Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Righting Wrongs Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 6, 2022

1986’s “Righting Wrongs” is a furious actioner about the pursuit of justice, but director Corey Yuen only gets so far with his attention to berserk fight sequences. The Hong Kong production isn’t terribly attentive to storytelling needs, with dismal comic relief prioritized at times, but when it shakes off distractions and focuses on the primal battle of martial arts, the effort packs quite a punch, helped along by starring turns from Biao Yuen and Cynthia Rothrock. These two carry enough ferocity to power the endeavor through several droopy scenes, keeping up with the helmer’s vision for a major stunt showcase.

Lawyer Ha (Biao Yuen) is looking to get tough on crime, but underworld figures are constantly thwarting progress, murdering witnesses capable of sending bad men behind bars. Ha teases a vigilante lifestyle to take care of business, but local law enforcement isn’t sure about his motives, with Cindy (Cynthia Rothrock) and her slob partner, Stink Egg (Corey Yuen), on the case, trying to make sense of the situation as assassins are sent to clean up the mess and shut down outside attention.

“Righting Wrongs” has a promising plot, following Ha’s frustrations with the system and the violence of those he’s trying to prosecute. There’s only defined villainy in the second half of the feature, as the opening of the movie deals with the chaos of crime in Hong Kong, inspiring Ha to do his own investigation into local troubles, ending up in situations where he’s set-up to take the fall for murder. Bodies begin to pile up, and Ha has to figure out what’s happening, soon tailed by Cindy and Stink Egg, a grotesque man of limited personal hygiene who’s along for police support. Unfortunately, “Righting Wrongs” spends too much time with the goon, believing his oafish antics are comedy gold, but they don’t land at all, taking time away from the primary hunt, dealing with lighthearted antics that always feel like they belong in a different film.

Included on this Blu-ray set are the “Righting Wrongs” Hong Kong Cut (97:14), the “Above the Law” English Edit (92:04), and the “Righting Wrongs” Chinese Edit (99:49). Also offered is the 1990 documentary, “The Best of the Martial Arts Films” (91:19), narrated by John Saxon.

Righting Wrongs Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Righting Wrongs" delivers excellent clarity, with fine detail appreciable throughout the viewing experience. Facial surfaces are fresh and textured, and interiors are open for inspection, with clear decoration. Exteriors offer excellent depth. Colors are exact, with lush greenery and colder concrete environments. More vibrant hues are defined on costuming and signage. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in strong shape.

Righting Wrongs Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Several options are available for "Righting Wrongs," with 1.0 DTS-HD MA tracks offering Cantonese, English, and Mandarin languages. The Cantonese and Mandarin show some age, with the aggressive action of the picture testing the limits of the mix. English is a bit easier on the ears, with a less abrasive sound. Intelligibility on the tracks is never threatened, securing performance choices. Music supports as necessary, with decent instrumentation. Sound effects are blunt but effective.

Righting Wrongs Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1:

• Commentary #1 features actress Cynthia Rothrock.

• Commentary #2 is an archival track featuring actress Cynthia Rothrock.

• "Fighting Wrongs" (24:58, HD) is an interview with actress Cynthia Rothrock, who details her time during the nearly six month shoot for "Righting Wrongs," with her appearance in the movie part of an overall deal with Golden Harvest productions. Stunt work is highlighted, as Rothrock worked with an injured knee during filming, trying to favor her left side with some retraining. Co-stars are assessed, including her special chemistry with co-star Yuen Biao, and director Corey Yuen is recalled, fighting some language issues with the actress. The interviewee discusses the "midnight showing" premiere of "Righting Wrongs," where she was forced to sing for the audience. Rothrock also shares the state of her career in the 1980s, building her brand name, nearly co-starring with Sylvester Stallone in a William Friedkin picture.

• "Action Overload" (12:52, SD) is an undated interview with actress Cynthia Rothrock.

• "Unscripted Justice" (35:31, HD) is an interview with actress Karen Sheperd, who details her rise to prominence on the competition circuit, finding great success there. Such distinction attracted attention from film producers, with "Righting Wrongs" an offer without a script, eventually including the promise of a three-picture deal. Sheperd explores her time in Hong Kong, working closely with Cynthia Rothrock while completely overwhelmed by stunt demands, managing intricate choreography with little time to prepare. Payment issues are recalled, forcing the interviewee to play tough with the producers, and she recalls happier moments during production, including a chance to meet Jackie Chan.

• "Kung Fu was the Equalizer" (20:24, HD) is an interview with actor Melvin Wong, who made his way into movie work after spending time in pharmaceutical and legal worlds. The interviewee examines his kung fu education, and his move into film, employed by Golden Harvest, working for talent such as Sammo Hung. Legal thoughts are offered concerning the plot of "Righting Wrongs," and kung fu styles are assessed.

• "Fighting for Success" (20:50, HD) is an interview with actor Peter Cunningham, who was a kickboxing champion working his way into movies during the 1980s, building on his time in "No Retreat, No Surrender." The interviewee recalls his days in Hong Kong, celebrating co-stars and the chance to boost his career with "Righting Wrongs," showcasing intense fight scenes.

• "From the Ring to the Silver Screen" (18:56, SD) is an undated interview with actor Peter Cunningham.

• "The Vigilante" (16:40, SD) is an undated interview with actor Yuen Biao, who discusses his approach to "Righting Wrongs," his admiration for co-star Cynthia Rothrock, and his near-death experience while filming an airplane stunt in New Zealand.

• "Violence & Corruption" (11:07, HD) is a video essay by Samm Deighan and Charles Perks.

• Photo Gallery (1:48) collects film stills and publicity snaps.

• And a Hong Kong Trailer (3:57) and an English Trailer (2:03) are included.

Disc 2:

• Commentary on "Righting Wrongs" features martial arts historians Mike Leeder and Arne Venema.

Disc 3:

• A Theatrical Trailer (3:57) for "The Best of the Martial Arts Films" is included.

Righting Wrongs Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

One doesn't sit down with "Righting Wrongs" to watch extended bits involving a character incapable of eating food like a normal human being, they want the fights. All the fights. Yuen delivers the goods at several points in the feature, using the natural talents of his leads (and a game supporting cast) to crank up the intensity of the production. There are showdowns scattered throughout the endeavor, including a ferocious encounter in a parking garage, and the climax takes antagonism into the air on a plane. It's tremendous fun to watch the cast manage furious choreography, especially Rothrock, who's a commanding screen presence, giving the effort surges of adrenalized action. "Righting Wrongs" also wins points for the severity of its conclusion (found on the Hong Kong and Chinese edits), with Yuen choosing to go dark at the right moment. If only the entire film sustained just a bit more heaviness, making for a more interesting take on the reality of vigilantism with the unreality of martial arts madness.