I've read somewhere this low-budget Kung-Fu version of THE HUSTLER-genre had some problem with censorship because of a strong brutality in several scenes. Anyway it's another written-directed-starred trash from Taiwanese icon Roc Tien peng (THE TONGFATHER, 1972). He plays a billiard ace beaten and left for dead by usual mobsters, but, to say the truth, when all of a sudden he reappears in the boss Villa, you can't help but laugh, because the heavy makeup looks like a cartoon (you know, the kind of burned Wile coyote after a bomb exploded on him). Tien peng's real life brother Ho Tien and the late Chang Sing (KUNG-FU THE INVISIBLE FIST) are in the game. Taipei's playboy Wang Kuan Hsiung is the co-star (and I never understood why this mediocre actor was so highly regarded in Taiwan, considering that his major achievement is the terrible IRON OX, TIGER KILLER). Addy Sum Gam Loi (ENTER THE DRAGON), plays Chicken; the usual Chen Hung Lieh plays a pipe-smoker; bulky Kam Kong plays a tough, while local legend Ko Chun Hsiung (800 HUNDRED HEROES; Z-MEN) is the big boss. The story is mostly set in the billiard room (with a Bud Spencer poster attached on the wall). Fistfights are there but billiard-game scenes are simply boring. Production company IFD & Arts is responsible also for a tons of trashy 80's and 90's Ninja movies. THE DESPERATE PRODIGAL (aka EQUALS AGAINST DEVIL) was released in Taiwan 10/23/81.
4 Reviews
Billiards as you've never seen it played before
Leofwine_draca24 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
You know you're in for a cheesy time when you see Joseph Lai's name pop up during the credits of this Taiwanese action film, set somewhat bizarrely in the murky world of the Hong Kong billiard scene. The heroes are guys trying to win through their skill and fair play, while the bad guys are the usual gangster criminal types up to no good.
This cheap and cheerful production features a mix of outrageous 'match' sequences alongside some more familiar fight scenes and shoot-outs. It's a slapdash affair, shot on what is clearly a very low budget, that opens somewhat blatantly with the ROCKY theme playing over the credits! From there on in, we're in a wacky world indeed, full of hilarious trick shots accompanied by what I can only describe as computer sound effects. A few familiar faces pop up, including Chen Sing, but the OTT direction is what makes this one entertaining.
This cheap and cheerful production features a mix of outrageous 'match' sequences alongside some more familiar fight scenes and shoot-outs. It's a slapdash affair, shot on what is clearly a very low budget, that opens somewhat blatantly with the ROCKY theme playing over the credits! From there on in, we're in a wacky world indeed, full of hilarious trick shots accompanied by what I can only describe as computer sound effects. A few familiar faces pop up, including Chen Sing, but the OTT direction is what makes this one entertaining.
Blood, guns, money, and impossible professional billiards.
Markus-2619 September 1999
Yet another boggling action/drama from Peng "Roc" Tien. This time, the confusion is created in and about the dangerous world of Chinese professional billiards. Worth watching for the taut, climactic pool-skills contest. The Laws of Physics are out the window in this one.
Great Movie, Corner Pocket
Slithis230 April 2007
First off, let me warn you - the ten I give this movie is due to entertainment value only. In terms of the usual standards we measure movies by - believable story lines, realistic character development, dialogue, etc. - this thing is atrocious, but trust me - you have never ever seen a movie like this, and as far as I'm concerned, there's no higher recommendation.
The story concerns the high stakes, cut-throat world of professional billiards in Hong Kong (although, oddly enough, they never play the game CutThroat once). That's really all you need to know, because this is the sort of movie that a mere description cannot possibly prepare you for. The box the movie comes in - whether VHS or DVD - is very vague about the story, and pitches it as a typical honor driven kung fu flick, which this is certainly not. Its depiction of the brutally violent hardcore rivalries amongst trick shot artists is incredible, and by the finale, you'll be roaring at how out of control the one upmanship between the two trick shot factions gets.
Brilliant, and I guarantee you - you have never seen another movie quite like this. It's too bad this director has not picked up the cult following he deserves.
The story concerns the high stakes, cut-throat world of professional billiards in Hong Kong (although, oddly enough, they never play the game CutThroat once). That's really all you need to know, because this is the sort of movie that a mere description cannot possibly prepare you for. The box the movie comes in - whether VHS or DVD - is very vague about the story, and pitches it as a typical honor driven kung fu flick, which this is certainly not. Its depiction of the brutally violent hardcore rivalries amongst trick shot artists is incredible, and by the finale, you'll be roaring at how out of control the one upmanship between the two trick shot factions gets.
Brilliant, and I guarantee you - you have never seen another movie quite like this. It's too bad this director has not picked up the cult following he deserves.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
