deliver a range of emotions, from intense action to comedy and romance, making Come Drink with Me a truly enjoyable and captivating movie experience.

The film's score and cinematography are also notable. The score, composed by Wu Yong-jiu, blends traditional Chinese music with western orchestration, creating a hybrid sound that perfectly matches the film's tone. Meanwhile, the film's cinematography is beautifully shot, with King Hu making excellent use of space in his compositions, creating a sense of grandeur and fluidity.

One key aspect of Come Drink with Me that sets it apart from other martial arts movies of its time is its use of color. The film's palette is bright and vibrant, with costumes and sets that are a feast for the eyes. This was a deliberate choice by King Hu, who wanted to break away from the dreary, dark palettes that were common in films of the time.

Overall, Come Drink with Me is a timeless classic that had a significant impact on the martial arts genre. Its portrayal of a strong female lead, innovative fight choreography, and use of color make it a standout film of its time. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and is sure to captivate audiences with its excellent performances, action sequences, and heartfelt moments.

Come Drink with Me is a 1965 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.