Reviewed by: Gaijin84 Date: 02/21/2009 Summary: Another winner from Yuen Wo-Ping... A conspiracy by Chinese traitors to cede large amount of land to the Russians is uncovered by a government agent. After an investigator is killed confronting brawling Russian soldiers, a regional chancellor brings in Shao Ting Shang (John Liu) to figure out what is behind the murder. Shao has an old friend named Kao (Yip Fei-Yang) in the town and decides to hire him for the duration of the investigation, even with Kao's reputation of being somewhat of a con man. When the Russian Colonel Tolstoy (Roy Horan) arrives in the town, Shao realizes that something fishy is afoot and suspects power hungry General Shantung (Hwang Jang-Lee, looking as good as ever in his numerous scenes) is behind it. The closer Shao and Kao get to the truth, the more confrontations they meet. Soon, the two are up against all the General's men and the Russians as well in an all out war. The ability of an action director really has a huge impact on a film, and nowhere is it as clear as with Snuff-Bottle Connection. Even though the film Secret Rivals has virtually the same cast (substituting an arguably superior Don Tao for Yip Fei-Yang), Snuff-Bottle's choreography and fight scenes are far more interesting and exciting. Yuen Wo-Ping simply has the ability to show the speed, power and fluidity of martial arts better than almost anyone else. I also think he has the actors take much more chances in their fights with actual contact being accepted and almost encouraged. Much like Jackie Chan famously losing a tooth from one of Hwang-Jang Lee's kicks in Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Yip Fei-Yang has a pretty authentic-looking swollen eye and cheek from a Hwang kick in the final fight. Yuen also utilizes interesting weapons throughout the movie, including a particularly exciting scene where attackers use curved blades attached to chains. Super-kicker John Liu uses a sabre attached to his foot to defend himself in one skirmish and Yip utilizes a Yuen favorite, the bench, to great effect in another. You watch a Yuen flick for excellent fights and Snuff-Bottle Connection does not disappoint. Overall, a fun movie that never bores you, which is all you can ask. 8/10 Reviewer Score: 8

Reviewed by: kiliansabre Date: 11/26/2007 Summary: Fights Scenes Aplenty An early treat from choreographer Yuen Woo Ping a year before he directed Drunken Master. The plot involves the Russians trying to make use of the ports in China as the ports of Russia are frozen during the colder parts of the year. This involves a Russian diplomat and a Chinese general working together and against the county of China. An official (John Lui) and his friends work in attempt to thwart their efforts while trying to avoid the constantant ambushes by the Chinese general (the ever brutal Hwang Jang Lee). The fights here are fast and well choreographed and plentiful throughout. There are unfortunately several fights that take place at night which aren't well lit enough to really make out the happenings, but the best bits are done during the day where the action can be enjoyed fully. My favorite part perhaps was Yip Fei-Yang (playing the official's friend) fighting off a group of attackers with a bench which included some moves that I haven't seen elsewhere and seemed much more practical and brutal than say the bench work in Drunken Master. The final fight with Hwang Jang Lee is a bit too brief but as always we are treated to an array of impressive moves within the choreography. Although Yuen Biao is listed in the credits, don't see this expecting any sort of showcase for him. He is only an extra here and I spotted him very briefly in a scene that takes place in a gambling parlor as one of the guards. That said, the movie is still full fantastic and frequent fights. The plot, though a bit tedious, does have a great sense of heroism and the connection between the protagonists does hold some weight which is more than can be said for many of the political actioners of the time. If you are ready for a feast of talent, this movie is for you, in particular pay attention to John Lui's fantastic leg work. Not a classic in plot, but certainly a standout for it's action. Reviewer Score: 7