Mantis Boxer (1980)

1980 - Drigo Asero (Saturn Films International) - PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

[Release date 25th January 1980; export version released as "Mantis Boxer"]

Director Ronaldo P. San Juan Story/Screenplay Deo Careza Producer Ruben “Che” Guevarra Cinematography Joe Tutanes Editor Joe Solo Advisor Jun Molina Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban

Cast Ulysses Tzan [listed in the export version as "Ulyssess Chan"] (Diego), Tony Bernal, Dinah Dominguez, Larry Silva, Ruben Ramos (Mr Algado), Robert Talby [as Robert Talvy], Bong Benitez, Polo Chi, Roland Falcis, Jaye Fabello, Niele Lee, Jess Bonzo, Angel Confiado, Francisco Cruz, Jun Rivas, Mando Mangarin, Ike Amata, Teddy Vito, Tony Lao, Jack de la Cruz, Rudi Lopez, Jun Matagay

KUNG FU

 

 

REVIEW by Andrew Leavold (coming soon!)

 

Ulysses Tzan [listed in the export version as "Ulyssess Chan"] (Diego)

Tony Bernal

Dinah Dominguez

Larry Silva

Ruben Ramos (Mr Algado)

Robert Talby [as Robert Talvy]

Bong Benitez

Polo Chi

Roland Falcis

Jaye Fabello

Niele Lee

Jess Bonzo

Angel Confiado  

THEATRICAL

PHILIPPINES - 25th January 1980 as “Drigo Asero” [in its original Tagalog]
 

HONG KONG – released as “Mantis Boxer” via Ngai-Kee & Sons [language unknown]

GREECE – distributor unknown [English-dubbed with Greek subtitles]

TURKEY – released as “Super Karateci” via Renkli Turkci [possibly English-dubbed with Turkish subtitles]

VIDEO

 UK – VHS release as “Mantis Boxer”, via IFS (Iver Film Services) [English-dubbed with Mandarin subtitles]

AUSTRALIA - VHS/Betamax release as “Mantis Boxer” via King Of Video, circa 1982 [English-dubbed with no subtitles]

 GREECE - VHS release as “Mantis Boxer” via Stereo Phile [English-dubbed with Greek subtitles]

GHANA – hand-pained poster advertising a VHS release as “Mantis Boxer”, most probably as a pirate version from Nungua Market in Accra [English-dubbed]

UNKNOWN – release via NS [can anyone please identify the country?]

DIGITAL

 None at present - the one above is a bootleg taken from the Greek VHS

 

 

- Australian VHS

- Trailer (mp4)

Deadly Games (1979)

 

1979 - Deadly Games (Saturn Films International)

[Release date 30th March 1979]

Director Ronaldo P. San Juan Producer Ruben “Che” Guevarra Cinematography Rudy Castillo Music Demet Velasquez Editor Jose Solo Associate Director/Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban

Cast Ulysses Tzan, Larry Silva, Leon Pajaron, Romy Nario, Mandy Bustamante, Bong Benitez, Mel Arca, Telly Babasa, Robert Miller, Roland Falcis, Rusty Santos, Jess Bonzo, James Gaines Jr, Polo Chi, Val Iglesia, Robert Talby [as Roberty Talvy], Chara Valdez, Barbara Churchill, Jojo Fowler, Nello Nayo, Romy Blanco, Johnny Tillman, Ike Mata, Leo Curry, Willy Naresco, Ricco Tiriman?, Pons de Guzman, SOS Daredevils, D'Vultures Stuntmen, Jun Santos' Team

KUNG FU

NOTES by Andrew Leavold: First starring role for the “Jackie Chan of the Philippines”, Ulysses Tzan. He and the producer of Deadly Games, Saturn Films International’s Ruben “Che” Guevarra, would score an international release with their follow-up film Drigo Asero (1980), released internationally as Mantis Boxer. Deadly Games is currently MIA, so if anyone has access to a digital copy, please let me know!

“Let’s Enter Ulysses Tzan”, Pilipino Express 18/03/79, p.13

We have many action stars. But now, most of them are heading towards uncontrollable old age. The punches are slow, the kicks are weak. In just a short fight scene, he was out of breath and asking for rest.

So we need innovations in this field. And Rudy Fernandez, Bembol Roco, Ace Vergel, Rey Malonzo, Tony Bernal and Lito Lapid entered.

But with the number of movie producers making movies, they are not enough to replace the "tired" and "wrinkled" action stars. Stones are still needed. New people who are good, agile, have a type, have a "face" and are brave in any kind of fight: fighting, karate, shooting and so on.

Because of this, the Saturn Films producer gave a chance to a certain prospect – Ulysses Tzan. From being one of Rey Malonzo's goons, Ulysses is eager to try. He tried to do what no one else had done, to study the things about martial arts that made Jacky Chan and others famous. And many noticed the efforts of Ulysses. Surprised. Impressed. So he was made the star of Deadly Games.

In Saturn Films' Deadly Games, Ulysses revealed the reasons why the production cost him the star. He fought here in the battle of champions against almost all the best karatistas and goons in Tagalog movies. Historically, there was a tournament launched by a wealthy karate player who became invalid in this game. Many countries participated, and Ulysses represented the Filipinos.

Active action can be seen here that has not been seen in any other movie. But there is also romance because Ulysses' love interest here is Jojo Fowler.

Shot in full color, the story and screenplay was written by Marvin B. Panganiban and directed by Ronnie San Juan.

Hard, fast, rock, without vices and with a big eye to serve his countrymen in the world of entertainment. We need someone like him. So we must usher Ulysses Tzan into victory.

CAN ANYONE PLEASE COME UP WITH A BETTER TRANSLATION THAN GOOGLE TRANSLATE? MARAMING SALAMAT!

 

Arnis, Karate, Kung Fu (1979)

1979 – Arnis, Karate, Kung Fu (Luis San Juan Productions) 

[Release date 7th September 1979; sometimes listed as “Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu”] 

Director/Producer Luis San Juan Story/Screenplay/Associate Director/Layout Artist Marvin B. Panganiban Cinematography J.Q. Monteloyola Editor Rodel Capule 

Cast Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee, Tony Bernal, Paquito Diaz, Larry Silva, Max Alvarado, Dinah Dominguez, Susan Villa, Susan David, Manny Samson, Romy Dimayuga, Joe Constantino, Breezy Atienza, Bong Benitez, Angel Confiado, Jun Rivas

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.

"Most Action-Packed Movie Of LSJ", Pilipino Express 02/09/79, p.10

Luis San Juan's LSJ is already known for producing action films. Karate films. In fact, some of today's famous action stars came from him. He gave the break to the likes of Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee, Ulysses Tzan, and is now a producer as well.

But, knowing LSJ is good at making quickie pictures. But now, the said producer made a big surprise because, he really gambled, in making a movie that can be called a super-production, Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu ["Arnis, Karate And Kung Fu"] in which he combined three martial arts experts, Ramon Zamora, Robert Lee and Tony Bernal.

"This is one of the most action-packed movies I've done under my own productions," admitted director Luis San Juan. “And I am not ashamed to say, that it is different from my previous films. Apart from the action, it is big and also when it comes to the budget.”

What is the role of the three martial arts experts? Intense, was LSJ's quick answer, with pride evident in his face for what his heroes did. Ramon is good at arnis, Robert at karate and Tony at kung fu. So, the battle had variety. Especially in the battle where all three are involved, it will be seen which of the three is the eunuch. But LSJ said, I don't want to push the three of them violently when it comes to fight scenes.

Paquito Diaz, who also showed his skills as a bigtime villain, plays the role of a lawyer, who is smart but corrupt. He was the one who got interested in getting the entire hacienda where a gold mine was located.

This is what they are fighting for. The hacienda left behind by an old Don who is the father of Ramon and Tony.

Still playing an important role are Bong Benitez, Susan Villa, Dinah Dominguez, Angel Confiado, Jun Rivas, Romy Dimayuga, Susan David and the popular Manny Samson.

Based on the story and script of Panganiban, Marvin B. who is the associate director, Arnis, Karate At Kung Fu is scheduled to be presented starting September 7 in cinemas in Metro Manila.