Jackie Chan's early, pre-1980s movies aren't really to my liking, mainly because their choreography is poor compared to later Chan outings, the film stock is typically cheap, giving the movies a grainy, amateurish look, and they also tend to be rather boring. Of course, there are exceptions; Yuen Woo-ping's work on DRUNKEN MASTER and SNAKE IN THE EAGLE'S SHADOW is great, but for the most part you'll watch these movies once and never again. The same is true of SNAKE & CRANE ARTS OF SHAOLIN, which is a little better than Chan's films made with director Lo Wei, but still very average and only of real appeal to the most ardent martial arts fan, I reckon.The good thing about this flick is the fighting: Jackie is an absolute kick-ass master of martial arts here, right from beginning to end. Forget that initial period of weakness followed by tons of training that we see in his other early period flicks; he's fighting all the way through this movie, and his moves are great. Sure, there aren't any stunts here, so viewers looking for that kind of excitement should go elsewhere; instead, it's just old-school kung fu, hand to hand or with weapons, Jackie doesn't mind. The bad thing about the film is the plot, which is very threadbare, has far too many supporting characters in it, and is extraordinarily clichéd. The only bit I liked about it was the flashback scene in which the masters are poisoned.Jackie is supported by a variety of fighters, generally older than himself and quite distinguished. Nora Miao pops up and fights as well as you'd expect, whilst comic relief goes to the stock characters like the wacky beggar and the cursing guy with the brain of a child. The bad guy is quite tough and the last, extended fight sequence is by far the best moment in the film; not only does Jackie have to battle a guy whose horse stance is impenetrable, but he also takes on three Japanese assassins armed with staffs with knives at the end! A great showdown follows, with some hilarious moments to enjoy – I especially love the bit where Jackie uses a couple of metal stress balls on the bad guy.All in all, SNAKE & CRANE ARTS OF SHAOLIN isn't bad. It isn't that good, but it does have a lot of kung fu, even if said martial arts is kind of repetitive. Still, these guys were working with limited budgets, and it's easy to forget the hard work that went into these productions. Give this one a try if you really love Jackie or are a kung fu addict in general (I guess the two go together…).

This is easily one of the best old style Kung Fu movies ever, on a par with Drunken Master and Snake in the Eagles shadow. The plot is in the traditional style. Having watched almost every Jackie Chan film I can honestly say watch it! Do it justice and watch it with subtitles I hate dubbed films. Jackie is at his best and for once he is not playing for laughs, from the start he is playing a fully trained fighter not a cheeky young lad who suddenly Masters his art. Whenever he uses Snake style its always going to be an awesome treat for the true fan, this time he mixes it up with several styles, right from the start with his sword display I knew I was going to love it. If you think that Jackie Chan would never have matched the greats due to his comedy style then watch and learn. I wish he made more films like this.

If you've ever played Lei in any version of Tekken, Hsu Yin Fong is the character he has to be based on. Just look at the crazy 'Snake and Crane' stuff he does in this flick...the greatest Lei player, ever! This movie also contains the immortal line, "We're from the Wu-Tang Clan! If you know what's good for you you'll hand over that book!", right before Hsu Yin Fong unleashes the fury of the snake and crane on a whole restaurant-full of opponents, stopping every once in a while to relax on a chair for a bit or grab a bite to eat as he takes all these guys to school. This really is a classic movie that should be in the collection of anyone who likes gongfu movies. Peace -Jameel

His character is arrogant but likeable. This is Jackie Chan at his early best. From the opening credits you know that there is something very special about him... and the film! The Kung-Fu is superb and at the odd occasion very funny. This is a must see for all Jackie Chan fans.