Review of The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932) by Bob W — 11 Jul 2009

A movie that is interesting to consider on many levels: An early portrayal of a popular villain of pulp fiction that has inspired countless others from Ming the merciless to Dr. No. Also an archetype of action hero plots like Indiana Jones movies (you'll note many parallels, including ancient artifact that must be kept at all costs from the enemy).

Also a creepy Karloff in his prime--already typecast as a monster in every movie. It's also a film that is shocking in its torture, fetish and kinky qualities in an era before the code cleaned that up.

But most especially this is a movie worth discussing about its portrayal of pan-Asians and other races with stark racialized comments. You can find many good articles on this on the net. The jingoistic, pre-politically correct era stereotypes of the "yellow peril" makes for not only fascinating race relations history but an important education.

In this sense, while it may be shocking and embarrasing at times, it is a film buff's gem.