Okay, okay. So, Dirty Ho is unfortunately titled but that doesn’t stop this kung fu film from being a masteract in comedy and martial arts choreography and, thanks to the usual high production values of Shaw Brothers, it has aged tremendously well. Directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Gordon Liu and Wong Yue, this film comments on class and jealousy as one Manchurian prince tries to keep his disguise as a jeweler intact while figuring out who is trying to assassinate him!
Opening with a stunning studio-set fight sequence against a white background, we are introduced to both Gordon Liu as Wang Tsun Hsin and Wong Yue as “Dirty” Ho Jen while they take on all manner of villains. The scene sets up what to expect in the finale and, as it focuses on each character’s unique style of fighting, a great introduction to the fun that’s on its way.
Liu’s character just wants to enjoy wine and jewelry. He wants to listen to music and talk about grand things. He does not want to rule the kingdom. Nor does he want anyone to know just how skilled he is with kung fu. But that doesn’t stop his brothers - and there are a lot of them - from being jealous of him as he is next in line after his father passes away.
And they aren’t afraid to hire assassins to take him out.
Unfortunately for the assassins, they are in for one sick beating as Liu defeats them while concealing his fighting abilities. With Ho hot on his heels as an annoyed jewel thief, Liu has to weather all sorts of storms while keeping his true identity concealed. Perhaps this annoying jewel thief can help him?
One key sequence involves using the supremely talented Kara Hui, playing a musician here, as a shield against a very upset Wong Yue and manipulating her body (and lute!!!) to block, counter, and attack Yue’s movements. Yes, the two will eventually team up and take down the true assassins but this scene is absolutely a showcase for all the actors involved and the director, too. It’s a key sequence - one of many in this classic film - which documents just how perfect his eye was for directing.
Fans also get a dangerous trip to Peking (with fine production visuals from Shaw Brothers), an arrow attack, a great training sequence as Liu plays master to Yue’s movements with hot wax and steady kicks, and a bounty hunter attack with seven villains which will leave you rolling on the floor. Dirty Ho is absolutely priceless in its execution.
Once again, Lau Kar-Leung’s film does a number of things that - in 1979 - simply weren’t being done when it came to characters in kung fu films. His fights hit harder and quicker than others, too. Thanks to Arrow Video, Kar-Leung’s sixth film can be wholly appreciated with a 2K upgrade as it is now included with their release of SHAW BROTHERS PRESENTS: FOUR FILMS BY LAU KAR-LEUNG, a 2-disc set which includes Executioners Of Shaolin, Challenge of the Masters, and Heroes of the East.
Lau Kar-Leung was no stranger to the studio mindset of the Shaw Brothers. He had worked tirelessly on some of their biggest hits, choreographing epic fight sequences for most of their staple players during the 1960s and the 1970s. His unique vision for fight scenes were both stylistic, using the body’s movement to impact force, and full of humor, making his work truly crowd pleasing when it came to mass appeal.
Home Video Distributor: Arrow Films
Available on Blu-ray - October 24, 2023
Screen Formats: 2.35:1
Subtitles: English; English SDH
Audio: Mandarin: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono; Cantonese: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono; English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; 2-discset
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A
Lau's trademark mix of high-kicking kung fu choreography and knee-slapping physical comedy is on full display in one of the director's most acclaimed films, Heroes of the East, which pits Japanese and Chinese martial arts against one another and ultimately celebrates both. Last but not least is Dirty Ho, Lau's take on the odd couple buddy comedy, which shows off some of the most inventive action set-pieces in the Shaw Brothers canon and is not to be missed!
Video
Presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, Dirty Ho is beautifully presented on 1080p from Arrow Video. Interiors are strong. Colors pop throughout, but it is the blood effects - burning bright in the transfer - which seal the deal on this one. It’s full of great atmosphere thanks to the quick-footed script and looks visually eye-popping due to the 1080- upgrade. Black levels are strong throughout, bringing out nice details in both the loud and quiet moments of this epic adventure. The tracking shots are glorious to behold in 1080p. Blacks are solid and shadows maintain their lines. Even the costumes are noted stitch by stitch.
Audio
Fans of the genre get uncompressed Mandarin and English original mono tracks, plus Cantonese mono for the film.
Supplements:
Get ready to duel to the death with these supplemental items!
Commentary:
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See Special Features for the breakdown.
Special Features:
Disc One - Challenge Of The Masters / Executioners Of Shaolin
- 2K restoration of Challenge of the Masters from the original negative by Arrow Films
- High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
- Uncompressed Mandarin and English original mono audio for both films, plus Cantonese mono for Challenge of the Masters
- English subtitles for both films, plus English hard-of-hearing subtitles for the English dubs
- Appreciation of Lau Kar-Leung by film critic and historian Tony Rayns
- Interview with star Gordon Liu, filmed in 2002 by Frédéric Ambroisine
- Interview with star Chen Kuan-Tai, filmed in 2007 by Frédéric Ambroisine
- Textless opening credits for Challenge of the Masters
- Alternate English credits for Executioners from Shaolin
- Trailers
- Image galleries for both films
Disc Two - Heroes Of The East / Dirty Ho
- 2K restoration of Dirty Ho from the original negative by Arrow Films
- High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
- Uncompressed Cantonese, Mandarin and English original mono audio for both films
- English subtitles for both films, plus English hard-of-hearing subtitles for the English dubs
- Commentary on Heroes of the East by Jonathan Clements, author of A Brief History of the Martial Arts
- Appreciation of both films by film critic and historian Tony Rayns
- Interview with Heroes of the East star Yasuaki Kurata, filmed in 2003 by Frédéric Ambroisine
- Alternate opening credits for Shaolin Challenges Ninja, the international version of Heroes of the East
- Alternate English credits for Dirty Ho
- Trailers
- Image galleries for both films
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Composite Blu-ray Grade
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MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 103 mins
Director: Chia-Liang Liu
Writer: Kuang Ni
Cast: Yue Wong; Chia-Hui Liu; Lieh Lo
Genre: Action | Drama
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote:
Distributor: Shaw Brothers
Official Site:
Release Date: August 4, 1979
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: October 24, 2023
Synopsis: A prince enlists a thief to serve as his bodyguard to protect him from assassins.
