7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A young swordswoman named Fang Ying-qi sets out to join a gathering of the martial world's leading warriors under the banner of Lord Xia and the Flying Dragon Clan. Their mission is to defend their country against invading forces.
Starring: Pei-Pei Cheng, Hua Yueh, Mien Fang, Li Tung, Jackie ChanForeign | 100% |
Action | 41% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Mandarin: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Lady of Steel is an exciting and action-packed martial arts adventure. Produced by the legendary Runme Shaw (The Sword Stained with Royal Blood, The Rebel Intruders), Lady of Steel is another must-see for Shaw Brothers fans. The martial arts epic is exciting and offers plenty of adrenaline for action fans. Featuring the beloved star Pei-Pei Cheng in the lead role. Co-starring Hua Yueh as Chin Shang-Yi.
Fang Ying-Chi (Pei-Pei Cheng) is thrust into a new adventure and mission. Fang Ying-Chi seeks revenge and vengeance for the murders of her parents. The journey is one that will test the strength of Fang Ying-Chi as she journeys as a lone drifter. The mission becomes more complex as she ultimately fights for the future of the country when foreign invaders attack. Can Fang Ying-Chi be the hero everyone needs?
Pei-Pei Cheng is an incredible actress and she makes a wonderful star for Lady of Steel. The star performer became a Hong Kong action legend as the most popular action heroine. Cheng has remarkable talent as an action hero and she carries with her immense charm and gravitas. The performance adds so much to the role and there is something compelling about Cheng – one will certainly be enthralled by her star power.
The film also features a strong performance by co-star Hua Yueh. Last but not least, Lady of Steel features a surprise cameo in the form of “Beggar kid” – an uncredited performance by Jackie Chan. It also brings some joy to see Jackie Chan – even in a tiny role.
The action is incredible in Lady of Steel. The stunts are first-rate throughout and bring so much to the table. The action-packed energy of the film highlights the stunts coordinated by Hsiao-Sung Liang (Drunken Master II, The Long Chase). There is something breathtaking about the film and its fun dynamics – the energy on display. The action builds and as the film reaches it climax, the action is spectacular. It is so easy to become entertained by the fight sequencing and the manner in which it is choreographed. Modern action films rarely compare to the legendary status of the classic Shaw Brothers films. The grittiness and intensity of the action is hypnotic.
The cinematography by Kuo-Hsiang Lin (The Blade Spares None, The Invincible Eight) is beautiful. The production looks ambitious with a strong cinematographic lensing by Lin. The visuals of the film are important to the narrative energy and the aesthetic of the entire production. A great effort by Lin.
The production excels in spades. Lady of Steel features art direction by Johnson Tsao (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Five Elements Ninjas). The art direction is top-notch and there is plenty to appreciate within the ambitious aesthetic of the production. The sets and designs are perfect for the action set pieces.
The score composed by Fu-Ling Wang (The Big Boss, The Singing Killer) is one of the most enthralling parts of the film. The score by Wang is top-notch and the music adds so much to the beauty of the filmmaking. The music is enthralling and hypnotic. What a joy it is to experience such epic music.
Written by Jen Liang (That Fiery Girl), Lady of Steel is an entertaining Shaw film. Liang has a lot of fun with the script and there are plenty of good moments for Pei-Pei Cheng to shine. The script has fun dialogue and the pace is great.
Directed by Meng-Hua Ho (The Jade Raksha, The Long Chase), Lady of Steel is a wonderful film in the Shaw Brothers universe. Ho has a great sense of style as director. Lady of Steel is ambitious fun and provides lots of action for martial arts enthusiasts. It will have audiences on the edge of their seat.
Released on Bu-ray by Shout Factory, Lady of Steel is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The Blu-ray release provides an often pleasing and engaging presentation of the feature-film. The presentation provides good color reproduction. The transfer isn't as naturally filmic as ideal and can look a bit processed at times. Nonetheless, a decent amount of detail is present in the transfer despite the transfers issues.
The release is presented in Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles). The lossless audio on the release is generally quite satisfactory. Dialogue is clear and is well reproduced. The score is a highlight of the audio presentation. The audio track has few issues regarding audio deficiencies like hiss or crackle. A solid lossless encoding by Shout Factory.
Audio Commentary with Cult Film Critic Ian Jane
Original Theatrical Trailer (SD, 4:20)
Lady of Steel is an entertaining and ambitious action epic sure to please Shaw Brothers fans. The film features an excellent lead performance by star Pei-Pei Cheng. Pei-Pei Cheng impresses with her clear star power and endearing charm. The action scenes are spectacular. The Blu- ray release features a solid high-definition presentation and lossless audio. Recommended.
(Still not reliable for this title)
Shen jian zhen jiang hu / San kim jan kong woo / 神劍震江湖
1967
Da ci ke / 大刺客
1967
Palace Carnage / Can ku da ci sha / Qing gong da ci sha / 清宮大刺殺
1978
2017
Kuai huo lin
1972
Shen dao / San do / 神刀
1968
Goliathon / Xing xing wang
1977
Bai yu lao hu / 白玉老虎
1977
龍拳秘功
1988
2014
OSS 117 se déchaîne
1963
Banco à Bangkok pour OSS 117 / Shadow of Evil
1964
Furia à Bahia pour OSS 117
1965
绣春刀II:修罗战场 / Xiu chun dao 2: Xiu luo zhan chang
2017
方世玉與洪熙官 / Fang Shiyu yu Hong Xiguan
1974
Sheng si men / 生死門
1979
少林木人巷 / Shao Lin mu ren xiang
1976
Xue fu men / Huet foo mun / 血符門
1971
Les Trois Mousquetaires: Milady
2023
Lang mien jeu keun sau / Leng mian ju ji shou / 冷面狙擊手
1991