Search - Thundering Mantis (Chk Sen) on DVD

Truly exceptional classic 70s kung fu flick

k.e.fraser.md@prodigy.net | Verona, NJ USA | 05/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the somewhat hokey-named "The Thundering Mantis" I bought the movie on a goof, then as the opening credits began, I realized this was one of my most favorite kung fu movies of all time that I saw in THEATRES as "The Mantis Fist Fighter". HUGELY popular in the 70s Time Squares rounds, the movie stars the actor from "Cantonese Iron Kung Fu" along with the drunken mantis master --- an immediately recognizable spectacular actor who routinely plays the drunken master or the monkey master. There is intentional comic relief, but not to a distraction. The plot is fairly mundane --- the evil gang leaders are mad that they constantly getting shown up by a local fish seller who learns kung fu at the local Shaolin temple in his spare time. In spite, the gang members eventuually kill everyone associated with the fighter. Meanwhile the fighter perfects his skills by incorporating the mantis technique of a local con artist beggar and his boy protege. The evil gang member boss, an Eagle master, in the end is the fighter's only rival. The story is compellingly executed with tempered slapstick and comedy. Numerous fights populate the film, involving spell-binding mantis choreography. The final battle is extraordinarily memorable, so much so that I certainly remembered nearly every frame of the film since I saw it over 20 years ago. A MUST for classic lovers."

What?

W. LEE | poconos | 05/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Obviously some of the reviewers here has lost their minds, or simply do not understand the genre. The last fight scenes of this film put it at the TOP of my list of Old school kung fu movies. The last time I saw this film was working as a projectionist at the theater in 1984. Have never forgotten this classic. I have no ideas why the dub may be "unacceptable" to some people, but this film is SIMPLY INCREDIBLE. If you do not understand the genre, and realize there will be bad dubbing and bad dialog, FIND another film genre to occupy your time. This film can only be appreciated by those who understand what a kung fu movie is all about! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. P.S. I wrote my master's thesis on martial arts films, so I might know what I am talking about..."

Good plot.....poor DVD transfer....

Joshua Kernea | Chatsworth, GA USA | 02/28/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"First off, this is full-frame (poorly done) and English dubbed (again poorly done). This movie would have been 10x better if it were widescreen and subtitled. One can only wish I guess. Overall, the movie is good but it lacks in fight scenes. Sure there are a couple of incidents between folks here and there, but you never really get a good fight scene until the last fight. It is a very memorable ending, and is one that will remain in your mind for a while even after the movie is over. I can only imagine how good it would have been when viewed in it's original aspect ratio. I recommend picking this DVD up just because it's cheap and a relatively good Kung Fu flick. **3.5 stars**"

Buy now!

Joshua Kernea | 04/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My self being a Praying Mantis practitioner can honestly say this movie RULES! If you like the Mantis Fist, or martial arts period you have to see this movie"