Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Life Gamble Blu-ray Movie Review

Life Gamble is an entertaining and action-paced spectacle for fans of the Shaw Brothers productions. Produced by Run Run Shaw (Legend of the Fox, Heroes Shed No Tears), Life Gamble features an action-packed story written by Cheh Chang. Featuring performances by Sheng Fu, Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok, Meng Lo, and Chen-Chi Lin.

The tale explores the exciting exploits of a kung fu master who is also trained as a blacksmith. The blacksmith must use his exceptional kung fu skills to take on a group of robbers with an agenda. Exploding into an array of action, the blacksmith battles the oncoming sword-masters while an incredible and explosive back-and-forth ensues between the sides.

Despite the plans of a gambling master to destroy everything in his path, the blacksmith has a lot on his mind – including the beautiful and seductive woman, Xiao Qiang (Chen-Chi Lin). Can the blacksmith achieve success as a kung fu hero and defeat all of the enemies in his path? An epic adventure.

The production features a supporting cast that includes Yun Xiang (Sheng Fu), Qui Zi Yu (Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok), Mo Jun Feng - the Swordsman (Meng Lo), Yan Zi Fei (Feng Lu), Xiao Hong (Kara Ying Hung Wai), Master Nan (Yi-Min Li), Zhen Liu-Xiang - Golden Hairpin (Hui-Ling Liu), and Peng Shuang Shuang (Shirley Yu). The cast of actors did a great job with Life Gamble. Life Gamble features solid performances with the cast having fun delving into their roles. The actors enjoy the action-packed roles and bring solid experience to the production.

The production features notable production management by Mona Fong (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Love in a Fallen City). Fong handles the production well and the design elements add to the scope and scale of the designs. The filmmaking is well-done and there is plenty worth appreciating in the style explored by the filmmaking team.

The action direction by Robert Tai (Shaolin Temple, New Fist of Fury) is a clear highlight of the film and its epic scale. Life Gamble is a beautifully choreographed action film and the stunts are well-handled. Stunt-work brings out the best in the action stars. The action is well-staged and the fight scenes are impressively realized with the blacksmith.

Edited by Hsing-Lung Chiang (Disciples of the 36th Chamber, The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter), Life Gamble is well-paced and the filmmaking has a nice rhythm. The editing is precise and well cut. Fundamentally solid editing helps enhance the filmmaking.

Written by Kuang Ni (The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter), Life Gamble is entertaining, action-packed, and well-written. The script is quite fun and the characters add to the charm. Wonderful action and adventure as written by Ni. The end result is a solid production in the Shaw Brothers legacy.

Directed by Cheh Chang (One-Armed Swordsman, Five Deadly Venoms), Life Gamble features superb direction. Chang is one of the most gifted action filmmakers in world history. Chang is an exceptional filmmaker and one of the most integral directors in the legacy of Shaw Brothers. Life Gamble is an impressive film and one with incredible action and gravitas as only someone like Chang could help deliver. A must-see for Shaw Brothers fans.

Life Gamble Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Life Gamble is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The transfer on the release is robust overall. The release features a pleasing high-definition transfer. The transfer features nice presentation qualities including superb color reproduction, good detail, and clarity overall.

The presentation is mostly free from print deficiencies and other damages. Although there are some slight print deficiencies noticed by a keen observer, around the edges of the screen in a few blink-or-you-miss-it moments, the transfer is otherwise satisfying and crisp. A quality transfer for the film and one most will find highly pleasing overall.

Life Gamble Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes a selection of lossless audio options: Mandarin DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. The lossless audio encoding is engaging, crisp, and satisfying. The audio sounds well refined and clear throughout the presentation. The English subtitles are well done and are free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors.

Life Gamble Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary with Film Critic James Mudge

Celestial Trailer (HD, 1:26)

Life Gamble Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Life Gamble is an entertaining and action-packed spectacle. There is so much to appreciate about the exceptional filmmaking and the sense of adventure carried throughout the film. The Blu-ray release features a solid presentation. The release also features an audio commentary with film critic James Mudge. Recommended.