[KFCC] Magnificent Butcher Review

Story: Sammo Hung, the lovably chubby master of martial arts madness, stars in this uproariously goofy tale of deception, competition, rape, alcoholism, and last but not least, butchery! Lam Sai-wing (aka Butcher Wing) is constantly finding himself in one painfully zany situation after another. Fortunately he always manages to come out on top with the help of his brothers and his master, the famous Wong Fei-hung.

Even with the help of his master, Wing finds himself in some seriously hot water when he discovers that he has been accused of the murder of a rival’s daughter. With Wong Fei-hung away on business, poor Wing is left to depend on his own wits, and some help from a friendly traveling drunk, to clear his name and destroy his adversaries.

Review: Believe it or not, there is really not a lot of “butchery” in this film. Sammo Hung is most certainly “MAGNIFICENT” and I guess his character is technically a “BUTCHER”, but if you are looking for scene after scene of our portly hero chopping and slicing flesh from the carcasses of slain beast, you may want to check try IRON CHEF. With that aside, if you are looking for our rotund maestro, masterfully, yet humorously, whooping ass on all those who would oppose him, then you have found the golden ticket Charlie!

If you are reading this there is a pretty good chance that you are familiar with the great Sammo Hung. After all, you are visiting a site called “KUNG-FU CULT CINEMA” and Kung-Fu films would not be what they are today without him. For those of you who are not familiar with the man, he is basically a fat version of Jackie Chan. He actually did a slew of ridiculous action comedies with Jackie throughout the eighties and has established himself in Hong Kong as both the ultimate sidekick and a box-office superstar.

No other film gives this superstar the chance to shine like MAGNIFICENT BUTCHER. It may not be quite as straight-forward in its humorous as some of his less martial-art influenced films, but it manages to do an outstanding job of incorporating the perfect blend of kung-fu and goofball antics while still leaving enough room for the occasional kidnapping and crime of passion. Speaking of shining stars, it would be a travesty to go through this review without mentioning Mui Sang Fan in his role as the drunken beggar. Forget DRUNKEN MASTER, this guy is the real deal. In appearance, much like Sammo, he is a round, little, butterball of a man, but once he gets the firewater in him, look out! Many of the more memorable scenes in this film actually showcase the beggar doing what he does best, fighting and drinking. I know a few people who would be perfect in this role if they should ever do a remake, but I digress.

While we are on the subject of memorable moments, I feel it necessary that I mention the one and only Wong Fei-hung fight. Picture, if you will, the legendary Wong Fei-hung locked in deadly combat with his arch-rival. Now instead of fisticuffs, arm old Wong with a calligraphy brush! That’s right folks, Wong Fei-hung is kicking ass, taking names, and writing them down with his brush! You know you’ve been bested in a match when your opponent can write out the word “Respect” across your forehead without you being able to so much as scratch him.

Memorable characters, hilarious moments, and plenty of great fight sequences. All in all, this one hits the jackpot. Whether you are looking for something to tickle your funny bone, or break it in two, this film is sure to please.