There is not much of an story. Only the usealy kung fu revenge plot, and, also quite common for these kind of movies very thin, characters. But what's even worse, there is a lot of very dumb and simple "humour" in the first hour of the film. After the first hour however the movie gets beter quikly! The last 30 minutes are just great fightscenes which make up for the disapointing first hour. And an absolute highpoint is ofcourse the last ficht in which Shao Long and Shao Ling team up to fight the contractkiller who killed Shao Long's father, this fight is staged in an old barn and reminded me a bit to the last fight in Once upon a time in China ! Only for kung fu fanatics I think.
9 Reviews
Routine period fu enlivened by a solid climax
Leofwine_draca25 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I found METHOD MAN (aka THE FEARLESS YOUNG BOXER, aka AVENGING BOXER) to be a rather humdrum period fu film enlivened by a great, above average climax. This production was shot in Taiwan like a number of the cheaper Hong Kong kung fu movies and features a few familiar faces in an otherwise dullish cast.
The film opens with the erstwhile Casanova Wong essaying the role of an unbeatable villain who murders an opponent. His victim's son, played by Peter Chang, swears vengeance and joins up with an acrobat group in order to train in the martial arts. What follows is an hour of comedy and training, slightly below-par stuff if I'm honest, and overly familiar by genre standards. A couple of fights are included to remind you how tough and bad Wong is.
Things pick up for a lengthy and compelling fight scene set in a barn. Chang teams up with a female fighter to bring Wong down once and for all, but it's not going to be easy. This extended fight is the only part of the film to get excited about and it doesn't disappoint; Wong is virtually indestructible and Chang has to employ his acrobatic tricks in order to stand a chance. It's much like the two-on-one barn fight at the end of Jackie's DRAGON LORD and although not as good as the fight in that film, it's still the best thing about METHOD MAN.
The film opens with the erstwhile Casanova Wong essaying the role of an unbeatable villain who murders an opponent. His victim's son, played by Peter Chang, swears vengeance and joins up with an acrobat group in order to train in the martial arts. What follows is an hour of comedy and training, slightly below-par stuff if I'm honest, and overly familiar by genre standards. A couple of fights are included to remind you how tough and bad Wong is.
Things pick up for a lengthy and compelling fight scene set in a barn. Chang teams up with a female fighter to bring Wong down once and for all, but it's not going to be easy. This extended fight is the only part of the film to get excited about and it doesn't disappoint; Wong is virtually indestructible and Chang has to employ his acrobatic tricks in order to stand a chance. It's much like the two-on-one barn fight at the end of Jackie's DRAGON LORD and although not as good as the fight in that film, it's still the best thing about METHOD MAN.
Not as good as I remembered it
Matti-Man23 January 2006
Recently re-released in the UK under the US title, "Method Man", FEARLESS YOUNG BOXER is a prime example of old school kung fu that I saw years ago on VHS video. It has the standard plot of a wandering assassin Wa Pa Fong (Ca Sa Fa) who's searching for the surviving members of a rival kung fu school. The father of hero Shao Lung (Peter Chen) is killed in the opening sequence of the movie, but manages to pass on the gold emblem of the school to his son. Much confusion then arises when pickpocket "Stumpy" swipes the emblem and is seen by Wa Pa Fong.
The middle section of the film gets bogged down is some pretty broad 'comedy" routines that include a chubby guy disco dancing, but it's back to solid action in the final duel between Ca Sa Fa and Peter Chen. Ca Sa Fa in particular is a superb martial artist and offered a pretty good turn in the earlier Sammo Hung movie WARRIORS TWO.
Worth a look for the skills of Ca Sa Fa, but if possible avoid the terrible UK DVD which is the dubbed version.
The middle section of the film gets bogged down is some pretty broad 'comedy" routines that include a chubby guy disco dancing, but it's back to solid action in the final duel between Ca Sa Fa and Peter Chen. Ca Sa Fa in particular is a superb martial artist and offered a pretty good turn in the earlier Sammo Hung movie WARRIORS TWO.
Worth a look for the skills of Ca Sa Fa, but if possible avoid the terrible UK DVD which is the dubbed version.
Excellent use of the set in the final fight, perhaps for the first time ever
ckormos125 June 2016
Father and son (Peter Chang Chi-Long) are walking and father spots his enemy, Casanova Wong. CW wants a gold plate and information. They fight and dad is killed. The son has no kung fu. Soon after the kid is learning kung fu along with a girl. While street performing the kid spots CW. His teacher warns him it is too soon for revenge and to keep training. Later Lee Kwan does a disco dance to win the affection of the girl but she is not interested. Going for wine our guy meets Stumpy who picks his pocket for the gold plate. CW suspects our guy but needs to provoke him to fight as if that would establish his identity. After being kicked out of the troupe he hooks up with the fortune teller to continue to learn martial arts.
There is inconsistency regarding how Casanova Wong could possibly know Peter Chang and vice versa. Since this is dubbed in English that might be the problem instead. Regardless the viewer easily can see it will all come down to a final fight between the two and the incidences in the middle seem to only delay the confrontation not build any suspense or other plot structure. Despite that it never gets so far as to drag as many small fights keep the action going.
Chan Wai-Lau gets killed off by Casanova Wong before the final fight but he is an actor worthy of mention. He played in over 100 movies mostly as a fighting stunt man (including a good Simon Yuen knock off) despite his small size. In fact, because of his small size he even played an old lady.
The fights in this movie were all good. In addition to the good choreography and execution each fight had moves emphasizing the personality of the fighters and the story situation. That extra bit makes the difference between just another fight scene and something memorable.
This movie goes even further with the use of the set in the final fight. Typically the final fight in a martial arts movie would be on top a dusty hill or some other featureless landscape. In years to come Jackie Chan would use set pieces for his final fights. I now wonder if this movie was the first use ever. Here the barn is used as part of the fight, the bags of grain, the ropes, the poles, the rafters, and such are all part of the fight choreography.
I rate this above average and recommend it for all fans of the genre.
There is inconsistency regarding how Casanova Wong could possibly know Peter Chang and vice versa. Since this is dubbed in English that might be the problem instead. Regardless the viewer easily can see it will all come down to a final fight between the two and the incidences in the middle seem to only delay the confrontation not build any suspense or other plot structure. Despite that it never gets so far as to drag as many small fights keep the action going.
Chan Wai-Lau gets killed off by Casanova Wong before the final fight but he is an actor worthy of mention. He played in over 100 movies mostly as a fighting stunt man (including a good Simon Yuen knock off) despite his small size. In fact, because of his small size he even played an old lady.
The fights in this movie were all good. In addition to the good choreography and execution each fight had moves emphasizing the personality of the fighters and the story situation. That extra bit makes the difference between just another fight scene and something memorable.
This movie goes even further with the use of the set in the final fight. Typically the final fight in a martial arts movie would be on top a dusty hill or some other featureless landscape. In years to come Jackie Chan would use set pieces for his final fights. I now wonder if this movie was the first use ever. Here the barn is used as part of the fight, the bags of grain, the ropes, the poles, the rafters, and such are all part of the fight choreography.
I rate this above average and recommend it for all fans of the genre.
More Acrobatics than fighting
phillip-5829 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Fearless Young Boxer, aka Method Man, aka The Avenging Boxer I enjoyed this film more than the other reviewers. Peter Chang (Chen) is an underrated actor whose acrobatic ability matches Yuen Biao in many ways. The fight scenes are well done, showing off Casanova's amazing kicks and the final fight scene in the warehouse is surely one of the best ever filmed (a worthy rival to OUATC I). The plot is simplistic : Shao Lung (Peter Chen) joins an acrobat troupe to improve his kung fu skills in order to take on the merciless killer, Wu Pa Feng (Casanova), who took his father's life in a duel over a badge bestowing leadership on a criminal group, and I agree the humour is crudely done but just watch these guys in action.
Method Man
BandSAboutMovies4 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Also known as The Fearless Young Boxer and Avenging Boxer, the name of this movie lives on in Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man, who was given that title by their leader the RZA.
It's directed by Jimmy Shaw, who also directed Fists of Fury 2 and Return of the Tiger. It was written by Ching Kang Yao, whose resume includes scripts for movies like One Armed Swordsman Against Nine Killers, Fists of Bruce Lee and Secrets of the Chinese Kung-Fu.
While on a fishing trip, Shao Lung (Ji-Lung Chang) watches as his father is murdered by Wu Pa Feng (Casanova Wong). He joins his uncle's traveling circus where he begins to study the fighting styles that will enable him to one day have revenge.
You'd be forgiven if you thought this was an early Jackie Chan movie, because it certainly wants you to think that it is. That said, Wong is awesome as the killer, making his way through the world to murder a list of fighters and earning the enmity of our hero. If only it didn't have so much comedy it'd be a much better movie.
It's directed by Jimmy Shaw, who also directed Fists of Fury 2 and Return of the Tiger. It was written by Ching Kang Yao, whose resume includes scripts for movies like One Armed Swordsman Against Nine Killers, Fists of Bruce Lee and Secrets of the Chinese Kung-Fu.
While on a fishing trip, Shao Lung (Ji-Lung Chang) watches as his father is murdered by Wu Pa Feng (Casanova Wong). He joins his uncle's traveling circus where he begins to study the fighting styles that will enable him to one day have revenge.
You'd be forgiven if you thought this was an early Jackie Chan movie, because it certainly wants you to think that it is. That said, Wong is awesome as the killer, making his way through the world to murder a list of fighters and earning the enmity of our hero. If only it didn't have so much comedy it'd be a much better movie.
Great cast, and one of superkicker Cassanova Wong's best performances
gorthu18 April 2009
A young man (played by Peter Chang) watches his father die and grows up wanting to revenge. The story is pretty basic here. Its a bad movie for the most part, but luckily there are some incredible fight scenes.
Lung Fei makes a cameo at the start and takes on Cassanova Wong. Some nice kicking by Cassanova, and Lung Fei is defeated easily. Only a warmup of what's to come.
After like an hour of no good action, Cassanova gets to fight again. He fights Chan Wai Lau who has a good role as one of Peter Chang's 2 teachers. Chan Wai Lau is a great comedic actor with decent fighting skills, and he performs about as well as he can against Cassanova. He makes good use of a pipe as a weapon, but Cassanova is too much for him.
Next up is what I figured would be the highlight of the movie, Wong Wing Sang vs Chia Kai. I am a big fan of both actors, so I was expecting greatness, and that's exactly what I got. Chia Kai does an AMAZING stunt at the beginning where he jumps off of a wall and lands on a table. Awesome fight with good acrobatics and good fist work. Also look for the part where Chia Kai dodges a knife that Wong throws at him. For real.
Next Chia Kai takes on Cassanova. Its possibly even better than the Chia Kai Wong Wing Sang fight.
Just when I thought the action couldn't possibly get any better, they somehow turn the choreography up a few notches in the final fight. I have only seen Peter Chang in a few movies and this is the only one I have seen where he has a leading role. You may recognize him as the guy with the gun who fights with Wang Chung in Shanghai 13. His acrobatic skills are up there with just about anybody. Its a shame he was only in a handful of movies because he could have been a big star. Major talent completely wasted. Anyways, the final fight is 12 minutes long and one of the best fights I have seen in awhile. I have watched this movie every night for a week and I just can't get over how good the choreography is. Not only will Cassanova Wong fans love this movie, but any kung fu fan will be blown away by the final 30 minutes.
I have the Phoenix DVD and the picture quality is a bit above average and its partly widescreen. Sound is decent. English and Japanese tracks, no original language option. For some reason Chan Wai Man is on the cover of the DVD, but he isn't in the movie.
Lung Fei makes a cameo at the start and takes on Cassanova Wong. Some nice kicking by Cassanova, and Lung Fei is defeated easily. Only a warmup of what's to come.
After like an hour of no good action, Cassanova gets to fight again. He fights Chan Wai Lau who has a good role as one of Peter Chang's 2 teachers. Chan Wai Lau is a great comedic actor with decent fighting skills, and he performs about as well as he can against Cassanova. He makes good use of a pipe as a weapon, but Cassanova is too much for him.
Next up is what I figured would be the highlight of the movie, Wong Wing Sang vs Chia Kai. I am a big fan of both actors, so I was expecting greatness, and that's exactly what I got. Chia Kai does an AMAZING stunt at the beginning where he jumps off of a wall and lands on a table. Awesome fight with good acrobatics and good fist work. Also look for the part where Chia Kai dodges a knife that Wong throws at him. For real.
Next Chia Kai takes on Cassanova. Its possibly even better than the Chia Kai Wong Wing Sang fight.
Just when I thought the action couldn't possibly get any better, they somehow turn the choreography up a few notches in the final fight. I have only seen Peter Chang in a few movies and this is the only one I have seen where he has a leading role. You may recognize him as the guy with the gun who fights with Wang Chung in Shanghai 13. His acrobatic skills are up there with just about anybody. Its a shame he was only in a handful of movies because he could have been a big star. Major talent completely wasted. Anyways, the final fight is 12 minutes long and one of the best fights I have seen in awhile. I have watched this movie every night for a week and I just can't get over how good the choreography is. Not only will Cassanova Wong fans love this movie, but any kung fu fan will be blown away by the final 30 minutes.
I have the Phoenix DVD and the picture quality is a bit above average and its partly widescreen. Sound is decent. English and Japanese tracks, no original language option. For some reason Chan Wai Man is on the cover of the DVD, but he isn't in the movie.
One of the best kung fu classics!
Movie-Misfit21 July 2019
Opening in the first 5 minutes with a battle between Lung Fei and super-kicker Casanova Wong, we see the set up of the plot as star Peter Chang just catches the end of the fight, witnessing Wong killing his father. In an odd move, we jump forward (an unknown amount of time) to find Chang in training with 2 masters - Chan Wai Lau (Fearless Hyena) and Chai Kai (Of Cooks And Kung Fu) - in a host of great kung fu training scenes, along with the impressive kung fu mistress Hwa Ling.
As part of their touring acrobatic troupe, Chang soon recognises his fathers killer and almost gives himself away in an attempt to kill him. With his masters insisting that he should train more before getting revenge, Chang sets out on mission to be the best he can before his ultimate showdown.
Along the way, our hero runs in to a host of recognisable faces such as the hilarious Lee Kwan (Fantasy Mission Force), Ma Chin Ku (Sleeping Fist) and more showcasing a marathon of incredible kung fu fights and acrobatics! As one of his last productions, director Jimmy Shaw and fight choreographer Gwok Chue Wong have delivered an absolute classic that stands alongside the likes of Fearless Hyena in terms of kung fu action, comedy and acrobatics.
While probably not as well known, Method Man deserves a place in any kung fu fans collection. With sweeping shots, a big cast, and great set-pieces, this little gem stands out with its incredible action scenes and cast more than anything.
Peter Chang reminds me of a young Jackie Chan with the acrobatics of a young Yuen Biao, in what could possibly be his best role of his career...
Obviously, and rarely disappointing, Korean star Casanova Wong kicks his way through the film with ease, looking like he's just stepped out of a Head & Shoulders advert. His character isn't really evil as such - playing a hitman for the Magistrate - and has plenty of fights on-screen to keep fans happy. Personally, I think its one of his best roles!
The last 30 minutes of the film is just flat-out fighting and incredible, getting more and more brutal towards the end. As usual, the Vengeance Video quality print is far from perfect, although in widescreen which makes for a better experience. It would be incredible though to see Method Man completely cleaned up with a new HD release in its original language and cut. And hopefully someday we will...
Overall: One of the best! Should be in every kung fu fans collection!
As part of their touring acrobatic troupe, Chang soon recognises his fathers killer and almost gives himself away in an attempt to kill him. With his masters insisting that he should train more before getting revenge, Chang sets out on mission to be the best he can before his ultimate showdown.
Along the way, our hero runs in to a host of recognisable faces such as the hilarious Lee Kwan (Fantasy Mission Force), Ma Chin Ku (Sleeping Fist) and more showcasing a marathon of incredible kung fu fights and acrobatics! As one of his last productions, director Jimmy Shaw and fight choreographer Gwok Chue Wong have delivered an absolute classic that stands alongside the likes of Fearless Hyena in terms of kung fu action, comedy and acrobatics.
While probably not as well known, Method Man deserves a place in any kung fu fans collection. With sweeping shots, a big cast, and great set-pieces, this little gem stands out with its incredible action scenes and cast more than anything.
Peter Chang reminds me of a young Jackie Chan with the acrobatics of a young Yuen Biao, in what could possibly be his best role of his career...
Obviously, and rarely disappointing, Korean star Casanova Wong kicks his way through the film with ease, looking like he's just stepped out of a Head & Shoulders advert. His character isn't really evil as such - playing a hitman for the Magistrate - and has plenty of fights on-screen to keep fans happy. Personally, I think its one of his best roles!
The last 30 minutes of the film is just flat-out fighting and incredible, getting more and more brutal towards the end. As usual, the Vengeance Video quality print is far from perfect, although in widescreen which makes for a better experience. It would be incredible though to see Method Man completely cleaned up with a new HD release in its original language and cut. And hopefully someday we will...
Overall: One of the best! Should be in every kung fu fans collection!
Standard low-quality slapstick, but amazing fights
InjunNose1 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"The Fearless Young Boxer" (aka "The Avenging Boxer") is portrayed by Peter Chen, a fine martial artist/acrobat with decent screen presence. In the opening moments of the film, Chen's father is murdered by a high-kicking assassin (Casanova Wong) who has been dispatched to settle an old score; now Chen must train with his uncles, performers in a traveling acrobatic troupe and also targets of the assassin's wrath. Will Chen become skillful enough to defeat the relentless Wong? You have to wade through some painfully unfunny Hong Kong slapstick to find out, but the many fights along the way make this film a worthwhile viewing experience. The final showdown, especially, is not to be missed. Generally speaking I prefer outdoor kung-fu action, but the lengthy climactic battle in a high-ceilinged warehouse (during which the opponents use swords, ropes, oil drums and sacks of grain in addition to their hands and feet) is so impressive that I don't mind the indoor venue. It's the sort of fight that just wouldn't have worked without real martial artists, but clearly Peter Chen and Casanova Wong were up to the physical rigors of the choreography.
Action-wise, this independent production measures up to anything from the Shaw Brothers or Golden Harvest or Seasonal Films. If you haven't seen "The Fearless Young Boxer," put it at the top of your list.
Action-wise, this independent production measures up to anything from the Shaw Brothers or Golden Harvest or Seasonal Films. If you haven't seen "The Fearless Young Boxer," put it at the top of your list.
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