The Super Infra-Man


Shaw Brothers, one of the most famous movie studios in Hong Kong, was known for their grand martial arts epics and period dramas.  However, they occasionally branched off into stranger realms.  Influenced by Ultraman and many other Japanese films director Shan Hua and writer Kuang Ni came up with a kitschy, hilarious and often fun sci-fi film of their own.

When a series of disasters begin to strike the world Professor Liu Ying-Te (Hsieh Wang) uses his advance scientific laboratory to investigate.  It doesn't take long before the source of the problems reveals itself: the Glacier Queen (Terry Liu), Demon Princess Elizebub, has gathered a number of creatures from the ice age to wreak havoc upon human civilization in an effort to reclaim the surface world. 

In order to combat this threat Professor Liu recruits one of his best agents, Lei Ma (Danny Lee), to undergo an experimental procedure.  The result is that, when needed, Lei Ma turns into Super Infra-Man, a cyborg superhero that can defeat the creatures and, hopefully, the Demon Princess herself.  

The one thing that stands out in this is just how weird the whole thing is.  The creature design resembles the homemade costumes someone's strange aunt would make.  One can see the actual seams in the monster suits and, though the creatures talk, the more elaborate do not have articulated mouths.  At times one can even see the actors through the holes in the costumes. 

The one costume that does look good is Infra-Man himself.  Some effort was put into it so that it barely skirted the line of ripping off Ultraman.  It's also Danny Lee inside the suit so, although this is a science fiction story with hokey monsters and an over-the-top villain, there is plenty of martial arts action as well.

It is quite a silly film but, ultimately, enjoyable.  It is also off kilter enough to have earned its cult status, as without the silly costumes and laughable special effects it's doubtful if this film would have the same lasting impact it has. 

Super Infra-Man (1975)
Time: 90 minutes
Starring: Danny Lee, Terry Liu, Hsieh Wang
Director: Shan Hua

 

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