Ai nu (1972)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Yuen Chor

Writer:

Kang Chien Chiu (writer)

Release Date:

9 July 1972 (Hong Kong)

Genre:

Action | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Martial Arts

Cast

Lily Ho	...	Ai Nu
Hua Yueh	...	Chi Te
Betty Pei Ti	...	Chun Yi
Lin Tung	...	Pao Hu
Chung Shan Man	...	Yeh Shun-tzu
Mei Sheng Fan	...	Wu Hua-tien
Wen Chung Ku	...	Chao Wen-chien
Shen Chan	...	Li Chang-an
Mien Fang	...	Wei Chien-chung
Hao Chen	...	Liao Kuo-kuang
Hao Li	...	Chou Hai
Ching Ho Wang
Peng Peng
Ling Chiang
Kang Ho

Also Known As:

Body and Sword (Hong Kong: English title) (working title)
Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan (International: English title)

Runtime:

Germany:90 min | USA:86 min | Hong Kong:86 min (PAL DVD version)

Country:

Hong Kong

Language:

Mandarin

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Singapore:R21 | Australia:R

Company:

Shaw Brothers

Movie Connections:

Featured in Cinema Hong Kong: The Beauties of the Shaw Studio (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Come In Number 51, Your Time Is Up

Truly wonderful revenge picture

Of all the Shaw Brothers pictures I've seen so far this is among my favorites. Although there is what seems at first confusingly little martial arts action, it soon becomes clear that this is a far different beast to a lot of the studios out put. This film relies on a strong plot, good writing and quality acting for the most part but puts in some swell sword fighting in a couple of places too, notably the ripsnorting ending. The subject matter is racier than average for one of the these films, with some pleasing female nudity, but the treatment is fairly classy, steering pretty well clear of exploitation. The direction and production are classic Shaw Brothers, set bound but opulent with a great sort of old school epic feel. I can't think of anything I didn't like about this film, the awesomeness never lets up in just about every department. Highest recommendation possible.