Ebony Ivory And Jade is a ok film for fans of martial arts flicks, but if you’re into dirty 70’s b-movies, check yourself. The recent reissue on VHS and DVD barely mentions it in the liner notes, but this is a PG film. Considering the content of most 70’s films, as well as the fact that this is considered a blax/sexploitation film, it’s as bland as possible. The martial arts work is certainly impressive, and there’s plenty of it. But it seems that the only reason this wasn’t G rated, is because of the cartoonish violence.

I’m certainly biased towards quality period black action, with the likes of Pam Grier, Fred Williamson, Antonio Fargas, Rudy Ray Moore, Isaac Hayes, and so on. The grit and scintillation of those films makes me wanting more here. This movie was filmed in the Phillipines, which instantly puts it in league with many women-in-prison flicks (Big Doll House, Big Bird Cage, Black Mama White Mama, etc).

Whereas many of the films of the time focus upon sex and drugs, it’s clear that the scenery and location of this film mattered to the people who made it. There are some unusual (for the genre) shots and an overall usage of the locale as much as possible. From jungle shots, to plains and shallow waterways, the feel here is more expansive than many backlot productions.

It’s not that it’s a bad flick, but it’s a pretty harmless one. Fans of 70’s film should know that the ‘edge’ that runs through many 70’s b-flicks is missing here.