Watch Nine Venoms
- 1984
- 1 hr 33 min
Nine Venoms is a classic martial arts film released in 1978, directed by acclaimed Hong Kong director Chang Cheh. The film stars Chiang Sheng and Lu Feng, who were both icons of the genre at the time. The movie tells the story of a group of ninjas who are after a powerful venom that can give them invincibility in combat. However, they need to get all nine of the deadly venoms for the poison to work correctly.
The plot of the movie is simple but engaging, and the colorful cast of characters makes the movie stand out from other martial arts films of the era. The story begins with the dying master of the Poison Clan, who sends his student Yang Tieh to find his former pupils and retrieve the clan's valuable treasure. The treasure is a map that leads to the location of the nine venoms, which can poison or heal, depending on the circumstances.
The former pupils are all deadly fighters, each of them possessing a unique fighting style and one of the nine venoms. Snake, Centipede, Scorpion, Gecko, Toad, Lizard, Spider, and the antagonist The One Arm all have their motives for wanting the treasure. The fight scenes between the eight former pupils are the highlights of the movie, as each one tries to outdo the other in terms of fighting style and technique.
Chiang Sheng plays the lead character, Yang Tieh, a member of the Poison Clan who is sent on a mission to find the treasure. His fighting style is based on the art of the Pole, and he is not as strong as his former classmates. However, he is cunning and makes up for his lack of strength with his intellect. Lu Feng plays the primary antagonist, The One Arm, who is brutal and cunning, using his skill with the spear to eliminate his opponents.
The film's martial arts sequences are excellent, with each character showcasing their distinctive fighting style. From the fast-paced agility of the Centipede to the powerful strikes of the Toad, each fight scene is a joy to watch. The choreography is well executed, and the camerawork shows the action in all its glory.
The cinematography of Nine Venoms is impressive for a martial arts flick of the time. The setting is a beautiful Chinese landscape with beautiful trees, hills, and rivers, providing an excellent backdrop for the fighting scenes. The costumes of the characters are colorful and rich, adding to the movie's overall appeal. The music and sound effects complement the film's action scenes, helping to create a thrilling atmosphere.
The film's ending is satisfying, with all the loose ends tied up, and we get to know the fates of the different characters. Yang Tieh's journey to discover the nine venoms and rescue the treasure is fraught with danger, excitement and suspense, and we are left with some memorable and thrilling scenes.
In conclusion, Nine Venoms is an excellent martial arts film that is highly recommended for any fan of the genre. With superb choreography, great acting, and an engaging plot, the movie is a classic that has stood the test of time. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the best of Hong Kong cinema of the '70s.