Recently, after getting my fill of more recent HK action films, I decided to turn to the classics. And THE FIVE VENOMS aka FIVE DEADLY VENOMS definitely fits the bill of classic! Even though dated in comparison to susequent films of its kind, this movie honestly has the appeal to stand up to any kung fu action fan's criteria today.

You already know the story: five member of the Poison Clan, hated and feared by society, have converged to find an old friend of their former teacher...this old friend happens to have a treasure trove, and some of the Venoms want it to redeem the clan in the eyes of society (create a non-for-profit foundation, maybe?), while others want it for pure greed. Meanwhile, the last student of their deceased teacher -- who knows all of the Poison skills and yet is a master of none -- does his best to find the Venoms and hook up with at least one of the virtuous ones so they can destroy the evil ones! The one wild card is the Scorpion who is waiting in the wings, but no one knows who he is...yet...

All of the leads are excellent, and while the action may get sparse for the sake of story development, when the action hits it hits hard! Of special mention are Kuo Chui aka Phillip Kwok, Wei Pai, Lo Meng, and Chiang Sheng, and what they bring to the screen! This may sound strange, but watching this movie of virtually superhuman heroes and villains, I could make the argument that this movie inspired another of my favorites: THE HEROIC TRIO!

ABSOLUTELY required old-school viewing!