Watch The Proud Youth

The Proud Youth is a 1978 martial arts film from Hong Kong directed by Sun Chung. The film stars Yue Wong as Mok Sau Ching, a skilled swordsman who seeks vengeance against the Manchu government for killing his father. Michael Wai-Man Chan portrays the main antagonist, General Dekker, who is also skilled in martial arts and leads the Manchu army.

The film opens with Mok Sau Ching witnessing the murder of his father by General Dekker and his soldiers. He barely escapes with his life and swears to avenge his father's death. Years later, Mok Sau Ching has become a skilled swordsman, and he joins the Sung rebels who are fighting against the Manchu government. However, Mok Sau Ching's true motive for joining the Sung rebels is to get close to General Dekker and kill him.

Mok Sau Ching's plan is complicated when he becomes romantically involved with General Dekker's daughter, Mei Hsiao Tao (played by Yuet Sang Chin). Mei Hsiao Tao is a skilled warrior in her own right and a loyal follower of her father. As Mok Sau Ching gets closer to Mei Hsiao Tao, he begins to question whether he can complete his mission and kill her father.

The Proud Youth is a classic martial arts film that showcases the talents of its cast. Yue Wong delivers a standout performance as Mok Sau Ching, the stoic and determined protagonist driven by a desire for revenge. Michael Wai-Man Chan is equally impressive as General Dekker, who is not simply a one-dimensional villain but a complex character with his own motivations.

The action sequences in the film are well-choreographed and feature a mix of swordplay and hand-to-hand combat. The final showdown between Mok Sau Ching and General Dekker is an intense and visually stunning fight that is worth the wait.

One aspect of the film that sets it apart from other martial arts films of the era is its focus on the romantic relationship between Mok Sau Ching and Mei Hsiao Tao. While the romance subplot does slow down the film's pacing at times, it adds depth to both characters and provides a compelling emotional arc that pays off in the film's climax.

Another standout element of The Proud Youth is its setting. The film takes place in the late 17th century, during the Qing dynasty, and features elaborate period costumes and sets. The film was shot on location in Taiwan, which adds to the authenticity of the setting.

Overall, The Proud Youth is a classic martial arts film that delivers on both action and story. The film's talented cast, well-choreographed fight scenes, and compelling romance make it a must-see for fans of the genre. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-fueled action movie or a more nuanced drama, The Proud Youth delivers on both fronts.

The Proud Youth is a 1978 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.