The Himalayan (1976)

The Himalayan Poster
Original Title: 密宗聖手

The Tseng family is one of the most noble and respected clans in a small village in Tibet. The patriarch of the Tseng family wants to marry off his daughter Ching Lan into the Kao clan. However, the cunning and deceitful eldest brother Kao Chu only wants his younger sibling Kao I-Fan to marry Lan so he can gain access to the Tseng family's considerable wealth and power.

Film Overview
"The Himalayan" is a 1976 Hong Kong martial arts action movie directed and composed by Huang Feng, constructed around the mystique and grandeur of the Himalayas. The film primarily stars Angela Mao, Carter Huang, and Sammo Hung who are developed stars in the Hong Kong movie market. The captivating plot mainly concentrates on the styles of vengeance, family, love, betrayal, and martial arts.

Plot Summary
The motion picture begins with Angela Mao's character, referred to as Princess Kwan-yin, living high up in the Himalayas. A regrettable incident forces her to venture down to Hong Kong in a quote to seek vengeance. She goes on a quest to avenge her daddy's death, who was treacherously murdered by a pair of Japanese killers. The princess is a skilled martial artist who is well versed with various fighting designs making her a formidable force.

In the course of her journey, she enlists the support of Honk Kong local, Wei, played by Carter Huang, who is uninformed of her royal lineage and her main agenda of revenge. Wei is attracted to her strength and ability, and they form an enthusiastic yet tense partnership. The psychological tension exists due to Wei's feeling towards Princess Kwan-yin and her undeviating concentrate on her mission for vengeance.

Action Sequences and Cinematography
The significant strength of the film lies in the thoroughly choreographed action series. Princess Kwan-Yin's amazing martial arts abilities are the focal point of these scenes. The series are charged with energy and power, drawing the viewers in and developing an environment of high stress and excitement. The director's excellent choreography further improves the stark landscapes of the Himalayas, making for a visually stunning experience.

Styles and Rendering
The movie successfully combines the beliefs of vengeance, love and household into a cohesive plot. The idea of a woman seeking revenge works as an intriguing take on the typical male controlled martial arts movies. Angela Mao's striking performance as Princess Kwan-Yin successfully intensifies the movie's remarkable component. She depicts her character with a strong determination and psychological depth making Princess Kwan-yin relatable and engaging for the audience.

Performances and Reception
In general, the movie received a favorable action from the critics, who applauded the intense action sequences and the efficiencies of the cast, especially Angela Mao, Carter Huang, and Sammo Hung. Mao's representation of Princess Kwan-yin was admired for its charisma and power, making her character the foundation of the film. Huang's representation of Wei added an additional layer of nuance and complexity to the movie, and Sammo Hung's screen existence also added value to the total motion picture experience.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Himalayan" is an action-packed martial arts film that stands apart due to its interesting storyline, spectacular cinematography, and exceptional performances. It provides an unique mix of action series and human emotions, powered by a script that appreciates the fighting spirit of a female against hazardous social conventions. The film takes the audience on a cruel journey through strange Himalayas and chaotic city life of Hong Kong, making it a movie worth looking for all martial arts motion picture lovers.

Top Cast

  • Angela Mao Ying (small)
    Angela Mao Ying
    Tseng Ching Lan
  • Chan Sing (small)
    Chan Sing
    Kao Chu
  • Dorian Tan Tao-Liang
    Hsu Chin Kang
  • Guan Shan (small)
    Guan Shan
    Mr. Tseng
  • Wang Eun-hui
    Man
  • Han Ying-Chieh (small)
    Han Ying-Chieh
    Uncle Chu
  • Sammo Hung (small)
    Sammo Hung
    Kao's friend
  • Corey Yuen (small)
    Corey Yuen
    Kao's guard
  • Jackie Chan (small)
    Jackie Chan
    Tseng's man
  • Yuen Wah (small)
    Yuen Wah
    Tseng's man
  • Yuen Biao (small)
    Yuen Biao
    Guard