Quentin Tarantino has praised The Hot, the Cool, and the Vicious, a 1976 kung fu film that remains largely overlooked today, calling it one of the most entertaining movies ever made. Despite its low profile since its original release nearly fifty years ago, Tarantino’s admiration highlights the film’s enduring appeal within the martial arts movie community.
Why Quentin Tarantino Holds The Hot, the Cool, and the Vicious in High Regard
Directed by Lee Tso-nam, The Hot, the Cool, and the Vicious stars the relatively unknown martial artist Dorian Tan as Capt Lu, a master of Northern Leg kung fu. The plot follows Capt Lu’s alliance with an undercover government agent as they confront a corrupt mayor and his gang in their town. Though produced by an independent studio on a modest budget and featuring a cast of mostly unknown actors, the film stands out for its craftsmanship and excitement.
Speaking on the Pure Cinema Podcast, Tarantino expressed his admiration for the film’s thrilling conclusion, particularly the final confrontation involving the three main characters. He described the climactic fight as “just amazing” and said it represents “as fun as cinema gets.” Tarantino also praised Lee Tso-nam as
“one of the great martial arts directors,”
underscoring the director’s skill in crafting engaging fight sequences.
This praise from someone as influential as Tarantino has helped draw renewed attention to the movie, which is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The finale itself may be shorter than many classic kung fu showdowns, yet it delivers an intense five-minute battle where the protagonists clash with the villain in a gripping display of martial arts action.
The Hot, the Cool, and the Vicious: A Hidden Gem of Classic Kung Fu Cinema
Though not as widely recognized as martial arts classics like The 36th Chamber of Shaolin or Enter the Dragon, this film’s appeal lies in its carefully choreographed fight scenes and effective use of genre elements. Its long takes during combat add a sense of realism and draw viewers into the action, distinguishing it from many other kung fu films of that era.
The film’s entertainment value extends beyond the epic finale. It features numerous well-executed fight scenes and presents a unique villain character, adding a layer of intrigue to the story. The narrative incorporates martial arts staples such as themes of revenge and the triumph of the unbeatable hero, which resonate well with fans of the genre.
Quentin Tarantino’s appreciation of this film aligns with its qualities—solid choreography, dramatic stakes, and pure fun—making it a standout for enthusiasts of old-school kung fu cinema. His endorsement not only spotlights a forgotten title but also invites a new generation of viewers to rediscover an underrated martial arts classic.
As interest in vintage kung fu films endures, The Hot, the Cool, and the Vicious may gain increased recognition, thanks to Tarantino’s vocal support and the accessibility of streaming services like Amazon Prime. This renewed visibility could spark further reevaluation of independent martial arts films from the 1970s and their place in cinema history.
