Human Lanterns

Have you ever heard a movie title quite so compelling? Two words that should never find themselves put directly next to each other: human and lanterns. The pairing just feels disturbing and wrong-- after seeing this movie however, few things have ever felt so right(I may even look into making a few of my own LOL!). The story centers around two wealthy, proud and competitive heads of a village by the names of Tan and Lung, preparing for the upcoming lantern festival. Both want ot make sure that their lantern is the absolute best and therefore the talk of the town. Enter a reclusive lantern craftsman with the knowledge of how to make the perfect product-- and willing go to whatever cruel lengths necessary for the human flesh needed in their creation. As loved ones close to both competitors begin mysteriously disappearing, foul play is suspected of each other, and the rivalry grows out of control... though are either one truly responsible? Human Lanterns is classic Shaw Brothers material, superbly directed by Chung Sun(the man behind the even better film, The Deadly Breaking Sword), filled with lavish sets, an excellent musical score, and a fantastic cast. Chen Kuan-Tai(Crippled Avengers, Challenge Of The Masters, and many other great films) plays Tan, the more mature and reserved of the rivals, while Liu Yung plays Lung as a much more vain and even borderline despicable competitor. The real star of the show is actually Lo Lieh(too many good movies to name!) as the demented lantern maker who takes particular glee in the live skinning of his victims (easily one of my favorite performances from his legendary career). This is one of the finest martial arts/horror hybrids around, the action is marvelously choreographed while the horror is far from campy(no hopping vampires here) and delivers some genuine chills. Still though, Human Lanterns is for kung fu fans first and foremost, those deciding to give this a try for the(limited) horror and exploitation elements will surely be dissapointed with what is ultimately delivered(a few macabre moments of flesh peeling grue).

Great movie and found this to be one of the Shaw Brothers (SB) greatest films. Surely a surprise, but considering the production value and filmmaking of these SB movies, the acting, directing, cinematography, and set designs were fantastic! Definitely for the horror film buff and not for the squeamish. We had a lot of fun watching this movie!Note about the Image DVD release -- probably the worst picture quality I've seen for a SB movie. Watching so many of the other SB films and various media releases, I was taken aback. Image has been known to release well remastered DVDs, but this one looks like VHS quality. Furthermore, the DVD froze several times during the last 30 minutes (where all the action built up). Returning for a refund.Amazon Germany is releasing a blu-ray of this title in April 2017.

Visually the movie is crisp and clear. Lo Lieh , more known for his character of the evil and cold Pai Mei, shows his true acting abilities. You really see and believe the depravity of the person he portrays. With some great scenes of action, this delves more into the mind of madness. If you are a Lo Lieh fan, this is a great one to round your collection. If you are looking for all action then this is not for you. More horror, than Fu.

I really enjoyed this movie. I was skeptical at first about horror being in my kung fu- movies however, it worked well with this movie. Choreography is top notch combined with a great story makes this a keeper.I only wish there was an english dub option to go along with the original langauge.One of Lo Leih's best movies and I have seen many throughout his career.

Human Lanterns is a violent film. If you can stand some pretty gruesome scenes, you are rewarded with one of the most stylish films to ever come out of the Shaw Bros. studios. This dvd in particular has the skinning scenes uncut with excellent clarity. I found the special features to be minimal but interesting and worthwhile. I'd love to see this film with some sort of commentary. Either way, this is a great film from my favorite Shaw director Sun Chung.

Great movie...

I Love this movie .

Probably the most disturbing kung-fu film I have ever seen. Entertaining, nonetheless.

Pour un film Shaw Brathers ce film ne convient pas à mon sens.L'histoire de ce film n'est que du mic-mac.Le kung-fu attendu n'est pas du tout à l'assiertte.Je n'ai pas apprécié.Pour message : je suis à la recherche du film VAINCRE ou MOURIR du réalisateur Imam TANTOWI (FARAH FILM) réalisé en 1982. Film d'origine Indonésien etle film Itoka : le monstre des galaxies en version langue Française.

Encore une édition de la SB,Sur la forme, bien comme toujours.Sur le fond, bon bah ça date, et je me passe de critiquer le film.Livraison rapide, achat conforme.