Reviewed by: ewaffle Date: 02/25/2007 “Thirteen Cold Blooded Eagles” is confusing in that it doesn’t seem to have a moral center, unusual for movies of this type where there are clear cut good guys and bad guys. While Cynthia Khan is definitely on the side of truth and justice the Eagles in the title, with a couple of exceptions, are an ethically ambiguous group. They have been brainwashed by Foster Father, definitely a force for evil, to attack and kill those who he describes as enemies. But even though they are in his thrall, within the “family” they also compete over status and precedence. Adultery, treachery and a lack of compassion and concern for each other are so commonplace that they are barely commented upon. The Eagles don’t realize that their blind obedience to Foster Father, the only virtue that he insists upon, make them vulnerable—both to him, since he is able to replace any of them who is killed, injured or just starts to wise up, and to his putative enemies since they don’t know what they are fighting for. They are tricked—or allow themselves to be tricked—into thinking they are a force for righteousness in the world of martial arts. Quihua played by Cynthia Khan is far and away the most dynamic and provocative character on the screen—she runs a hospital of sorts that helps to heal wounded assassins, is heiress to one of the secret books of kung fu lore and is almost unbeatable in a sword fight. When Yinmin (Waise Lee) staggers into her regenerative hands after being almost killed by the Shinshu monster the stage is set for his enlightenment concerning Foster Father and the Eagles. He had fallen into Hell—actually a deep hole in the ground--which is occupied by a crazy old man who says that whoever falls down the hole has to stay for all eternity and suffer torments worse than death. Since he has been there for decades he seems to know whereof he speaks. It turns out that the old man is Yinmin’s father and he still retains some of the power he had years ago which he passes on to his son and then dies. Since Foster Father want to collect all the books of kung fu secrets that exist in China—telling the gullible Eagles that he wants to destroy them and then rid the world of evil—and Quihua is in possession of the Star-Bleed Skills Book, inherited from her dying father, conflict between them is inevitable. Having this book is decidedly a mixed blessing since practicing these skills led to her father’s death. This isn’t a “don’t try this at home” set of instructions but more like “don’t try this at all”. Ultimately the good (or real, if you will) fathers must win which means that Foster Father must lose. Yinmin’s encounter with his father creates the basis for his disenchantment and disgust with Foster Father. Quihua understands that she has to learn the Star Bleed Skills in order to avenge her father and defeat the source of evil. “The Thirteen Cold Blooded Eagles is a must see for Cynthia Khan fans. She actually gets to dress up for a change although her some of her costumes could have been recycled from Glenda the good witch. She is gorgeous and is shown off with excellent lighting, very favorable camera angles and a full glamour make-up treatment. Her fitness and athleticism is displayed in some of the extreme wire work that happens throughout the movie. Recommended, especially for fans of Cynthia Khan Reviewer Score: 6

Reviewed by: ksbutterbox Date: 03/13/2003 Summary: Good Stuff! A must for any serious collector of fantasy swordplay. Great wire work(well hidden as well)! Cynthia Khan never looked better! Must see for fans of Cynthia.

Reviewed by: pjshimmer Date: 08/29/2002 This movie is not very good. However, you do get a chance to witness some good action. [6/10]

Reviewed by: mpongpun Date: 08/09/2001 The movie is about a group of killers, known as the 13 Eagles, who go about exterminating the so called bad guys, at their foster father's (Yen Shi Kwan) command. All the killing sprees are going smoothly, until the feisty eagles are ordered to kill the Shinshu monster (Chung Fa), and then retrieve from him the "star bleed" gung fu manual. One of the eagles, Yinming, in his duel with Shinshu, obtains some info about his foster father being a sly bastard. Yinming begins to have doubts, but what is this young eagle supposed to do? Betray the guy who raised him? In the deadly fight with Shinshu, Yinming barely survives, and is later nursed back to health by a pretty lady named Quihua (Cynthia Khan). Quihua's is just in luck! It just so happens that her father is the next guy on list to be killed by the 13 Eagles. Eventually, one of the other eagles in the group also finds out some dirt on his foster father and is killed after he attempts to assassinate him. Yinming, already sensing that his foster father is evil, later joins up with Quihua after an assassination attempt on his life backfires. Yinming and Quihua go on the run, but soon the must deal with reality and come back to the Eagle Castle and kill off the Old Foster Father. The story seems to be similar to the Shaw Brother's Avenging Eagles in only the name only. That is, both movies do feature a group of bred-to-be killing 13 Eagles, but that's where the similarities end. Cynthia Khan looks marvelous. Somebody must've got into her makeup box and hooked her up. She looks gorgeous. That's the only reason to see this movie. This movie is average wu xia fare compared to all the similar type movies that were churned out during the period. Nevertheless, if you do need a fix for flying people and swords, feel free to watch this movie.

Reviewed by: STSH Date: 12/19/1999 Summary: Great but grim...... What follows this plot description includes loads of suspicion, flying swordfights, swirling silks, gory murder and wild mysticism. In short, this film is made in the classic late 70's wu'xia tradition, and is a great actioner, though ultimately very depressing, because only one (or perhaps two) of the characters survive. And if you need another reason to watch, Cynthia Khan is given the full glamour treatment. (I think the producers gave her a Joey Wong makeover !). She's never looked lovelier. Reviewer Score: 7