How about a little Shaw Brothers and a little Shaw Scope for your eyes? Can’t handle it? Go find some of your fake kung fu, because it’s time to buckle in for a ride on the King Hu train, losers. Tonight I watched Come Drink With Me (Dà Zuì Xiá / 大醉俠), and what an absolute blast this film was. King Hu “revolutionize(d) the martial arts costume drama…(showcasing a) mastery of all aspects of the medium, especially his inimitable approach to editing” (Peña). His portrayal of the merciless Golden Swallow waltzing into town to deliver some much-needed justice is a thrill ride from beginning to end, and the touching, slow scenes with Drunken Cat are just as wonderful as the action-packed, bloody, quick, precise action sequences.
This film was a lot of fun, and the production quality truly accentuated a genre thirsty for work like this to pave the way for directors like Ang Lee’s work decades later.
I really enjoyed this film. From its opening sequence, it was clear that the director was going to take us on a ride through a valley of danger, double-crossing, and intense, bloody swordplay. Knowing nothing about this film ahead of time, I had few expectations, but it was a beautiful joyride through the narrative. The costumes, excellent performances, and obsessive attention to detail transported us to a world of martial arts high adventure. Come Drink With Me is truly a fun hour and a half diversion that fully encapsulates the audience in a striking, magical, dangerous land.
Garrett Zecker 