Watch The Savage Five

The Savage Five is a 1974 kung-fu movie that features a cast of established and up-and-coming Chinese martial artists. Directed by Chang Cheh, this action-packed historical drama is set in the early 20th century amid the rise of the Republic of China. The story revolves around a group of five fighters known as the Black Flag Troop who are on a mission to rescue a group of villagers being held captive by local bandits. The five members are played by David Chiang, Lung Ti, Kuan Tai Chen, Philip Kwok, and Danny Lee, all of whom bring their unique fighting styles, personalities, and strengths to the table.

David Chiang, who plays the group's leader, is a seasoned martial arts veteran known for his fluid movements and precision strikes. Lung Ti, on the other hand, brings a more aggressive style that emphasizes powerful strikes and acrobatics. Kuan Tai Chen is a more grounded fighter known for his grappling and joint locks.

The first half of the movie is mostly a build-up to the rescue mission, which takes place in the second half. The Black Flag Troop has to overcome various obstacles and defeat numerous opponents to reach the bandit stronghold where the villagers are being held. Along the way, they encounter other martial artists who either help or hinder their progress.

The bandits themselves are led by a ruthless leader, played by Wang Chung, who is also proficient in martial arts. He has a rivalry with a member of the Black Flag Troop, played by Philip Kwok, which leads to some of the movie's most intense fight scenes. Danny Lee's character, meanwhile, provides some comic relief as the group's strategist and support member who is not as skilled in combat as the others.

One of the film's strengths is the creativity and diversity of the fight scenes. There are several standout sequences that showcase each member's unique style and abilities. One scene, for example, takes place in a maze-like underground tunnel where the fighters have to navigate obstacles and traps while fending off attackers.

Another notable aspect of the movie is the use of weapons. While hand-to-hand combat is prevalent, there are also scenes where characters use swords, spears, and other weapons. These weapons add an extra layer of danger and excitement to the fight scenes.

The movie's setting and historical context also play a significant role in the story. The bandits are motivated by their hatred of the new Republic of China government and its supporters, while the Black Flag Troop represents a more idealistic and patriotic view of China's future. The movie touches on themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice, as well as the ongoing struggle for power and stability in a rapidly changing country.

Overall, The Savage Five is an entertaining and well-crafted kung-fu movie that features memorable characters, impressive fight scenes, and a compelling story with historical relevance. It remains a standout example of the genre from the 70s and is definitely worth watching for fans of martial arts cinema.

The Savage Five is a 1974 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 6.5.