‘ Come Drink With Me ‘
Cast : Cheng Pei-pei, Yueh Hua
Director : King Wu
Synopsis
A group of bandits kidnapped a government official to exchange him for their jailed leader. The victim’s sister came to free her brother but with many hurdles as the gang inexplicably tried to kill her. Then came a mysterious drunken knight to her rescue when she confronted her foes at the bandits’ hideout …
Rating : 3 stars of 5
4 comments:
If one may be allowed to beg, borrow or steal a smidgen of wuxia expertise, it has to be agreed that Director King Hu has written and directed an absolutely successful wuxia drama of “Come Drink With Me”.
This wuxia debut of King Hu, together with the superb exquisite and acrobatic fighting choreography of Cheng Pei Pei and Yeh Hua is no doubt something to relish. Above all for the acting, which is also crammed with powerful music score, operative impressive drums and beautiful natural scenery packaged altogether ------ are most satisfying!
“Come Drink With Me” is a story revolving a Jade-faced villain (Chen Hung Tieh) with his fellow bandits kidnap the governor’s son -----an up-and-coming bureaucrat ---and demand the release of their captured leader, Smiling Tiger, in exchange for his safe return.
However, the governor is not the kind of chap to accede to outrageous demands and sends his valiant daughter (Cheng Pei Pei) Golden Swallow (don’t ask why?), to rescue her brother.
Golden Swallow is a high-kicking kung fu vixen who dresses in male attire and has perfected her martial arts talent to the nth degree with her twin short swords. But she requires assistance after being struck by a poisoned dart targeted by Jade-faced villain. (Chen Hung Tieh). She was rescued by Drunken Cat (Yet Hua), the leading swordsman of the Bamboo Pole sect.
Drunken Cat is an exceedingly fit and muscular kung fu fighter who likes to get about in the guise of a drunken beggar. He has his own agenda and an axe or two to grind. This becomes evident when the second half of the story unveils.
“Come Drink With Me” is indeed an important flick in the annals of martial arts genre. Director King Hu choreographs his scenes with finesse and perfection. Essential viewing for all wuxia fans!!
我太喜欢这武侠片哦！岳华与郑佩佩演得很有味道，实在太好了！
I beg to differ. I am a wu xia fan but will not re-watch this movie. I find it slow and boring.
Amelia,
I greatly appreciate your comprehensive review of this movie. Having just watched the first half, it's indeed a classic wuxia, the one that set the standards for all the others!
For instance, I can see where Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" movie borrowed a lot from this film, such as the running on rooftops that Golden Swallow does, or her fights w/ the bandits at the inn. The music is great, and am glad to see Zhou Lanping's name in the credits too! I love the pairing of Cheng Pei Pei and Yue Hua, two excellent performers!
Joyce
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