Kung Fu Girl/Whiplash

Pei-Pei Cheng might be best known today for her iconic role as the villainess in the Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but during the 1960s and '70s she was a heroic icon in Hong Kong's martial arts film world. This double-feature set offers a pair of entertaining films highlighting the star in her full-throttle glory. Directed by Wei Lo, 1973's Kung Fu Girl (also known as Attack of the Kung Fu Girls) finally receives its long-overdue U.S. premiere in its original uncut version, telling a wonderfully convoluted tale about Chinese villagers fighting off treacherous Japanese interlopers who are in search of missing jewels. The plot admittedly makes little sense, but the overheated kung fu choreography coupled with Cheng's dynamic presence as the combative daughter of one of the locals make this an endlessly diverting romp (look for a then-unknown Jackie Chan in a small role as a Japanese villain). Shan-Hsi Ting's Whiplash (1974), set in the early 20th century, finds Cheng singlehandedly forcing a gang of ruffians to help her look for her long-lost brother. While both movies lack the polish of contemporary wuxia epics, they nonetheless deliver a pure adrenaline rush, fueled by Cheng's vibrant performances as a leading lady/action heroine. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)