Cast
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Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
as Tung Ming-Sun
Yuen Biao
as Man Yen 'Rat' Chieh
Joyce Godenzi
as Cambodian Guerrilla Leader
Yuen Wah
as Vietnamese General
Lam Ching-Ying
as Lieutenant Colonel Lam
Yasuaki Kurata
as Vietnamese Captain
Dick Wei
as Vietnamese Captain
Billy Chow Bei-Lei
as Vietnamese Captain
Charlie Chin Chiang-Lin
as Szeto Chun
Ha Chi-Chun
as Liu Shun-Ying
Corey Yuen Kwai
as Woo Dik-Chu
Yuen Woo-Ping
as Yam Yan-Hei
Billy Lau Nam-Kwong
as Chin Dai-Hoi
Chiu Man-Yan
as Cambodian Guerrilla
Cheung Kwok-Keung
as Chin Dai-Gong
Crew
Director
- Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
Producer
- Ricky Lau
- Leonard Ho
- Corey Yuen Kwai
- Wu Ma
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/War film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Eastern Condors distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Sammo Hung Kam-Bo 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 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Eastern Condors took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 443 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- 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 Eastern Condors shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Doom, which focuses more on action than character development, Eastern Condors offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Timecop and DragonHeart explore similar territory, Eastern Condors 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: July 9, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 37m
