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.

[review from www.hkfilm.net]