Five Deadly Venoms is unique among the pantheon of Shaw Brothers kung-fu classics in that it is more of a kung-fu detective movie than a kung-fu action movie. Though all of the Shaw Brothers' movies excel in plotting and characterization as well as balls-to-the-wall action, Five Deadly Venoms really stands out in these departments. Basically, the dying master of a martial arts school is having last minute guilt about training criminal scumbags, and orders his final disciple to track down his five seniors and see if they are behaving themselves, as well as to track down a treasure held by the master's old comrade so as to give it to charity. Disguised as a beggar, our protagonist heads out for an idyllic small town, but soon finds that things are more than just a bit complicated. Shot as always in glorious 'Scope and eye-popping color, director Chang Cheh weaves a complicated tale of deceit, backstabbing, and, of course, kickass heroism. What is most impressive about Five Deadly Venoms is how the tropes of the gumshoe detective story are so well integrated with the world of martial arts. Many lament the shortage of fight scenes in this one, but while it may not be as high octane as King Boxer, Five Deadly Venoms certainly does not disappoint in the action department. Smart, and quickly plotted, Five Deadly Venoms is an essential Shaw Brothers classic, and one of the more unique kung-fu films out there.
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