Chang Peng I, a Taiwanese filmmaker, worked as a deputy director in Joseph Kuo's “The 18 Bronzemen” (1976) starring Poly Shang Kwan Ling Feng and Carter Wong. He went on to direct Hsu Fung, Chang Yi and Carter Wong in 1976's “Shaolin Kung Fu Mystagogue” and then “The Clutch of Power” starring Chen Sing in 1977. Renowned for adapting wuxia novelist Gu Long's work for the big screen earned him the title of “Taiwanese Chor Yuen”. Consequently, it's not a surprise that Shaw Brothers invited him to Hong Kong during the early 80s to direct “Clan Feuds”, adapted from yet another Gu Long's earlier novel.
Swordsman Yun Keng of the Big Flag Clan and Qing Shung of the Five Fortune Alliance from the Maple Resort are secret lovers but their fathers are enemies. Anyhow, this Romeo and Juliet forbidden love scenario is just the tip of the iceberg as the intrigued plot soon develops into more twists and turns with the introduction of countless but colorful characters. However, the main event here is actually the search for a priceless gem and a kung fu manual.
Upon discovering his son Yun Keng's involvement with his enemy's daughter, Yun Yi (Yang Chi Ching) leader of the Big Flag Clan orders Tie Zhong Tang (Ti Lung), his nephew and the top enforcer and master swordsman to execute him as his punishment. Even though his younger son Yun Zheng (Lo Meng) is willing to die for his brother's mistake, Tie has no choice but to obey his master and kills elder son Yun nonetheless. Meanwhile, the furious Yun Zheng storms the Maple Resort looking for revenge; luckily for him, Tie comes along and helps him to escape. However, both are expelled from the Clan for disobeying orders, but they end up working together. Interestingly, Tie's given a blade with a hidden compartment which actually belongs to his father and by following the newly acquired clue he's able to discover more dark secrets and eventually find both the gem and manual.
The star power here is no doubt the elegant, handsome and imposing Ti Lung as the righteous and enduring hero Tie. It's a delight to witness him riding on a white horse as the opening credits roll and into a close-up with a pleasant smile all in glorious widescreen. Lo Meng who plays the Toad in “Five Deadly Venoms” is equally good and well-cast as the muscular hot temple swordsman who loves getting into fights to solve any problem and a contrast to Ti's cool and sophisticated performance. Sun Chien, the Scorpion from “Venoms” is charming as ever playing Little Prince who lives in a hideout full of women with motivating kung fu skills. Lily Li also appears briefly as Qing Ping, the kind sister who comes to a tragic end while doing the right thing.
Ai Fai is wonderful as the slimy, greedy villain Situ Xiao from the Maple Resort who seems to call the shots rather than its leader Leng Yi Feng (Kwan Fung). Chen Szu Chia plays Wen Dai Dai, a calculating character who uses her body to get what she wants. Her encounter with Lo Meng's Yun Zheng is quite funny as she tries to seduce him for information. Philip Ko truly stands out as a blind assassin who dresses in white and hangs out with a mute girl; unfortunately, her role is too brief but touching just the same. Tang Ching who normally plays a suave secret agent turns out in the last reel as a hermit who harbors a dark secret. While all these secondary characters appear to come and go, eventually they play an important part in the overall plot line.
Visual wise, the indoor sets look good and elaborate; lighting is put to great use to emphasize atmosphere and the outdoor locations are an added bonus. Conversely, the editing seems to get a bit lost at times because the continuity between some scenes doesn't look smooth. But there's a great deal of attention spent on the costumes which are amazingly detailed, particularly the capes favor by the main leads which have a nice combination of fur and feathers.
Credited as the fight instructor, Yuan Hsiang Jen's action is solid and there's an abundant use of wire and trampolines. Most of the fights are swords and blades oriented and there's hardly any use of hand to hand combat. However, there's one sequence in which a bunch of female warriors in skimpy outfits use long silk flowing scarfs as weapons. Elsewhere, another swordsman uses a blade that can suck his victim's blood.
Aside from the intriguing and mind-bending plot and subplots, Cheng's “Clan Feuds” is provides solid entertainment that moves at a fast pace, even though it may look like a Chor Yuen production to some viewers at times.
