Kung Fu on Sale (1979)
Down on his luck, our unlikely hero is trying to save enough money to afford to be trained in kung fu. He joins a group of misfits in hopes of earning the money by performing for crowds in the street. However, he keeps running into trouble and a mysterious kung fu master. Will he be able to overcome the challenges that lie in front of him? Or will he die trying?
Watch Trailer
Cast
Reviews
KUNG FU ON SALE is another cheap Taiwanese martial arts film that openly copies the Jackie Chan movies DRUNKEN MASTER and SNAKE IN THE EAGLE'S SHADOW. This is one of the most inept rip-offs I've seen, a film which never overcomes the paucity of a non-existent budget and feels cheap and slapdash throughout. The plot, about a kid who is banned from learning kung fu and who ends up hooking up with a wise master to learn the ropes, is as derivative as they come.The film's one familiar cast member is Dean Shek, playing a chap who runs a martial arts school. Otherwise, the main character is an idiot who keeps getting beaten up because people think he's ugly. There's a twist in the tale which feels a bit silly and unbelievable. The only time the story picks up is in the extended climax which is as familiar as they come. Unfortunately, the team dubbing this one into English seem to have decided that as it is a comedy/action film, they'll supply the most stupid and exaggerated voices ever. It's really irritating.
A very ultra low-budget martial arts film. I did not recognize anyone in this supposedly action/comedy film. It was so frustrating to see the main guy (our hero a Jackie Chan wannabe) get beat up time and time again. It wasn't until his own grandfather taught him some skills , was he able to defend himself somewhat. But by then you don't care. Interesting use of sample music from other films though.The grandfather scenes, reminded me of Jackie Chan's Drunken Master. very well done and nicely paced. Plus somewhat funny. The main guy looked a little to old to be playing the hero in this one. I'm into the martial arts, so I was gonna watch this regardless.
ej's kung-fu capsule review for films of the chop-socky old-school - 1. basic plot type - young man comes of kung-fu age 2. plot construction - pretty good 3. dramatic - okay 4. funny - sometimes 5. dialog - not too bad 6. cast performance - pretty good all around 7. crew performance - solid 8. amount of fighting - fair amount 9. quality of fighting - okay 10. special any cast or crew notes - appears to be a transitional film for director Joseph kuo, made roughly at same time as the superior 'cavalier' 11. big positive - rarely dull 12. big negative - annoying leading actor who looks too old for the part bottom-line - who should see this movie - a solid martial-arts entertainment for any seeking such
Very simple story of a man who wants to learn kung fu. But times are tough so he has to resort to performing in the streets. You kind of feel for the hero who does his own kung fu in this. There are supporting characters who are kind of annoying, but I think it's the horrible dubbing. The kung fu in this one is good and crane style is emphasized. I have to admit that the "old man" in this one is quite a character, but boy, can he fight!! The ultimate baddie is no joke and he'll take on any challenger. Great end battle too.Kung Fu for Sale? Sure, I'll buy one.