Leone/sw fanatics check this out:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFFzJpu_LjcJust watched this movie in full and its the most blatant stab at a spaghetti western i've seen from the Shaw Brothers .Its absolutely brilliant, easily the best kung fu western i've seen and if it was Italian in origin i'd say it would sit comfortably in the top 20 at the very least.
The story is similar to Carlo Lizzani's HILLS RUN RED in that two bank robbers split,one taking the loot and running while the other takes the can in jail.The robber with the loot changes his identity setting himself up in a life of luxury as a corrupt patriarch running a town.The robber in jail(Lo Lieu) is betrayed by his partner by being left to rot and is further double crossed once he does manage to escape.
All the sw elements are here in this tale of revenge with wind swept landscapes and sound effects,bloody shoot-outs with Great Silence-like automatic pistols,crushed and broken gun hands,the obligatory final duel and to accompany this is huges chunks of Morricones music from ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST,a bit of DUCK YOU SUCKER amongst other excellent tracks.And with all the usual Shaw Brother kung fu brilliance i'm not hesistating in rating this film a well deserved 10 out of 10.