A Little TLC(w): The Yang’s Saga: Episode 5 (1986)

Even though I’ve seen foreign-language films from a variety of countries, with a particular, Tony-Leung-Chiu-wai-driven emphasis on Hong Kong movies, The Yang’s Saga is the first TV property I’ve ever seen that isn’t in English. It’s been really interesting, over the course of this miniseries, to get a look at a different TV culture. I’m not about to make any sweeping generalizations about Hong Kong television based on this single exposure from the 1980s, of course, but it’s been a neat way to broaden my horizons (no full-on spoilers, but spoilery allusions.)

 

The events of the last episode have shaken the house of Yang, and as the war with the Liaos takes a heavy toll, the Yang matriarch, their only daughter, and the seven sons’ wives do what they can to stand for the family and hold things together. In the Emperor Song’s court, advisors try to open his eyes to a traitor in his midst.

 

It’s hard to get into too many specifics without entering spoiler territory here, so I’ll keep more to the edges. More great action, and a nice bit of unexpected humor derived from a minor character, an industrious, down-on-his-luck magistrate called to the court.

 

One thing I appreciate about this series is that, even though the women aren’t generally the focus, they’re frequently shown to be very capable. Here, the wives of Sixth Boy and Seventh Boy take it upon themselves to investigate something vital to the family, and most of the Yang women/in-laws can hold their own nicely in a fight. It’s also a quality that applies pretty equally to both heroic and villainous characters; the Liaos are led by a scheming matriarch, her husband serving largely as a figurehead, the bandits from episode 2 are led by women, and Royal Consort Pan is just as conniving as her father and brothers. Despite remaining mostly in secondary roles, the female characters’ roles aren’t worthless, and whenever they are brought to the fore, they generally make an impact.

 

I’m including this episode in A Little TLC(w) because Leung appears in it, but I really can’t say much of anything about Seventh Boy here without spoilers. So, in lieu of that, I’ll head straight to my final impressions on The Yang’s Saga.

 

Recommend?

 

In General – If you like martial arts period pieces, I think so. It’s not a perfect series, but it has some engaging characters/interactions and strong fight scenes.

 

Tony Leung Chiu-wai – I would. While this was early days for Leung’s career and his abilities have grown by leaps and bounds since then, this is still a nice example of the potential he displayed from the start. I really enjoyed Seventh Boy as a character, and a lot of that is down to Leung’s honest performances.

 

Warnings

 

Violence, light sexual references, drinking/smoking, and thematic elements.