Dockyard worker Sun Zhi Qiang (Ling Yun) and songwriter Sun Yi Qiang (Yang Fang) are brothers of opposite ends. He is a rough diamond who likes to get into fights but a natural when it comes to playing drums. His younger brother Yi Qiang is a gentle soul who writes songs for a TV show and dreams of becoming a successful composer. Their mother though, totally hates the idea of them getting involved in the music scene. Huang Li Chen (Lily Ho) manages a popular TV music show with her band The Sparks and the star of the show is band drummer “Golden Arm” Charlie (Chen Hung Lieh). Apparently the groupies are more into drummers than lead singers or the lead guitarists during that time. Her guitarist brother David Huang (Chang Pei Shan) also plays for The Sparks and Julie (Angela Yu Chieh) is their resident dancer.
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One day, Charlie abruptly quits, saying that he can do much better working for a rival company, thereupon putting the show in jeopardy. Desperately looking for a new drummer, Li Chen pursues the help of Zhi Qiang, since she has seen him drumming on oil drums before and knows he's right for the task. Sure enough, he proves to be a great asset and becomes an overnight sensation, thereby earning him the nickname “Thunderbolt”. Now everyone is contented except Charlie as his new found career is being threatened; besides he's jealous of Zhi Qiang's success. Determined to restore his fame; Charlie challenges him to a drumming competition on TV to decide who'll become the king of drummers. However, Zhi Qiang hurts his right hand during a fight the night before with goons send by a rival record company tycoon. Nonetheless, this doesn't stop him from putting on an accomplished show and consequently wins the title. Now even more enraged, the tycoon sends more goons after him and they crash his drumming hand into a pulp.
“King Drummer” is a remake of director Umetsugu Inoue's own “The Man Who Causes a Storm” from 1957 starring Yujiro Ishihara. This Shaw Brothers version is a visual treat of Hong Kong glam, with bright primary colors and beautiful set designs which look fantastic on the widescreen. This is a showcase for Ling Yun as the lead who's full of raw energy which expands to a number of fight scenes. Moreover, he fights in a way that's reminiscing of playing drums, sort of a drumming kung fu style. The use of jazz soundtrack through the movie is the icing on the cake, totally cool.
As always, Chen Hung Lieh is wonderful as a villain and he doesn't disappoint here as drummer “Golden Arm” Charlie who gives “Thunderbolt” Zhi Qiang a hard time. Looking sharp in well-tailored suits, he is nothing but a crafty fox oozing with sleaziness. Nevertheless, they both look convincing while playing those drums.
It's good to see personable Lily Ho in a meaty role as Huang Li Chen, the TV show and band manager and she lights up the screen with her colorful ensembles and hairdos. There're some family melodramatic parts at play especially with Zhi Qiang's mother in which she handles them well too.
Angela Yu Chieh has a brief role as Julie, the go-go dancer and mistress to rival record company boss and looks the part in her sultry sexy vamp way. Conversely, Wei Ping Au is slimy as ever playing a music critic and editor Mr. Li who's hopelessly trying to woo Huang Li Chen. Interestingly, the final half of the movie centers on Sun Yi Qiang, played by Yang Fang, the mild tempted and brood composer brother.
Populated with strong characters, this is a well-directed and balanced movie; it even touches on family drama, music studio generic, boss-employee romance and above all, it's fun to watch. Aside from the obvious Western influence, it's still a Hong Kong production at its heart.
