Artist's Blog #219 - Devils Three (1979)
Devils Three from 1979 is one of those films that immediately feels a little unsteady, like it never quite figured out what it wanted to be. Shot in Manila in the Philippines, it exists under a surprising number of alternate titles depending on the country and distributor, which is usually a sign that a movie had a long, messy journey through international markets. That alone made me curious, because films like this often carry strange creative decisions that reflect how they were packaged and repackaged over time. It can be challenging though to find more information on movies with several titles too. Anyway, call your psychic buddy and let's jump into my thoughts on Devils Three.
Speaking of Turtles, Devils Three Has the Pace
That curiosity only carried me so far. Devils Three was genuinely challenging to watch, and I say that as someone who has a high tolerance for rough, low-budget, and misguided cinema. I watched it in essentially one sitting, not because I was enjoying it, but because it held my attention just enough to keep me from turning it off. It is slow in a way that does not feel intentional or atmospheric. Instead, it feels like a movie that struggles to move itself forward.
Bullshido
For a late-1970s martial arts action film, the fight choreography is especially disappointing. There is no sense of urgency, danger, or creativity in the combat. The familiar problem of opponents politely waiting their turn to attack is on full display here, and it never improves. Punches are telegraphed, kicks land without weight, and blocks feel more like rehearsed gestures than genuine reactions. Nothing escalates, and nothing ever feels threatening. If you like the "Bullshido" videos on YouTube, you know exactly what I mean. What makes this more frustrating is how heavily the film relies on these sequences. For most of the runtime, this is supposed to function as an action-driven crime film. Instead, the action feels obligatory, as if it is simply checking boxes rather than trying to engage the viewer. The lack of energy becomes more noticeable the longer the movie goes on.
Organized Crime with No Guns?
One of the strangest choices is how long it takes before firearms even appear. This is a movie about organized crime, betrayal, and kidnapping, yet for roughly the first eighty percent of the film, the antagonists are unarmed. When a gun finally does show up, it is handled awkwardly and never becomes a meaningful source of tension. It feels almost accidental, as if the film suddenly remembered what genre it was supposed to be working in.
Devils Three has a Good Story, Poorly Told
The core story idea itself is not bad. A crime boss betrayed by his own people, a kidnapped daughter used as leverage, and a recovery plan built around using people no one would ever expect is a solid foundation. Unfortunately, Devils Three never fully capitalizes on that setup. Interesting ideas are introduced, but they are rarely developed in a way that feels thoughtful or cohesive. A major issue is how the supporting characters dominate the film in unhelpful ways. One flamboyant male character, presented in an exaggeratedly feminine manner, receives an overwhelming amount of screen time. Rather than serving as effective comic relief or an intentional tonal contrast, the performance becomes repetitive and irritating. The film never decides whether this character is meant to be humorous, subversive, or serious, and that uncertainty becomes exhausting.
Adding to that confusion is the fact that this character is also portrayed as a capable martial artist. That contradiction is never explored or explained. It simply exists, layered on top of an already uneven presentation. Meanwhile, the main female lead, who should clearly be the narrative and emotional center of the film, often feels pushed aside by these choices. The clairvoyant character represents the film’s biggest missed opportunity. Introducing a psychic presence into a gritty crime-action framework could have added something genuinely unique. Instead, her abilities are barely used in any meaningful way. When they finally surface during a fight, it happens abruptly and without proper setup. Suddenly she is nearly invulnerable, she is extremely strong, and none of it feels earned or logical.
Devils Three Name is a Let Down
The finale leans heavily on cheap illusion rather than convincing tension. A character buried in sand is revealed in a way that is so obviously staged that it completely breaks immersion. There is no effort to sell the danger or maintain the illusion, and the moment feels unfinished rather than stylized. It becomes another example of an idea introduced without follow-through. The devil imagery suggested by the title is mostly symbolic. A character name hints at deals with the devil, but there is nothing supernatural actually happening here. It is more of a suggestion than a theme, and it never develops into anything meaningful. Once again, the film gestures toward something interesting and then moves on without committing to it.
Accidental Documentary Qualities
Visually, Devils Three does have moments that remind you why seventies international cinema can still be compelling. The Manila locations, beachside cabanas, and coastal scenery provide a genuine sense of place. There is something appealing about seeing real environments captured on film, giving the movie an accidental documentary quality in certain scenes. One detail that genuinely stood out was a motorcycle with a sidecar, something you rarely see on screen today. It immediately dates the movie in an authentic way, firmly placing it in its era. Small details like that often end up being more memorable than the intended highlights.
Ninja Meets Rambo
One action sequence veers into unintentional comedy. A fast-forwarded fight involving a hook weapon, exaggerated music, and an electrical shock plays out like a misplaced television gag. Instead of adding excitement, it pulls the viewer completely out of the film. The main character’s suitcase full of specialized weapons is one of the few genuinely creative touches. A bow that unfolds, arrowheads attached to cables, and hybrid tools that feel surprisingly inventive briefly suggest a more imaginative version of this movie. Unfortunately, these ideas are never used to their full potential.
Mission Completed and Thank God, Closing Thoughts
In the end, Devils Three is not something I would recommend or revisit. It is not a hidden gem or an overlooked classic. It is a difficult watch that occasionally becomes interesting by accident rather than design. Still, I do not regret seeing it. There is value in understanding why certain films fade into obscurity and in recognizing when ambition outpaces execution. Sometimes seeing what almost worked is enough.
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