Oily Maniac is a classic 1976 Hong Kong horror film directed by Ho Meng Hua, famed for his expert handling of the Shaw Brothers' wuxia films. The movie stars Danny Lee and Chen Ping. The plot revolves around a young man named Shen Yuan who is sent to jail for a crime he did not commit. After his release, he discovers that his father has been killed and his family business taken over by the powerful Huang family. Seeking revenge, Shen visits a witch doctor who gives him a magic oil that can turn him into a monstrous creature, capable of taking on the Huang family and anyone else who stands in his way.
The film begins with a narration that sets the tone of the movie. It highlights the greed, corruption, and violence that are common in society, and introduces the idea that justice can only be achieved by supernatural means. The opening sequence itself is intriguingly eerie, with an old man practicing black magic under the flickering light of candles.
Danny Lee's portrayal of Shen Yuan is impressive, with his brooding expressions and serious demeanor. He perfectly embodies the character's desire for vengeance and the inner turmoil he experiences as he transforms into the Oily Maniac. After transforming, Shen becomes a hulking, black, and oily creature that can shape-shift and move quickly. His design is distinctive, and his movements are creepy and unsettling.
The other standout performance in the movie is by Chen Ping, who plays Tang Mei, the daughter of the Huang family patriarch. Chen brings a sense of feminine grace and gravity to the role, making her character feel grounded and believable. Tang is not just a mere pretty face, but also a character with a cunning mind and a will of her own. Her interactions with Shen can be seen as a metaphor for the attraction of good to evil and how the two worlds collide.
The film's pacing is impressive, and there are several tense moments that keep the viewer engaged. The music is also memorable, with a theme that sends shivers down your spine. The editing and cinematography are top-notch, with many beautiful shots and striking lighting choices that showcase the attention to detail and precision of the filmmakers.
What makes Oily Maniac stand out is its unique blend of genres. It is part horror, part revenge thriller, part martial arts epic, and part supernatural fantasy. The blend is perfectly orchestrated, with the supernatural elements providing a perfect foil to the realism of the revenge plot. The characters, too, are multifaceted, with each having their own motivation and backstory that adds depth to their actions.
One notable aspect of the film is how it explores the horror of corruption and power. The Huang family is portrayed as a bunch of villains who use their money and influence to get what they want, even if it means destroying innocent lives. The oil that transforms Shen also hints at the corrupting influence of power.
Overall, Oily Maniac is a must-watch for fans of classic Hong Kong cinema. It is a unique, eccentric, and unforgettable film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. With its themes of revenge, corruption, and the supernatural, it remains an engrossing and thrilling movie watching experience.
Oily Maniac is a 1976 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes.
