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Once regarded as a sad copy of Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master, this action packed film is undoubtedly one of the finest to feature Willy Dozen aka martial arts’ Billy Chong, the Indonesian master.
He Wen is a young man who has one desire: to master the art of Kung Fu. He tries to enroll himself into a school as an instructor, but instead gets set upon by the two assistant masters. Fortunately, the master is willing to employ him as a cook in the skol kitchen. There, Wen clashes with the elder cook. As Wen tries to gain respect from the two assistant masters as well as the elder cook, he finds himself in the middle of a conflict with everybody else.
At the same time, Yen, a master of the Double Phoenix Eyes is creating trouble with his two assistants, Blind Man and Deaf Man. Yen is actually trying to locate an old Eagle Claw master Pai Yi – Chang, because it is he who made Blind Man and Deaf Man what they are blind and deaf.
The cook and Wen don’t take long to make amends when Wen discovers that the elder cook is a kung fu master. It seems that Wen was right in the first place, the cook is none other than Pai Yi-Chang, and he decides to teach Wen the Eagle Claw technique. But when Wen’s superiors Yen and his cohorts see the art, they ask, who’s the master? Wen is hurt severely and then released when he does not answer. When Pai comes to know who Wen actually is, he teaches him the new technique, Shadow Claw.
Famed as a less innovative copy of Jackie Chan films during its initial release, the film is now regarded as a lost gem among the films of Billy Chong, the Indonesian-born martial artist. Chong was given the name Willie Dozen , and ever so slightly, he also has some comical side to him. His first action roles were in Indonesian movies like Black Belt Karate and Incredible Monkey Fist where he has supporting roles. This is the first Hong Kong film in which he plays a leading role. He handles the character of young Wen quite convincingly. Initially, he is just a comic relief, but completes the movie by showing off some great handwork and kicking.
What makes the film succeed is the fact that the Yuen Clan were involved in the film. Simon Yuen, who is famous for his roles as Jackie Chan’s instructor in his jiang-shi films, returns to the character again in his new role as the elder cook who later on becomes Wen’s martial arts tutor. Portraying the villain Yen, who has now made it his mission to avenge the defeat and the handicap of two of his associates, is Chu Tiet-Wo, and he is very powerful. The associates, Blind Man and Deaf Man, fit perfectly into the style of Addy Sung (known for his strabismus and was even given the nickname “Big Little Eye”) and Brandy Yuen, Son of Simon Yuen.
Regarding the fight choreography, it is unparalleled. Even though elder son Yuen Woo-Ping wasn’t attached to the movie like he was with Jackie Chan’s movies, his brothers Brandy and Shun Yi were deeply involved with choreographing the fights. Assisting in the choreography are Corey Yuen, Chin Yuet Sang, and Hau Chiu Sing, who is memorable for his cameo as Wen’s father who is murdered by Yen at the beginning of the film. The film showcases multifaceted Chong’s talents in unarmed combat and Corey Yuen assisted in doubling Chong on some of the staff work. Not to forget, Brandy Yuen did triple duty as co-star, choreographer, and a stuntman for his father.
For many, Crystal Fist is a pleasing sight as the world meets Billy Chong for the first time. While some viewers might see Chong as a Jackie Chan copycat, Chong actually is really good. With the Yuen Clan’s help, it is truly an enjoyable kung fu film.
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