By Stephen Holland
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The stories of Shaolin monks have long been a classic component of martial arts movies and have served as the basis for countless classic fighting films. As a discipline that combined Zen philosophy and martial arts with a rich 1500-year history based around the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China, the tales of Shaolin monks relate directly to legendary stories in Chinese folklore. With rich, incredible real-life inspirations to draw from, it’s no surprise Shaolin monks have consistently been a major tenet of martial arts cinema.
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Many of the best Shaw Brothers productions were related to the intense training and unique skillset of Shaolin monks. With movies from legendary stars like Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, and perhaps the greatest Kung Fu star of modern times Jackie Chan, Shaolin monks were seen in all-time classics like Shaolin Temple and The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. For those looking for engaging martial arts movies that blend philosophy, discipline, and intense fight sequences, films concerning Shaolin monks deliver this on all fronts.
15 The Shaolin Avengers (1976)
Directed by Cheh Chang
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The Shaolin Avengers
Action
- Director
- Wu Ma
- Release Date
- June 18, 1976
- Writers
- Chang Cheh
- Cast
- Alexander Fu Sheng , Chi Kuan-Chun , Lung Fei , Johnny Wang Lung-Wei , Shan Mao , Leung Kar-Yan , Jamie Luk Kim-Ming , Chen Hui-Lou , Tsai Hung , Lo Dik , Ma Chi-Chun
- Character(s)
- Fang Shih Yu , Hu Hui Chien , Lei Laohu , Lu Ying-pu , Niu Huajiao , Peng Bu-yun , Yuan Nan , White Brows , Feng Daode , Hu Yao Ting , Miao Cuihua
- Runtime
- 97 minutes
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Heroism and romance came together in this story of the Shaolin Temple's betrayal by the White-Browed Hermit. However, the hotheaded fighter Fang Shih-yu (Sheng Fu) vowed revenge and retribution against those who had wronged their temple's honor. With some exciting fight scenes and a flashback structure fleshing out the characters' backstories, The Shaolin Avengers was an enjoyable Shaolin monk fighting film, although it did very little to differentiate from other similar movies addressing the same themes and topics.
14 Legend of the Red Dragon (1994)
Directed by Wong Jing and Corey Yuen
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Legend of the Red Dragon
R
Action
Comedy
Adventure
- Director
- Wong Jing
- Release Date
- February 5, 1994
- Cast
- Chingmy Yau , Jet Li , Tse Miu , Damian Lau Chung-Yan , Chan Chung-Yung , Deanie Ip , Chunhua Ji , Wong Jing , Johnny Wang Lung-Wei , Jiankui Sun , Chu-Ko Liang , Eric Tsang
- Character(s)
- Red Bean , Hung Hei-Kwun , Hung Man Ting , Mr. Chan , Mr. Ma , Red Bean's Mother , Poison Juice Monster , Fur Hat , Government Official , Renegade Monk , Master hen , Man in Crown
- Runtime
- 95 minutes
- YouTube Trailer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2rmy3tVTFA
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The historical revenge film Legend of the Red Dragon, also known as The New Legend of Shaolin, starred Jet Li and Chingmy Yau and told the story of a father and son battling the forces of evil throughout China. With well-executed fight sequences, Legend of the Red Dragon featured five young Shaolin monks being pursued by the government, each bearing part of a treasure map on their backs. While it cannot stand up to Li’s best work, there’s plenty of spear fighting, a healthy mix of Kung Fu and comedy, and an engaging insight into the practices of Shaolin monks and masters.
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13 Five Shaolin Masters (1974)
Directed by Chang Cheh
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Five Shaolin Masters
R
Action
Drama
- Director
- Chang Cheh
- Release Date
- December 25, 1974
- Writers
- Ni Kuang
- Cast
- David Chiang Da-Wei , Ti Lung , Alexander Fu Sheng , Chi Kuan-Chun , Mang Fei , Leung Kar-Yan , Fung Hak-On , Tsai Hung , Johnny Wang Lung-Wei , Chiang Tao , Li Chen-Piao , Gordon Liu Chia-hui , Lo Dik , Stephan Yip Tin-Hang , Lam Fai-Wong , Chan Dik-Hak , Jamie Luk Kim-Ming , Teng Chiang-Mei , Teng Chiang-Ying , Tang Tak-Cheung , Chik Ngai-Hung , Lau Kar-Wing , Wong Shu-Tong , Huang Ha , Chui Fat
- Character(s)
- Hu Te-Ti , Tsai Te-Chung , Ma Chao-Hsing , Li Shih-Kai , Fang Ta-Hung , Chien San , Chang Chin-Chiu , Pao Yu-Lung, Flying Axe , Ma Fu-Yi , General Chen Wen-Yao , Kao Fung, Iron Face , Chang Yun (cameo) , Ma Chin-Yung , Patriot Messenger , Manchu soldier , Iron Face's Underboss #2 , Iron Face's Underboss #1 , General Chen's Twin Bodyguard , Patriot Helping Ma Chao Hsing , Patriot at Tea Stall , Patriot Liu , Patriot
- Runtime
- 110 minutes
- YouTube Trailer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X261ktXW97A
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As a sort of pseudo-sequel to Chang Cheh’s later movie classic Shaolin Temple from 1976, Five Shaolin Masters cataloged Shaolin's historic rivalries with the Qing Dynasty through the story of five fighters. Also known as 5 Masters of Death, this martial arts favorite saw the five monks escape the burning Shaolin temple after the Qing soldiers destroyed it and reunite in a quest for vengeance. While Five Shaolin Masters failed to live up to Chang’s more iconic earlier work like The One-Armed Swordsman, it opened the doors for him to revitalize his moviemaking career later.
12 Fist Of Shaolin (1975)
Directed by Ying-wen Yang
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Fist of Shaolin
Action
- Director
- Lee Sun
- Release Date
- November 5, 1975
- Cast
- Han Ying-Chieh , Chang Ling , Pearl Chang Ling , Man Chung-San , Sun Chia-Lin , Ko Hsiang-Ting , Hsieh Han , Sit Hon , Hsieh Hsing , Lung Fei , Tsao Chien , Pai Ying
- Character(s)
- Uncredited
- Runtime
- 86 minutes
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Fist of Shaolin was just one of many in a string of Kung Fu movies made during the 1970s for strictly commercial purposes. Without the artistry of classics like Return to the 36th Chamber, the appeal of Fist of Shaolin was strictly in its fight sequences and carefully choreographed showcases of technical marvels. The story follows a young boy becoming a Shaolin monk to avenge his murdered family. This narrative may have been done before, but it’s always a treat to witness when it's done well.
11 Disciples Of The 36th Chamber (1985)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung
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Disciples of the 36th Chamber
Action
- Director
- Lau Kar-leung
- Release Date
- May 17, 1985
- Cast
- Gordon Liu Chia-hui , Hsiao Ho , Lily Li , Jason Pai Piao , Lau Kar-leung , Mak Wai-Cheung , Ching Miao , Lee Hoi-Sang , Yuen Qiu , Chan Shen , Yang Chi-Ching , Yang Chi-Ching , Wong Ching-Ho , Shum Lo , Lam Fai-Wong , Wong Lik , Sun Chien , Yeung Sai-Gwan , Hung San-Nam , King Lee King-Chu , Yiu Man-Kei , Wang Han-Chen , Lam Hak-Ming , Lau Siu-Kwan , Hou Hsiao
- Character(s)
- Monk San Te , Fong Shiyu , Miao Tsui Hua , Governor , Manchu Gym Chief , Fong Maiyu , Fong De , Tiger Lei , Li Xiao Huan , School Officer Sha Duo'er , Chief Yang , Shiyu's Teacher , Teacher , Governor's Advisor , Governor's Man , Governor's Champion , Kin Tianchu , Chief Abbot Zhishan , Monk Mingzhi , Shaolin Secular Student , Fang Shih Yu
- Runtime
- 89 minutes
- YouTube Trailer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ed677Y6TG8
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As the third release in the loose 36th Chamber trilogy, Disciples of the 36th Chamber was the weakest of the trio but still remained an engaging and acclaimed Shaw Brothers production. With martial legend Gordon Liu returning as the Shaolin monk San Te, this entry saw him trying to protect the talented teen fighter Fong Sai-Yuk (Hsiao Ho) from corrupt Ching officials threatening to shut their school down. Despite plenty of exciting fight sequences, Disciples of the 36th Chamber just cannot live up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessors.
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10 Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts Of Shaolin (1986)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung
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Martial Arts of Shaolin
PG-13
Action
Comedy
- Director
- Lau Kar-leung
- Release Date
- March 1, 1986
- Writers
- Si Yeung-Ping
- Cast
- Jet Li , Hu Jian Qiang , Woo Gin-Keung , Huang Qiu-Yan , Yu Cheng-Hui , Hai Yu , Mak Wai-Cheung , Yan Di Hua , Yan Di-Hua , Cheung Gin-Man , Cao Zengyin , Wong Kwong-Kuen , Hu Mei-Jie , Jiang Yan-Lin , Wang Chunyuan , Zhang Jian , Jiankui Sun , Xiong Xinxin
- Character(s)
- Lin Zhi Ming , Chao Wei , Si Ma Yan , He Sao , Master Shi Ren , Wei Fang , Master Wu Lou , Uncredited , Head abbot , He's Bodyguard , Shaolin Student
- Runtime
- 90 minutes
- YouTube Trailer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ9KthGwgTE
The third entry in the Shaolin Temple told the story of a young orphan trained as a monk and as a fighter in the Northern Shaolin school. Martial Arts of Shaolin featured Lin Zhi-Ming’s goal of being the best fighter in his school and his plans to avenge the man who killed his family by infiltrating his enemy's birthday celebration. Like the rest of the series, Martial Arts of Shaolin featured Jet Li, blended action and comedy, and featured incredible fight choreography.
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9 Shaolin Temple (1976)
Directed by Chang Cheh
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Shaolin Temple
Not Rated
Action
Shaolin Temple follows the journey of a young man who, after escaping the clutches of a usurping general in the East Capital, seeks refuge and trains in martial arts at the Shaolin Temple. The film, released in 1982, showcases his quest for vengeance against the traitor responsible for his father's death.
- Director
- Cheung Sing-Yim
- Release Date
- January 21, 1982
- Writers
- Sit Hau
- Cast
- Jet Li , Hai Yu , Yu Cheng-Hui , Chunhua Ji , Ding Lan , Hu Jian Qiang , Jiankui Sun , Liu Huai Liang , Zhang Jian , Yan Di Hua , Wang Guang Quan , Du Chuan Yang , Cui Zhi Qiang , Cham Fung , Pan Han-Guang , Henry Fong Ping
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Main Genre
- Action
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Despite sharing the same name, Chang Che’s Shaolin Temple was not connected with the later 1980s martial arts franchise and stood as its own all-star Shaw Brothers classic. Set around the Shaolin Temples' rebellion against the Qings, this thoughtful Kung Fu triumph featured several appearances from the actors who would later become the famed Venoms mob. With a strong narrative that was slightly bogged down by too many forgettable supporting characters, Shaolin Temple succeeded primarily due to its incredible action-packed fight scenes and expert choreography.
8 Shaolin (2011)
Directed by Benny Chan
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Shaolin
R
Action
Drama
Shaolin (2011) is a martial arts drama directed by Benny Chan. The film stars Andy Lau as a warlord who seeks redemption after a tragic turn of events leads him to a Shaolin monastery. Supported by Nicholas Tse and Jackie Chan in key roles, the story intertwines themes of revenge, peace, and personal transformation within the backdrop of China's war-torn period.
- Director
- Benny Chan
- Release Date
- January 27, 2011
- Writers
- Alan Yuen , Chi Kwong Cheung , Quiyu Wang
- Cast
- Andy Lau , Nicholas Tse , Bingbing Fan , Jackie Chan , Bing Bai , Yu Xing
- Runtime
- 131 minutes
- Main Genre
- Action
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Martial arts icon Jackie Chan took over Jet Li’s role for the 2011 Shaolin Temple remake, simply titled Shaolin. This epic Wuxia reimagining told the story of a ruthless warlord (Andy Lau) seeking refuge at a Shaolin Temple after being betrayed, where he was given food, shelter, and protection from the Shaolin cook monk Wudao (Chan.) As a story of redemption, Shaolin boasted higher production values than the original, featuring plenty of action and an impressive ensemble cast, and would act as a good entry point for new viewers to discover Hong Kong-Chinese martial arts cinema.
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7 Shaolin And Wu Tang (1983)
Directed by Gordon Liu
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Shaolin Soccer
PG-13
Action
Comedy
- Director
- Stephen Chow
- Release Date
- July 5, 2001
- Writers
- Fung Chih-chiang , Tsang Kan-Cheong , Steven Fung Min-Hang
- Cast
- Stephen Chow , Zhao Wei , Ng Man-tat , Patrick Tse Yin , Vincent Kok , Wong Yat-fei , Meilin Mo , Tenky Tin Kai-Man , Danny Chan Kwok-kwan , Lam Tze-chung , Steven Fung Min-Hang , Alex Lam Chi-Sin , Yuen Siu-Lung , Wong Ming-Kin , Leo Lo Hoi-Ying , Sin Kin-Wing , Yiu Yuk , Sik Chi-Wan , Cao Hua , Lee Ban-Hung , Shi Hang-Kong , Cecilia Cheung , Karen Mok Man-Wai , Li Hui , Suen Chi-Wing
- Character(s)
- Sing , Mui , Fung , Hung , Team Puma Leader , Iron Head , Hooking Leg , Iron Shirt , Empty Hands , Weight Vest , Team Gangster Leader , Team Gangster Player #1 , Team Gangster Player #2 , Team Gangster Player #3 , Team Gangster Player #4 , Team Gangster Player #5 , Team Gangster Player #7 , Team Evil Center , Team Evil Goalie , Team Evil Player #1 , Team Evil Player #3 , Team Moustache Player #1 , Team Moustache Player #2 , Girl on Street , Hung's Assistant
- Runtime
- 113 minutes
- Main Genre
- Action
- YouTube Trailer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEWUDWYDdYs
As a major inspiration for the iconic American rap group Wu-Tang Clan, Shaolin and Wu Tang was an influential martial arts film directed and starring Gordon Liu. Telling the story of the rivalry between Shaolin monks and the Wudangquan, this classic story saw two fighters from different disciplines turn from friends to rivals by a jealous chief trying to eliminate opposing fighting styles. Shaolin and Wu-Tang hooked viewers right from the start with an excellent scene featuring a lone Wu-Tang warrior facing off against a squad of monks.
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6 Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Directed by Stephen Chow
Director Stephen Chow is a master at blending high-stakes action sequences with laugh-out-loud comedy, and this incredible skill was powerfully exemplified by Shaolin Soccer. This martial arts sports comedy told the story of a downtrodden soccer star trained in the way of Shaolin Kung Fu by a master monk. This meeting of worlds brought together the fast-paced nature of soccer with the intricate and deadly practice of Kung Fu to tell an absolutely ridiculous but highly engrossing martial arts story.
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5 Shaolin Temple 2: Kids From Shaolin (1984)
Directed by Chang Hsin-yen
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Kids from Shaolin
TV-14
Action
Comedy
- Director
- Cheung Sing-Yim
- Release Date
- January 26, 1984
- Writers
- Song Hsiang-Yu
- Cast
- Jet Li , Huang Qiu-Yan , Hai Yu , Yu Cheng-Hui , Ding Lan , Chunhua Ji , Hu Jian Qiang , Jiankui Sun
- Character(s)
- San Lung , San Feng , Tin Lung (Er Long) , Pao Sheng-Feng (Wu Tang Father) , Yee Feng (Er Feng) , One-Eyed Bandit , Yee Lung , Bandit in White
- Runtime
- 103 minutes
- YouTube Trailer
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4suCPkrikGg
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Kids From Shaolin was the second entry in the Shaolin Temple series, although the plot had no relation to the first film. Instead, this Kung Fu comedy continued the legacy of the acclaimed original by bringing back Jet Li, Yu Chenghui, Yu Hai, and Ding Lan for a story about feuding families coming together to take down scheming bandits. Set in the Ming Dynasty, Kids from Shaolin featured a former Shaolin monk raising his eight orphan boys and teaching them the ways of Kung Fu.
4 Return To The 36th Chamber (1980)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung
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Return To The 36th Chamber
R
Comedy
Action
Return to the 36th Chamber (1980) is a Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Lau Kar-leung. Starring Gordon Liu, the movie follows the story of a con artist who pretends to be a Shaolin monk and ultimately trains in the real 36th Chamber to confront oppressive factory owners. The film showcases traditional Shaolin training and features intricate fight choreography, remaining a classic within the genre.
- Director
- Liu Chia-Liang
- Release Date
- August 24, 1980
- Studio(s)
- Shaw Brothers Studio
- Distributor(s)
- Shaw Brothers Studio
- Writers
- Ni Kuang
- Cast
- Gordon Liu , Kara Hui , Hsiao Ho , Wong Ching-Ho , Wa Lun , Lee King-chue , Chan Si-gaai , Kwan Yung-Moon , Yeung Jing-jing , Johnny Wang Lung-Wei , Radha Ravi , Chang Yi-tao
- Runtime
- 98 minutes
- Franchise(s)
- The 36th Chamber
- Sequel(s)
- Disciples of the 36th Chamber
- Main Genre
- Comedy
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Return to the 36th Chamber followed up a Shaw Brothers classic with another extraordinary showcase of Kung Fu carnage mixed with an enjoyable sense of humor. As the only film in the trilogy where Gordon Liu does not play the Shaolin monk San Te, here played an imposter monk, Chu Jen-chieh, although his fighting skillset was no less impressive. With a simple good versus evil premise, Return to the 36th Chamber recaptured much of what made the original so great while simultaneously carving out a new direction for the series by injecting more slapstick humor and lighthearted antics.
3 The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung
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The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter
Action
Drama
The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter is a martial arts film centered on the aftermath of a betrayal that decimates the Yang family. Surviving brothers face different paths, with one descending into madness and the other seeking solace in a Buddhist temple, as they navigate themes of loyalty and vengeance.
- Director
- Lau Kar-leung
- Release Date
- February 17, 1984
- Studio(s)
- Shaw Brothers
- Distributor(s)
- Shaw Brothers
- Writers
- Ni Kuang
- Cast
- Gordon Liu Chia-hui , Alexander Fu Sheng , Kara Wai Ying-Hung , Lily Li , Phillip Ko Fai , King Lee King-Chu , Lam Hak-Ming , Johnny Wang Lung-Wei , Chu Tit-Wo , Lau Kar-leung , Richard Yuen Tak , Yeung Sai-Gwan , Sek Gong , Yeung Ching-Ching , Wong Yu , Lau Kar-Wing , Robert Mak Tak-Law , Hsiao Ho , Cheung Chin-Pang , Wong Ching-Ho , Leanne Liu , Wan Ling-Kwong , Pan Yung-Sheng , Ho Chi-Wai , Mak Wai-Cheung
- Runtime
- 98 minutes
- Main Genre
- Action
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The Shaw Brothers' classic The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter was not a typical Shaolin monk movie, although it did feature Gordon Liu as Ng-long entering the Shaolin Temple to increase his skill and learn the art of pole fighting. With a story based on the Generals of the Yang Family in Chinese folklore, themes of revenge and retribution emerged as Yeung Yip and his family were captured and killed, although two sons escaped and vowed to enact vengeance. The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter was a true Kung Fu classic that featured 1970s martial arts star Alexander Fu in his final film role.
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2 The Shaolin Temple (1982)
Directed by Chang Hsin Yen
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The Shaolin Temple
Action
Martial Arts
The Shaolin Temple is a landmark martial arts film that marked the debut of Jet Li. Set in ancient China, it tells the story of a young man who seeks refuge in the Shaolin Temple to escape persecution and learns the art of Shaolin Kung Fu. The film is notable for its authentic portrayal of martial arts, filmed on location at the actual Shaolin Temple, and helped popularize Kung Fu worldwide.
- Director
- Chang Hsin Yen
- Release Date
- January 21, 1982
- Studio(s)
- Chung Yuen Motion Picture Company
- Writers
- Lo Siu-Cheung , Sit Hau
- Cast
- Jet Li , Hai Yu , Chenghui Yu
- Runtime
- 95 minutes
- Budget
- $264,000
- Main Genre
- Action
Based on the Shaolin Monastery in China and the Shaolin Kung Fu fighting style, this medieval martial arts movie was notable as Jet Li’s debut role. Shaolin Temple utilized episodic storytelling to blend action, comedy, and romance. It was the first martial arts film to be made in mainland China after the founding of the People's Republic of China (via SCPM). As a hugely popular film, Shaolin Temple helped revitalize the popularity of martial arts in China and led to the development of an entire franchise complete with several sequels and even a Jackie Chan remake.
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1 The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin (1978)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung
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10/10
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
Action
Adventure
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin follows Lui, a young man who escapes a Manchu attack and seeks martial arts training to avenge his fallen comrades. Set against the backdrop of anti-Ching resistance, Lui's journey leads him to the Shaolin Monastery, where he undergoes rigorous training.
- Director
- Lau Kar-leung
- Release Date
- February 2, 1978
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Focusing on the discipline and spiritual aspects of Kung Fu rather than a simple showcase of over-the-top fight sequences, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin signaled the potential for martial arts cinema to dig beneath the surface and tell engaging stories. As a defining film for Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, and Shaolin monk movies, this was one of the greatest of all Shaw Brothers’ productions and the crowning achievement of director Lau Kar-leung. Telling the story of a fighter studying in the Shaolin Temple to take on the oppressive Manchu government, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin influenced everything that came it.
Source: SCPM
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