5 Superfighters

5 Superfighters is a classic martial arts film from the golden era of Hong Kong cinema, released in 1979 and directed by the renowned Mar Lo. The movie is a staple for fans of the genre, featuring an exciting array of martial arts styles, stunning fight scenes, and a captivating storyline.

The plot follows three unassuming pupils, played by Chiu-Sing Hau, Siu-Hung Leung, and Austin Wai, each under the tutelage of a master who specializes in a unique style of martial arts. These seemingly ordinary individuals are humble students during the day, but turn into dangerous fighters when situation calls.

Chiu-Sing Hau plays a significant role as the youngest recruit. Known for his swift and accurate movements, Hau’s character is a master of 'Hung Ga,' embracing the hard and soft elements of this martial arts style. Siu-Hung Leung plays the second student who is trained in the dynamic and fluid movements of the 'Wing Chun' style of fighting, blending grace and strength. Austin Wai, the elder of the three pupils, specializes in the acrobatic agility and precision strike of the 'Northern Praying Mantis'.

These three students face a robust test when a grandmaster, proficient in three unique martial arts styles, sets out to defeat their masters in an epic showdown of power and skill. The grandmaster, infamous for his ruthlessness and brutal style of fighting, seeks to humble each of the three masters, proving his superiority. The grandmaster's terrifying prospect forces the three armatures to defend the honor of their individual schools.

As the grandmaster challenges the old masters, the three young martial artists must rapidly increase their skills and learn the unique strengths and weaknesses of the grandmaster's fighting styles. This preparation leads them through a series of intense training sessions which are a visual treat for the viewers. Mar Lo's expert choreography shines in these scenes, and the film showcases the actors' martial arts skills wonderfully.

Due to the threat, the masters decide to teach each other's proteges their unique martial arts style, believing that combining their knowledge is the best chance of survival against the grandmaster. This cross-teaching element in the film is its key highlight, allowing for a mix of styles and techniques, representing a melting pot of martial arts seldom seen in other movies.

5 Superfighters beautifully portrays the pursuit of martial arts as a lifestyle. The respect among practitioners, the level of discipline maintained, the eagerness to continuously learn, and the readiness to adapt to situations are all instilled in the characters and shown throughout the film’s run. It’s not just about fighting, but about character development, resilience, and ethics.

The movie features amazing fight sequences including the trio's training endeavors and epic battles against other fighters. Mar Lo’s directing style ensures that the story unfolds slowly, giving the audience enough time to fully understand each character’s strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth. The film reflects the beauty and intricacy of martial arts while maintaining an atmosphere of dramatic tension, which has contributed to its position as a must-watch in the martial arts film genre.

In conclusion, 5 Superfighters is a true gem of the 1979 Hong Kong martial arts cinema, offering a blend of dynamic fight choreography, a cohesive and engaging story, as well as a fascinating view into various martial arts styles. The performances by Chiu-Sing Hau, Siu-Hung Leung, and Austin Wai are both convincing and thrilling, and their characters' development throughout the film adds a beautiful layer of depth to this stunning martial arts flick. For fans of the genre, it serves as a classic showcase of the fundamentals and variations of martial arts, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of unity.