Five Fingers of Death

11/6/2025

**_Comic book chopsocky flick from Hong Kong_** This was the movie that broke the Asian martial arts craze in America in 1973, following the success of the “Kung Fu” pilot and ensuing television series the previous year. Roy Thomas was inspired to create Marvel Comics’ Iron Fist after watching both. The story takes place in the early 20th century in rural Hong Kong (or bordering China). As such, there are no vehicles, but rather horse-drawn carriages, which gives the film a Western flair or something akin to “Planet of the Apes” & “Beneath the Planet of the Apes.” I like the simple Far East décor and backdrops. The fighting sequences are artistic, but not believable, resembling choreographed stage dances more than combat, sorta reminiscent of Michael Jackson's later "Thriller" video