MAGNIFICENT WARRIORS: The Return of Khan

MAGNIFICENT WARRIORS (Blu-ray)

1987 / 92 min

FROM 88 FILMS

Review by Fluffy the Fearless😺

Magnificent Warriors isn’t quite magnificent, but it’s an enjoyably silly action film made back when Michelle Yeoh was still billed as Michelle Khan and her success was mostly regulated to Hong Kong. Now that she’s been nominated for a well-deserved Oscar this year, checking out her early career - when she was primarily known for her ass-kicking abilities - is pretty interesting. 

Yeoh plays a bi-plane-flying mercenary in 1938. She's recruited to rescue a Chinese spy captured by Japanese forces, led by a cruel general who plans to use a tiny village to manufacture poison gas. The setting and Yeoh's character are obviously inspired by the Indiana Jones films, featuring a story that serves-up abundant action, with well-choreographed fight scenes, explosions and plenty of gunplay. 

"Off my lawn, please."

While pretty violent at times, this film constantly strives for a breezy tone, punctuated by oft-repeated musical cues and more-than-a-few exaggerated performances. For the most part, it succeeds and should please undiscriminating action fans, particularly those interested in Yeoh's early work. She displays formidable fighting skills here, though the role doesn’t really require her to do much more than that.

Of course, Michelle Yeoh has come a long way since then. Magnificent Warriors is no lost classic and doesn’t rank among her best work on either side of the pond. But as disposable dum-dum entertainment, the film is well-made, breathlessly paced and loaded with action. With hindsight, it’s obvious she was destined for greater things. Restored and nicely packaged for Blu-ray by 88 Films, the disc includes a few interesting archival interviews (including one Yeoh gave several years later).

EXTRA KIBBLES

ARCHIVE INTERVIEWS - With Michelle Yeoh and stunt coordinator Tung Wai.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By Frank Dang.

ENGLISH OPENING CREDITS

3 TRAILERS (2 Hong Kong, 1 English)

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET - Features an great essay by author Matthew Edwards and lots of stills.

TWO-SIDED COVER AND MINI POSTER - Both feature new and vintage artwork.