7 Grandmasters [Jue quan] (1977) Review

Eureka Classics have done it again with another astounding boxset entitled Cinematic Vengeance. and this time containing 8 Kung Fu classics all from master director Joseph Kuo.

With over 60 credits between 1958 and 1988 Kuo, although perhaps overlooked in the pantheon of legendary directors, was a hugely successful filmmaker with his finger on the pulse, pumping out picture after picture to an always entertained audience.

Making totally independent productions at a time when the Kung Fu genre was dominated by big budget Hong King studio movies Kuo often took on writing and producing roles as well as directing showing his talents far exceeded what was expected at the time.

The Cinematic Vengeance collection contains 8 of these independent productions some of which will be instantly recognisable to martial arts fanatics. Featuring The 36 Deadly Styles, The World of Drunken Master, The Old Master, Shaolin Kung Fu, The Shaolin Kids, 18 Bronzemen and Return of the 18 Bronzemen as well as 7 Grandmasters this is an all action package with more kicks, punches and insane moves than viewers will have seen in a long time.

As one of his masterpieces 7 Grandmasters is a perfect example of the quality of Kuo’s work and the Kung Fun genre itself, simultaneously containing all the key expected elements while also distilling it down to its purest form.

The story is stunningly simple opening on a ceremony for Shang-Kuan Cheng (The Invincible Armour and Wu Tang vs. Ninja star Jack Long) a master of the Bai Mei style who has decided to retire. With deeply dramatic timing a note arrives via knife flung against his school and issuing a final challenge for him to face the 7 provincial grand masters and prove his superiority once and for all.

Setting out on a long and arduous journey with his daughter and 3 disciples Shang-Kuan faces various different kung fu experts each with their own deadly individual style. Along the way the wise old man is approached by a youngster named Siu Ying (Yi-Min Li) who is desperate to learn how to fight so he can avenge the death of his father at the hands of a mysterious martial arts master. Unsure at first about taking on another student so late in his career Shang-Kuan is won round by the sheer determination and dedication the kid shows.

Triumphing in the fights Shang-Kuan suddenly sees his health failing and it is up to his students including the latest arrival to rally their master and heal his ills. From here things only get harder until they reach the final confrontation and both learned teacher and new pupil realise their pasts are far more entwined than they ever could have imagined.

Packed to the brim with brutal battles 7 Grandmasters does not disappoint when it comes to cinematic clashes. With a myriad of styles on display each bout is brilliantly choreographed and superbly shot and the film features some of the best Kung Fu fights committed to celluloid.

All the actors are accomplished combatants and get to showcase their skills throughout in a variety of scintillating situations. Most interestingly Yi-Min Li’s immature man-child starts out as a comedy foil but quickly progresses not only to being the best fighter but also the dramatic centre of the whole film. Linked to this the story although seemingly basic at the start branches out blindsiding the audience at the end with a shock twist that fits the film perfectly and ups the ante on the action.

Loaded with extras the amazing boxset includes multiple audio options, newly translated English subtitles and brand new audio commentaries as well as newly commissioned artwork by Darren Wheeling, a 60-page booklet and a set of 8 facsimile lobby cards perfect for collectors.

Worth the price for 7 Grandmasters alone, with all of the movies fully restored and 7 of the 8 making their worldwide debuts on Blu-ray the Cinematic Vengeance boxset is ideal for Kung Fu obsessives and newbies alike offering a fantastic range of films that not only showcase the genre but also prove the powerhouse talent of Joseph Kuo.

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