Odd Couple (1979 film)

Odd Couple
Theatrical poster
Directed byLau Kar-wing
Written by
Produced byKarl Maka
Starring
CinematographyHo Ming
Edited byTony Chow
Music by
  • Kung Chuan Kai
  • Hoh Koo
Distributed byGar Bo Motion Picture Company
Release date
  • 9 August 1979 (1979-08-09)
Running time
97 minutes
CountryHong Kong
LanguageCantonese

Odd Couple (Chinese: 搏命單刀奪命搶) is a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts comedy film directed by Lau Kar-wing. The film stars Sammo Hung, Bryan Leung, and Dean Shek.[1] It was the first film to be released by Gar Bo Motion Picture Company (aka. Gar-Bo Film Company), an independent production company set up by Hung, Lau and producer Karl Maka. The fight scenes are mainly weapon-based, with particular emphasis on the contrast between the dao (sword) and qiang (spear).

The film is sometimes listed as The Odd Couple, Dance of Death or The Eternal Conflict.[1]

The film initially focuses on two rival martial artists who have a tradition of annual duels with each other, in a futile attempt to decide which one is the best. All of their duels were inconclusive. Facing the effects of old age, the two rivals decide to train replacements to continue their annual tradition. A common foe of the duo decides to use their students in a revenge scheme against the aging masters. The masters' own pride prevents them from co-operating against their shared enemy.

  1. ^ a b Palmer, Bill; Palmer, Karen; Meyers, Ric (1995). The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Movies. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 255. ISBN 0-8108-4160-6.