Cast
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Dragon Lee
as Dragon Wu
Yuen Qiu
as Wai's daughter
Martin Choe Min-Kyu
as Master Wai
Kim Ki-joo
as Master Chu Man King
Flora Seo Jeong-ah
as Jen
Jang Il-Do
as Invincible Tiger
Lee Ye-min
as Mr. Chan
Kim Ki-beom
as Mr. Lau
Brian Baek Hwang-gi
as Crane Fist School disciple, tears sign
Han Tae-il
as Crane Fist School disciple, Japanese
Danny Choe Hyeong-Geun
as Crane Fist School disciple
Crew
Director
- Godfrey Ho
- Kim Si-hyun
Writer
- Jang Cheon-ho
- Kim Kyung-il
Producer
- Joseph Lai San-Lun
- Kang Dae-jin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Dragon's Snake Fist distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Godfrey Ho brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Dragon's Snake Fist took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 363 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Dragon's Snake Fist shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike City Hunter, which focuses more on action than character development, The Dragon's Snake Fist subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Wheels on Meals and The Next Karate Kid explore similar territory, The Dragon's Snake Fist stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 27m
