The Crippled Masters (1979)
1979
90 Minutes
Two men skilled in the arts of Kung-Fu are betrayed by their master and crippled for life, one left with no arms and the other with no legs. Despite their obvious disadvantages, they learn to combi...
User Review
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"WOW"
One of the most "UNIQUE" movies I've ever seen.
Jackie Conn (Chao-Ming Kang/Chiu-Ming Hong/Jackie Kang) and Frankie Shum (Sung-Chuan Shen/Chung-Chuen Sam ) are two real-life disabled martial artists who redefine the term handicapable. Frankie Shum's mother suffered from thalidomide poisoning during her pregnancy which left her child deformed. Jackie Conn also suffered from complications and was left with withered legs. These two teamed up for three "Crippled Masters" movies which showed what determined people are capable of if they just put their minds 100% into whatever they want to accomplish. While watching the movie, I had to stop the viewing and research the actors because I thought Shum was faking his disability, through the limitations of 1970's special effects, until he began acting shirtless. At that point the movie took on a completely new perspective and awe radiated for his and Conn's adaptability.
The Martial Arts are rather limited; one that it's the 1970's and most actors were still stiff when performing, but also for the physical limitations of the main characters. You struggle to flow when you can't fight and move at the same time and constantly have to either do one or the other. Nevertheless, I'm confident that both experts could defend themselves in a dark alley if push came to shove. The beginning scenes where Shum has to adapt to being armless are "VERY" degrading and many youngsters may be triggered and need to visit their safe space because of them. Be that as it may, this is a film that should be watched for the educational experience alone.
I would have loved to rate this movie higher, but it just wasn't deserving. The dialog and plot was horrible and, as I stated earlier, the martial arts were not very exemplary. You could see the combatants struggling to not overcome their disabled counterparts in the action scenes. Still, it's worth the price of admission just for the unique educational quality alone.0 member like this review.
