Before you watch this movie, you have to be aware of that it isn't your regular Chang Cheh/Venom mob-flick per se. Most of the venom posse isn't in this movie at all or only in it for cameo appearances and the mode of the movie is more in tune with Wu-xia movies of the late 60's than the usual male-bonding/bloodshed mayhem that came out of the Chang Cheh factory at the time. The action isn't really the main attraction here, and the movie wouldn't have suffered THAT much had they removed the Kung Fu altogether as would have been the case with almost any other Hong Kong movie of the time. Also, you have to be at least somewhat accustomed to the unrealistic nature of the Chinese Wu-xia movies. That is, don't be taken back by extremely rushed plot development and just plain bizarre events and dialogue. In a sense, this movie genre is one of supernatural story telling and has a very unique atmosphere about it. Taking that into consideration, you are in for a real treat here. In many ways Ode to gallantry resembles "The sword stained with royal blood", another Wu-xia(ish) venom movie, although I'd say the former has a much better general story and characters, whereas the latter is superior in terms of pure action. All in all, I'd say they are equally good but for different reasons.
The story in OTG is complex and takes many turns, and need not be reiterated for the sake of a short review, but it consists mainly of a predicament of mistaken identity and is quite cleverly played out. Philip Kwok plays his role very well and he is a delight to watch as he comes out as not over-the-top but still amusing and charming. The only other main venom to play a big role is Sun Chien who is one of the main figures of a martial arts group Kwok get's involved with by accident. Chiang Sheng makes a short but memorable role in the last 10 minutes of the film, during the end fight, which is (as other reviewers have pointed out) the Kung Fu-feast we are used to when we hear about a venom-movie.
I sincerely recommend this movie, I just bought it off the internet and intend to watch it many times myself. You'll have both laughs and moments of intensity and sadness. A rare experience from start to finish.
