The Hero of Swallow (1996) | Hong Kong Movie World review

The Hero of Swallow (1996)

Golden Tripod Film Co.

Cast: Yuen Biao, Eddy Ko Hung, Ma Chung Tak, Athena Chu Yan, Tsui Kam Kong

Director: Siu Sang

Genre: Martial Arts | Drama

The Hero of Swallow poster

Robin Biao? Yuen Biao plays Li San, who masquerades in a black ninja-style costume at night

to rob the rich to give to the poor as The Swallow Hero (aka Flying Thief). You could compare

it to Iron Monkey (1993), except that Iron Monkey was an instant classic whereas The Hero of

Swallow is a substandard effort despite Biao's usually reliable presence.

The subplot involves Li San's search for his long lost love Chinny, (the comely Athena Chu),

who was kidnapped and forced into prostitution years earlier. Since Swallow Hero is a legend

among the people, he has his followers; Tsui Kam Kong and a cute Chinese gal who dresses

like a man play supporters of his.

There's many complaints that can be levied against The Hero of Swallow- too many night

scenes, dumb story, excessive doubling.. It appears to have been filmed in China or Taiwan

and features mostly non-HK support actors, though it was nice seeing Ma Chung Tak as the

police chief pursuing Swallow Hero (he was in the Billy Chong films Crystal Fist and Kung Fu

Executioners). Yuen Biao has several fights with mustached old school baddie Eddy Ko Hung,

but I just couldn't get into it.

____________________________________________________