The Skyhawk (1974) Movie Review

Although Jet Li may have popularised the role for a new generation with “Once Upon a Time in China”, for most viewers Kwan Tak Hing was, is, and will probably always be legendary hero Wong Fei Hung. Amazingly, the actor played the role in more than a hundred films, one of the last of which was “The Skyhawk”, originally released back in 1974 during the final stages of his long career. As well as Kwan, the film also features Carter Wong and a young Sammo Hung, a fact that marks it as an instant must-see for any self respecting martial arts fan. It was directed by Cheng Chang Ho, who was also responsible for the classic Angela Mao vehicle “Broken Oath”, and a number of Shaw Brothers productions such as “Heads for Sale” and “The Swift Knight”.

The plot begins as Wong Fei Hung and his young student Fatty (Sammo, naturally) are on a trip to Thailand, when they cross paths with a fighter called Little Lion (top kung fu star Carter Wong, also in the likes of “Hapkido” and who turned up in a number of Western films including John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China”). This leads to a run in with Kwok, the vicious leader of a local martial arts school, after which Wong takes the wounded Lion to stay with his friend Chu. Unfortunately, Chu is embroiled in trouble with local crime boss Koo, who is trying to take over his business by force while making decidedly unwanted advances to Fatty’s sister (played by actress Nora Miao, also in “Fist of Fury” and “The Blade Spares None”). Soon enough, Wong is forced to get involved, leading to an escalating series of battles and brawls.

Although “The Skyhawk” sees Kwan Tak Hing quite obviously in advanced years and not really able to perform much in the way of acrobatics (leaving this up to a fairly unconvincing stunt double), he still has great screen presence and is more than able to hold his own. As such, whilst this is still very much his film, he takes more of a backseat role of teacher, passing the torch to his younger co-stars. Certainly, most of the martial arts action revolves around Carter Wong and Sammo, who both get plenty of chances to show off their skills through a good number of exciting fight scenes and training montages. The film was one of Sammo’s earlier outings as choreographer, though even at this stage of his career he was showing an assured hand, keeping things tight and tough, and throwing in some impressive stunts. The final battle, which lasts for a full fifteen minutes, is particularly intense and exciting, especially since it gives Kwan the opportunity to get a few kicks in of his own.

Inevitably, given its Thai setting and certain members of the supporting cast, the film recalls Bruce Lee’s “The Big Boss”, which had been released a few years earlier. However, director Cheng certainly makes the most of the gorgeous locations and does give the proceedings a somewhat different flavour, with the temples and forests providing an evocative backdrop for the action. The film is very nicely shot in the classic style of the genre, and he keeps things moving along at a good pace, never neglecting the story or characters. The plot itself is actually quite engaging, managing to work in enough subplots, deceptions and righteous vengeance to distract from the over familiarity of it all.

As such, while there is nothing terribly original or remarkable about “The Skyhawk”, it delivers a well-made, solid slice of traditional martial arts action. This aside, the legendary cast are worth the price of admission by themselves, with their considerable talents and charismatic performances making the film a pleasure to watch and a more notable genre entry than it might otherwise have been. Certainly, given the presence of Kwan Tak Hing in his signature role the film is an unmissable prospect, not least since a great many of his outings sadly remain unavailable on DVD.

Chang-hwa Jeong (director) / I. Fang Yeh (screenplay)
CAST: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo … Fei Fei
Tak-Hing Kwan … Skyhawk, Wong Fei Hung
Carter Wong … Leo
Ching Po Chang, Lily Chen, Hsiung Chiao, Chi Chu Chin, Hsing Chung Hung, Ching-Ying Lam, Kun Li, Nora Miao, Wah Lung Szema, Ing-Sik Whang, Lung Yu