Close Encounters of the Spooky Kind
AKA
Spooky Encounters
Cantonese Title: Gwai Ckui Gwai
Mandarin Title: Gui3 Da3 Gui3

(1980)
[Actor]

Producer: Raymond Chow Man-Wai
Director: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
Cast: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Wu Ma, Lam Ching-Ying, Chung Fat, Chan Lung, Wong Ha, Chang Ti Chiang

Contrary to frequent reports, Lam Ching-Ying does not play his Eternal Sifu in this one. The good fat si's part goes to Chung Fat. Lam plays the local police official. There's a couple good fight scenes with LCY to see some of his moves.

The original "hopping vampire" film of the HK new wave, and still one of the best. Excellent blend of martial action and magickal action and comedy. This film set the pattern for many to follow over the next couple of decades. Sammo Hung plays Curageous Cheung, a hot shot fighter who winds up with more than he can handle between a cheating wife, a frame-up for murder, and being haunted with the aid of an evil sorceror. The end sequence has some of the best spirit boxing that's been seen on film to my knowledge. If possible, get a letterboxed version of this movie. It'll make a big difference in the staging of some sequences, especially the finale. -gg-

A wicked film that defined the HK scene! Ignoring the wonderfully dated special effects which include rubber monsters and latex blood, the sometimes obvious fake trees and the step-like fighting, this is, to me, a timeless classic. Fearless Cheung is a boastful person who is married to a bossy wife who is never happy with anything. He is unswervingly loyal to his boss, Master Tam. When he finds his wife having an affair his boss runs scared and hires a Taoist to kill him. Lucky for Cheung his "brother" is none too please with that and defends him. This is a must-see, and showcases Sammo Hung's dexterity and talent-this film has him fighting with his hand! The end is something that has to be seen, with the gods taking over the bodies of people. Great film. LCY gets his whole army attacking him at one point. -Cissi-

Cautionary Note: Both this movie and its sequel have been boxed under the title Spooky Encounters. Be sure which version you are buying.

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