KID WITH A TATTOO is perhaps one of the lesser known martial arts films from the Shaw Brothers studio. It was made in 1980 and has a relatively complex back story involving a secret assassin who hides in plain sight under a pseudonym; a brash young kung fu fighter who believes his father is said assassin; an undercover policeman hiding out in some local ruins and masquerading as a beggar; and some criminal thugs out to get their hands on any kind of wealth they can.
The story adopts the comedy action mould although the different sub-plots aren't quite as fluidly intertwined as elsewhere in this genre; it all feels a bit over the place at times and even at the climax things don't really gel all that well. It's a good job that the direction is strong and the choreography is top notch, because that takes your mind off any issues with the narrative. KID WITH A TATTOO also boasts an exemplary Shaw Brothers cast to be enjoyed. Wong Yue is the erstwhile hero and quite fun in the Jackie Chan mould; Ku Feng does his usual straight man role as the exasperated father and continues to impress.
Villainous Wang Lung Wei gets less of a look in, playing very much a stock role, but the good news is that the criminally underrated Yuen Wah has a massive role here and is excellent throughout. Wah is one of the 'Seven Yuens' and the one guy that Jackie, Sammo, and Yuen Biao all said could beat them in a fight. Best known for his later villainous turns in DRAGONS FOREVER and the like, he also appeared in a fair few Shaw films in minor roles, so it's great to see him given the limelight here. Also appearing is the fine fighter Dick Wei, another actor well known for playing henchmen in 1980s Hong Kong cinema. He's a tough cop and he burns up the screen as usual. With Wah and Wei on board, KID WITH A TATTOO is a film that can't really fail.
The story adopts the comedy action mould although the different sub-plots aren't quite as fluidly intertwined as elsewhere in this genre; it all feels a bit over the place at times and even at the climax things don't really gel all that well. It's a good job that the direction is strong and the choreography is top notch, because that takes your mind off any issues with the narrative. KID WITH A TATTOO also boasts an exemplary Shaw Brothers cast to be enjoyed. Wong Yue is the erstwhile hero and quite fun in the Jackie Chan mould; Ku Feng does his usual straight man role as the exasperated father and continues to impress.
Villainous Wang Lung Wei gets less of a look in, playing very much a stock role, but the good news is that the criminally underrated Yuen Wah has a massive role here and is excellent throughout. Wah is one of the 'Seven Yuens' and the one guy that Jackie, Sammo, and Yuen Biao all said could beat them in a fight. Best known for his later villainous turns in DRAGONS FOREVER and the like, he also appeared in a fair few Shaw films in minor roles, so it's great to see him given the limelight here. Also appearing is the fine fighter Dick Wei, another actor well known for playing henchmen in 1980s Hong Kong cinema. He's a tough cop and he burns up the screen as usual. With Wah and Wei on board, KID WITH A TATTOO is a film that can't really fail.