Ren tou ma (1969) User Reviews

Cop investigates murder in a contemporary Shaw thriller

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 13 April 2021]

I've seen this film described as a 'Hong Kong giallo' but in reality it has very little in common with that much-loved film genre. Instead this contemporary Shaw Brothers outing feels more in line with the spy/Bond style movies that they were making in the late 1960s, which is not to say that it's not of interest. It begins with a murder and fatal wounding, which leads a detective to investigate; the trail takes him to a nightclub which turns out to be a front for gangsters, and it goes from there. Not much atmosphere here, but the usual fast pacing, action and a glamorous female cast keep it moving swiftly along; it's also 'sexier' than you might expect for the year.