 |
| Ad courtesy of Simon Santos and his Video 48 blog |
1979 – That Man From Shanghai (AP Films International)
[Release date 12th January 1979]
Director/Screenplay Jett C. Espiritu Story Vic Poblete Producers Cesar Abella, Mila Pascual [as "Cesar & Mila"] Cinematography Joe Tutanes Music Demet Velasquez Layout Artist Eddie Domer
Cast Ramon Zamora, Ernie Ortega, Joaquin Fajardo, Tsing Tong Tsai, Arturo "Bomber" Moran [as Arturo Moran], Golay, Nonong de Andres, Pepe Cruz, David Uy, Amboy Guevarra, Rod Francisco, Rudy Evangelista, Fred Esplana, Jay Grama, Rolan Falcis, Romy Misa, Doming Reyes, Polo Chi, Romy Luartes, Henry Sampungan, Tour Pador, Mando Mangarin, Danny Zurbano, Maning Ponce, Billy Prado, Diego Viernes, Romy Mayo-Yu, Butch Paragas, SOS Daredevils, Raquel Sayson, Boyet Argame
KUNG FU
NOTES by Andrew Leavold: PLEASE HELP! This film has been out of circulation since its theatrical release, and I am desperately looking for a copy in any format.
"Ano Ang Bisa Ng '7 Golden Needles'?" ("What Is the Efficacy of the '7 Golden Needles'?")
Article by Bonnie P. Paredes published in the Pilipino Express, 12th January 1979, p.10
Four individuals—each aware of the power possessed by the objects in question—vie for seven golden needles, each five inches long. These characters are Sao, a cunning Japanese businessman; the hired assassins Tsin Tsao and Hong; and Tsu Sen. They are portrayed by Ramon Zamora, Joaquin Fajardo, Tsing Tong Tsai, and Arturo "Bomber" Moran in the AP Films production, "That Man From Shanghai."
Why is their desire to possess the golden needles so intense? What power do they hold that makes these people willing to kill—and even die—to obtain them?
The "seven golden needles" are part of an ancient Chinese legend. They are considered a potent form of acupuncture; it is said that if one manages to acquire all seven and has them inserted into the body at the precise points, one will attain eternal youth and boundless strength.
However, if the needle is not inserted into your body correctly, it could lead to an instantaneous death.
Based on the fictional work of novelist Vic Poblete—with research and screenplay adaptation by Jett Espiritu—the film employs a cinematic approach to lend credibility to the scenes depicting this unique form of acupuncture. Furthermore, director Jett Espiritu incorporates seven distinct types of combat, which must be navigated to secure the potent "golden needle" for its rightful recipient.
The two dedicated producers from AP Films, Cesar Abella and Mila Pascual, also made thorough preparations for the production of this action film—even expressing their willingness to increase the planned budget if necessary—all to ensure that the final film turns out excellent and realistic.
In fact, Jett and Vic spent a great deal of time simply researching a unique theme for the story. They conducted thorough research into the Chinese practice of acupuncture to ensure that the scenes would be realistic. Director Jett Espiritu emphasized that this form of acupuncture is only effective—and potentially beneficial—when used with good intentions; if used for malicious purposes, however, it could lead to death.
This is the premise of the action film, which—beyond offering a valuable lesson—also features entertaining moments courtesy of the comedic antics of Golay.
"That Man From Shanghai," with cinematography by Joe Tutanes, also stars Ernie Ortega and introduces David Uy. It is set to be screened in Metro Manila beginning December 15.
Original Tagalog text: Pitong gintong karayum na limang pulgada ang haba ang pinag-aagawan ng apat na taong may nalalaman sa bisa ng nasabing karayum. Sila sina Sao, ang tusong negosyanteng Hapon, ang mga upahang mamamatay-tao na sina Tsin Tsao at Hong, at si Tsu Sen. Ito ang mga katauhang ginnnampannnan nina Ramon Zamora, Joaquin Fajardo, Tsing Tong Tsai, at ARturo "Bomber" Moran, sa pelikulang "That Man From Shanghai" ng AP Films.
Bakit ganito na lang ang kanilang pagnannasa na mapasakamay ang gintong karayum? Ano ang bisa nito, na handa silang pumatay at mapatay?
Ang "seven golden needles" ay isang legend sa bansang Tsina noong unang panahon. Ito'y tinuturing na mabisang acupuncture, na kung makumpleto mo ang pitong gintong karayum, at tama ang pagkakatusok sa iyong katawan ay sinnnasabing magkakaroon ka ng walang hanggang kabataan at lakas.
Subalit kung hindi naman tama ang pagkakatusok sa katawan mo ay maaring iyon ang sandali ng mabilis na kamatayan mo.
Mula sa kathang-isip ng nobelistang si Vic Poblete, at ini-research at sinadulang pampelikula naman ni Jett Espiritu, sinangkapan din nila ng cinematic approach, upang maging kapani-paniwala ang mga tagpo sa pagsasagawa ng kakaibang uri ng acupuncture. Idinnnagdag pa ni direktor Jett Espiritu ang pitong uri ni ng pakikibaka upang mapasakamay sa nararapat na bigyan ng mabisang gintong karayum na ito.
Pinaghandaan din ng dalawang butihing prodyuser ng AP Films na si Cesar Abella at Mila Pascual, ang paggugol sa nasabing pelikulang aksiyon - kung kinakailangan pang magdagdag sa naiplanong badyet ay gagawin nila - maging maganda at makatotohanan lamang ang kabuuan ng pelikulang ito.
Kung sa bagay, sa pagsasaliksik lamang ng naiibang tema ng istorya, ay maraming panahon ang inaksaya nina Jett at Vic. Kung paano ginagamit ang pagsasagawa ng acupuncture ng Intsik ang siyang sinaliksik nilang mabuti upang maging realistiko ang mga tagpo. Binigyan diin nnaman ni direktor Jett Espiritu na maaaring magkaroon lamang ng bisa ang ganitong uri ng acupuncture kung maganda ang hangarin ng isang gagamit nito - at kamatayan naman kung sa masamang paraan gagamitin.
Ganito, umano, ang nilalahad ng kabuuan ng pelikulang aksiyong ito, bukod sa may magandang aral, may kasiya-siyang tagpo pa sa mga pakuwela ng komedyanteng si Golay.
Ang "That Man From Shanghai", na sinematograpiya ni Joe Tutanes, ay tinatam-pukan din nina Ernie Ortega at ipinakikilala naman si David Uy. Nakatakdang itanghal ito sa Metro Manila, simula sa Disyembre 15.
