As I’ve been watching more and more releases from 88 Films, I’ve come to expect that they are purveyors of underseen classic Asian films. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve seen so far, but Duel to the Death (out now) is the first film that I’m shocked isn’t more well-known.
Duel to the Death is a fairly simple story about a duel between Japanese and Chinese martial artists. Of course, there is plenty of treachery and ninja chaos along the way. There is a theme of honor throughout, but let’s face it, this is all about the fight choreography.
Duel contains some of the best sword fights and ninja attacks I’ve ever seen. Looking back on the phenomenon of Crouching Tiger in 2000, it’s crazy that Duel, which came out seventeen years earlier (!), isn’t considered as ground-breaking. This is nothing against Crouching Tiger, a movie I love, but it’s maddening to think this movie has been out all this time, and I’m just now seeing it.
This is why I love reviewing physical media. It gives me a chance to see movies I didn’t even know existed. And for fans much more in the know than me, 88 Films provides a great presentation for a film previously only available as a bootleg or shitty YouTube upload. To see a film like this get the 88 Films treatment is fantastic.
It’s hard to sell just how amazing the choreography is in this film aside from just telling people to watch it, but I’ll try. The wirework is phenomenal as long as you give the Crouching Tiger benefit of the doubt that everyone can basically fly in this world.
Flying around looks great and all, but the sword fights are the standout. Too often, even great sword fights in film look too planned out. But when it’s done well, it looks like the combatants are actually trying to kill each other. Throughout the film, I kept wondering how many actual on-set accidents and injuries occurred because it seems impossible that the performers could be that good. Maybe I’m gushing a bit too much here, but when you watch enough martial arts stuff, you get excited when you see it done so masterfully.
But it’s the ninja stuff that puts this over the top for me. As a man-child, I’ve always dug ninjas, but they’re usually more enjoyable as a concept than in practice. And let’s face it: the Ninja Turtles are ninjas in name only; they are the loudest anthropomorphic mutant ninja turtles of all time. Jokes aside, ninjas are often just bodies for the heroes to unleash violence upon, but in Duel to the Death they feel truly overwhelming.
Part of the overwhelming nature is the quick cut editing during their attacks and the sheer number of them, but it’s also in their methods. Ninjas blow themselves up, form into giants, use silent hang-gliders, morph into naked ladies, throw shuriken faster than machine guns, etc. The sound effects are perfect, as well, from the wooshing of swords and fabric as they flip through the air, and the soft patter as a drove of them infiltrate a fortress. They are truly a feast for the senses, and I found myself grinning through most of their scenes because it’s exactly what I want from ninjas on film.
That’s the case for the entire film. This is simply what I want from an excellent martial arts film: simplicity, a running time under ninety minutes, compelling swordplay, explosive ninjas, a bit of gore and dismemberment but not so much it becomes a joke, recurring musical motifs, and excellent sound effects. If you’re like me, and you’ve never even heard of Duel to the Death and you like all the elements I’ve mentioned, then check this out immediately. If you’re already a fan, then you need to order this excellent release now.
Transfer and Special Features
As I watched bits of the film from the aforementioned YouTube upload as I wrote this (I don’t have the Blu-ray handy), it really made the case for what 88 Films does. Sure, it’s still a fun movie, but the upload is awful, from the dub to the general look of the film. This new Blu-ray looks incredible, and you have multiple options for the languages. I prefer the original to the dub, but it’s nice to have the option.
There are a few interviews included as well as a doc on wirework that are worth checking out.
There is also a collectible book with multiple articles included that I found very informative, especially since I’m so new to this genre. You’ll come away with plenty of recommendations from it.
And there’s all the stuff that’s expected from 88 Films, like the reversible cover and the best cardboard slipcovers in the business.
Random Thoughts
I love the way the dudes who attacked the puppeteer are handled. The daughter makes the widow an unwitting accomplice in vengeance. She seemed upset about this, but I bet when she looks back on it she will appreciate being included in killing her husband’s murderers.
Not to make everything about Star Wars, but I couldn't help but think about lightsaber duels while watching this. Regardless of any issues I or anyone else may have had with the sequel trilogy, I can't imagine anyone was blown away with the use of lightsabers in the trilogy (the throne room sequence was pretty good, but I sincerely have no strong memories of any other fights from the three films). If sword fights could look this good over forty years ago, then why can't it be replicated today? Why aren't better choreographers being hired for high profile series? I just don't get it.
The ninjas are so fucking brutal in this. They were planning on halving the daughter from the crotch up at one point. Fucking animals.
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