This movie is available for purchase at www.sensasian.com

Rating:

6

AKA: The Shanghai Thirteen, All the Professionals

Year of release: 1984

Genre: martial arts

Director: Chang Cheh

Action directors: Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng

Writer: Chang Cheh

Stars: Jimmy Wang Yu, Ti Lung, Chiang Sheng, Chen Kuan Tai, Danny Lee, David Chiang, Chi Kuan Chun, Wang Chung, Chan Sing, Lu Feng, Ricky Cheng, Leung Kar Yan, Andy Lau, Wong Ching, Chui Tai Ping, Chui Chung Hei, Chiang Ming

Not rated; contains IIB-level violence

DVD Information

Company: Garry's Trading

Format: full frame

Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin

Subtitles: Chinese/English (burned-in)

Extras: none

Notes: A very poor DVD. The picture is faded and full of scratches -- and the center-framing makes the subtitles almost unreadable.

Related links:

Danny Lee biography
Andy Lau biography
Movie Review index
Main Page

Shanghai 13

Shanghai 13 was one of legendary director Chang Cheh's last films. It at once shows what was so great about "old school" martial arts films, yet points out what many people consider to be the genre's greatest flaws that would ultimately spell its' demise shortly after this movie came out. The story concerns a Mainland government agent who is trying to defect to Hong Kong, and enlist the aid of the "Shanghai 13" (or "Thirteen Rascals" as the subtitles call them), a group of highly-trained mercenaries.

The film's flimsy plot is mostly just an excuse to get to the next fight scene, of which there are plenty. After the slow-moving first half-hour, the action rarely stops, and it's pretty solid for the most part -- if a bit repetitive. The cast list is a virtual "who's who" of the late 70's-early 80's kung fu films, with older stars such as Jimmy Wang Yu pairing up alongside neophytes such as Andy Lau. Despite the strength of the cast and number of violent brawls, ultimately Shanghai 13 falls flat. The dated melodrama of Chang Cheh's male bonding antics combined with an ultra-low budget makes this picture one more for die-hard old-school fans, rather than your more casual viewer.