Watch Dragon's Claws
- 1979
- 1 hr 32 min
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6.3 (148)
Dragon's Claws is a martial arts movie from 1979 that is considered a classic of the genre. The movie follows the story of two rival gangs who battle for control of a small town in China. One gang is led by Master Huang (Jeong-lee Hwang), who is known for his exceptional fighting skills and his ability to control his men with an iron fist. The other gang is led by Master Keung (Kar-Yung Lau), who is equally skilled in martial arts and has a loyal following of his own.
The conflict between the two gangs is sparked by a dispute over gambling profits, and quickly escalates into a full-scale war. The town's residents are caught in the middle, and many are killed or injured during the battles between the two factions. The police seem powerless to stop the violence, and it becomes clear that the only way the conflict will be resolved is through a showdown between Master Huang and Master Keung.
As the two leaders prepare for the final battle, they each gather their most skilled fighters for the fight. Master Huang chooses a young, talented fighter named Ah Chi (Chih Yung Lin) to be his champion, while Master Keung selects his own protege, a woman named Ah Chun (Ching-Ying Lam), to fight for him. The stage is set for an epic showdown between the two gangs, and ultimately between the two masters themselves.
Dragon's Claws is a classic example of the martial arts genre, featuring dazzling fight scenes choreographed by legendary martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. The movie is known for its intense, fast-paced action sequences, which are a combination of traditional kung fu and modern stunts. The film showcases a variety of martial arts styles, including drunken boxing, snake style, and more.
Despite its emphasis on action, Dragon's Claws also has a strong narrative that explores themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal. The conflict between Master Huang and Master Keung is not just about money or power, but about their differing philosophies on how to lead their followers. Each master has a code of ethics that he follows, and their clash represents a clash of ideals as much as a clash of fists.
At the heart of the story is the character of Ah Chi, who is torn between his loyalty to Master Huang and his own desires for a normal life. Ah Chi is a talented fighter, but he longs to leave the town and start a new life somewhere else. However, his loyalty to Master Huang keeps him bound to the conflict, and he must ultimately choose between his own happiness and the demands of his master. This struggle is a recurring theme throughout the movie, as characters wrestle with their own desires and their obligations to their leaders.
Dragon's Claws is also notable for its strong cast of actors, including Jeong-lee Hwang as Master Huang, Kar-Yung Lau as Master Keung, and Chih Yung Lin as Ah Chi. All three actors bring depth and complexity to their roles, and their performances elevate the film beyond mere action spectacle. The supporting cast is also strong, with many talented martial artists featured in minor roles.
Overall, Dragon's Claws is a must-see for fans of the martial arts genre. It combines thrilling fight scenes with a compelling story that explores themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. The film's talented cast of actors and skilled fight choreography make it a classic of the genre, and it remains a beloved cult classic even today.
Dragon's Claws is a 1979 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.