Deaf Mute Heroine ( 1971 )
A rhythmic hypnotic drumbeat cascades over the
solitary female character silhouetted against the blood red background.
The pace of the drumbeat is quickened as she is surrounded by a large group
of men with deadly intentions. Her sword is raised above her head in cutting
edge readiness as the men circle around her looking for an opportunity
for a quick strike, for a quick kill, for a quick reward. They attack –
one by one, two by two – in a fierce rush, in a cacophony of sound – the
woman becomes a quick silver flashing and spinning instrument of death
– her sword swirling and slicing – everywhere – then the men draw back
– many of them left on the ground with the stillness of death hovering
above them. They catch their breath and attack again – and again – each
time to be driven off - with more lifeless forms covering the ground
like piles of leaves on a late autumn day. One left and a geyser of blood
signals his demise. The woman is alone once more – only kept company by
the ghosts of the mass of slain men around her. The drums continue – but
she doesn’t hear them; she is silent because she cannot speak – she is
the Deaf Mute Heroine! She sheathes her bloody sword with a snap of her
wrist and walks away. The drums stop.
So begins this very cool 1971 film directed by
Wu Ma and starring Helen Ma. It is considered one of the classic female
martial arts films from Hong Kong and for the most part it lives up to
its reputation. Helen Ma didn’t strike me as overly gifted in her action
scenes – a bit slow of foot and I think doubled for parts of it – but she
does bring grace and a strong brooding presence to her role. Wu Ma’s direction,
editing, choreography and imaginative use of the environment more than
make up for Helen’s lack of martial arts skills. The fights certainly push
the limits of believability, but are wonderfully inventive, very violent
and terrific fun to watch.
After the initial action (which actually takes
place as the opening credits unfold), Helen escapes with a bag full of
valuable pearls, but soon is being chased after by a gang of villains led
by another tough female. Helen is attacked again and is badly wounded but
is able to escape into the woods where she collapses. A kindly farmer takes
her in and tends to her cuts and of course they fall in love. He isn’t
in the least bit suspicious about her wounds, her background or how
she is able to catch a fly in her chopsticks (a device of course that was
used in The Karate Kid).
This being a martial arts action film this idyllic
life eventually comes to an end when the villainous female and at least
forty of her male minions track Helen down. The fight is lengthy, bloody,
full of flying hats, flying darts and flying daggers, incredulous jumps,
piercing poles, twisting somersaults and death. Lots of death. This is
only the warm up though for Helen’s final encounter with a masterful swordsman
looking to avenge himself. This final duel is a sumptuous smorgasbord of
kung fu swordsmanship that is just palpitating.
The character and this film should have been
a perfect set up for a series in the manner of Japanese films like Lone
Wolf and Zatoichi – but regrettably that never occurred. You are left wanting
to know more about this mysterious woman – where did she come from, how
did she become so masterful with the sword – questions that go unanswered
as she walks away – alone again in her silence.
This film has been released by Xenon on video
(oddly under its real name!). The image is not very clear (pictures above
are from the back of the box), the subs often are cut off at the side or
fall below the screen (though dialogue is not that essential in this film)
and there is a logo in the top left hand screen for the entire film – but
as far as I know this is the only available place to find this film – and
I am glad I did.
My rating for this film: 7.5
