Very well executed

Highly Overrated But Still Good

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

The storyline for The Kid With The Golden Arms is about as basic as can be: the good guys are escorting a shipment of gold to a famine-stricken region and have to stop the bad guys, a collection of broad, colourful comic-book style bandits with self-explanatory names (eg. Bronze Head, Silver Spear, Iron Robe), from stealing it along the way. Makes a change from all of those old school kung fu films that require an in-depth knowledge of Chinese political history in order to understand what is going on, I suppose.Fortunately, what director Chang Cheh's film lacks in plot development, it more than makes up for with awesome kung fu action, the film comprising of one expertly choreographed and flawlessly executed martial arts scene after another, with a wide variety of impressive weapon work, lots of breath-taking acrobatics, and a surprising amount of bright red gore (characters are regularly sliced and impaled). Philip Kwok, as drunken Agent Hai Tao, proves particularly impressive with his amazing athleticism and impeccable timing.

The Kid With The Golden Arm is a classic kung fu flick with the Venom mob reunited once again in front of the screen and the legendary Chang Cheh calling the shots behind the camera. There are many collaborations between The Five Deadly Venoms cast and director Chang Cheh during the 70's and early 80's. All that I have seen are of similar quality to this and deliver. TKWTGA is also the name of the title villain, played by Lo Meng. Meng is a nearly invincible warrior with a muscular build and deadly martial art skills. He also leads a vicious gang who sets to rob a shipment of gold to a famine stricken area. Philip Kwok is the hero of the show. He plays a drunken constable that is quite clever and awesome at kung fu that shows up to help the gold courier escorts guard the gold. The story unfolds with non stop kung fu action. Well choreographed and photographed under the familiar backdrop of the Shaw Bros. studio set. There is an abundance of superhuman kung fu fighting, fights with fists, kicks and a variety of weapons. The action is often bloody with Chang Cheh's signature stomach wound happening frequently. In summary The Kid With The Golden Arm has everything a kung fu movie needs and a top quality entry in the golden era of Hong Kong martial arts cinema.

I LOVE this movie. It is one of the few violent movies "grandfathered" into my children's approved stack (Master Killer is another). The movie is a fantasy with superheroes such as Short-axe, Long-axe and Hai-Toh; and, super-villans, such as Brass Head, Iron Robe, Iron Feet, Silver Spear and the Kid with the Golden Arm. Many may disagree with me, but I find this movie better than The Five Deadly Venoms, mostly because it is a lot less sadistic...It is an easy movie to make fun of, I'll grant you; but, there is a solid, if simple, plot line. Agent Hai-Toh is the main hero and easily the most charismatic character. The Kid with the Golden Arm is a less compelling character, with a face that makes you think that he was hit squarely with a board BEFORE becoming invulnerable...The fight scenes are long, even for a Chinese movie; but, for a colorful piece if violent escapism, this is unbeatable...I'd give it, for its genre, three out of four stars...

Kid with the Golden Arms is a superb and classic kung fu movie. If you want to know what old 70's Kung Fu flicks are all about, this is your reference point. This is the movie that highlights the Toad (Lo Mang) from the 5 Deadly Venoms. It's cast of of characters is unparalleled and are excellent examples of the Kung Fu genre. Members of the "Chi Saw Gang" are 1. Golden Arms( Lo Mang): who doesn't need weapons because he is so good, he's virtually unbeatable. Golden Arms depicts the ultimate Kung Fu Warrior whose strength is unbelievable; 2. Silverspear played by the centipede displays flawless swordplay, and totes a menacing silver tipped pole used to perfection 3. Brass Head played by another Shaw Brothers strongman; smashes opposition with a steel crown that he wears on his head; 4.Iron Robe wears a Iron Robe that protects his body and yields and intimidating steel Fan as a weapon. Then there is special agent Hi Toe who fights best when he is drunk. Hi Toe is hired by the Gov't to help protect a sizeable shipment of gold that needs transported. Hi Toe is played by the Lizard in the Venom movie (Phillip Kwok). Also in the Movie is Lee played by the snake in 5 deadly Venoms. Lee teams up with an admiring female and is dealt a deathblow from the Poison "Sand Palm" technique, yet somehow excretes the poisons from his skin. Lee wants very badly to be remembered as a hero and feels he can beat Golden Arms only to fall short. Long Axe Short Axe played by the student in the venom movie also graces the screen. The ending fight scenes are classic with agent Hi Toe spitting wine in Golden Arms eyes to blind him. Golden Arms asks Hi Toe that he be spared due to his blindness so he can live the remainder of his life quietly. Lee's girl shows back up at a most unfortunate time to deal Golden Arms his demise. Almost a perfect flick, as good as it gets for Kung Fu Movies. A Shaw Brothers Masterpiece. Also the introduction of the movie when the Gov't Agent (Scorpion) introduces the vicious Chi Saw Gang ; this is a superior lead on into the movie and individually demonstrates the text of their skills. Excellent Chang Cheh production.