THE SECRET RIVALS Movie Poster – This is a rare, authentic hand-painted movie poster from Ghana, West Africa. Featuring a unique artistic interpretation by the skilled Ghanaian artist Leonardo for ZAAP Video Club, this poster captures the essence of the martial arts film THE SECRET RIVALS in bold, expressive colors.
Poster Details:
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Film: THE SECRET RIVALS (Martial Arts)
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Size: 59 1/2" x 42" (151 cm x 106 cm)
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Condition: Good vintage condition with some wear typical of its historical use. Minor repairs and paint wear add to its authenticity. Please refer to photos for full details.
This hand-painted movie poster for "The Secret Rivals" (1976) exemplifies the vibrant and dynamic style characteristic of Ghanaian cinema art. Rendered on recycled flour sacks, the poster features bold colors and exaggerated depictions of martial arts action, capturing the essence of this classic kung fu film.
Cultural and Artistic Significance
Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters emerged in the 1980s as a unique art form, created by local artists to promote films for mobile cinemas. These posters were painted on recycled flour sacks, reflecting the resourcefulness and creativity of the artists. Each poster is a one-of-a-kind piece, often featuring imaginative interpretations of the film's content to attract audiences. This practice not only served as an advertising medium but also contributed to the rich tapestry of Ghana's cultural heritage, showcasing the intersection of global cinema and local artistic expression.
Film Information
Title: The Secret Rivals (1976)
Genre: Martial Arts, Action
Director: Ng See-Yuen
Cast:
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John Liu: Shao Yi-Fei
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Don Wong: Shang Ying Wai
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Hwang Jang-Lee: Silver Fox
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James Nam: Lung Lun
Plot: Set against the backdrop of martial arts rivalry, "The Secret Rivals" follows two skilled fighters, Shao Yi-Fei from the North and Shang Ying Wai from the South, who are both seeking vengeance against the notorious Silver Fox. Silver Fox has wronged them both—killing Shao's parents and robbing Shang's palace. Initially at odds, the two warriors realize that only by combining their unique fighting styles can they hope to defeat their formidable adversary. The film is renowned for its intense fight sequences and the display of diverse martial arts techniques.
"The Secret Rivals" stands as a significant work in the martial arts genre, notable for its choreography and the performances of its lead actors. The film's depiction of the collaboration between Northern and Southern martial arts styles offers a compelling narrative of unity and strength. The Ghanaian hand-painted poster for this film not only serves as a promotional piece but also as a cultural artifact that reflects the global reach of martial arts cinema and its impact on diverse audiences.
Explore more about the unique tradition of Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters at TribalGH's collection of Ghana movie posters.
For a glimpse into the archives of sold Ghanaian movie posters, visit TribalGH's Ghana movie posters archives.
For those interested in exploring more about the classic martial arts film "The Secret Rivals," the following resources offer extensive insights into the movie's background, making, and reviews:
For those interested in watching "The Secret Rivals" in its entirety, the following YouTube links provide full-length versions of the film:
