Directed by Lau Kar-leung, this movie is an absolutely fantastic time.

Wang Hsieh Yun (who is also Lau Kar-leung) is having trouble bringing in new students to a very traditional martial arts school. The daughter of the school’s owner, Chan Mei Ling (Kara Hui,  My Young Auntie), has returned home from America and plans to change things. Now, she’s the boss of his students — Wong Yuen Shuei (Robert Mak Tak Law), Ng Ming Fat (David Cheung Chin-pang). Li Hon Man (Gordon Liu), Cheuk Jin Shing (Hsiao Ho) and Ah Wing (Wong Yue) — and they trade their gis for streetware. It works — new students are filling the dojo.

Yet as successful as she is, Chan Mei Ling angers the local tough Big Boss (Johnny Wang Lung Wei), who starts kidnapping her female students. That means that Wang Hsieh Yun has to save the day.

This combines the traditions of Shaw Brothers martial arts films with the 1980s — fights happen on BMX bikes and the fashion is loud — and really is entertaining. The closing. The gym fight scene is worth waiting through several movies. From aerobics, kung fu, to using flash photography as a weapon, this movie was a surprise every step of the way.

The 88 Films Blu-ray release of The Lady Is The Boss includes audio commentary by Frank Djeng, a video essay by Fred Ambroisne, a trailer, a still gallery, four collector’s art cards and a slipcase with new artwork by Lucas Peverill. It can be purchased from MVD.