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My favorite Shaw Brothers martial arts films. #thread
1. THE ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1967)
Let's start with the obvious. You'll find this film on many well-researched lists of best Chinese-language films, because it is indeed a masterpiece, but please note that this was made in the 1960s, you shouldn't watch it solely for the action.
Let's start with the obvious. You'll find this film on many well-researched lists of best Chinese-language films, because it is indeed a masterpiece, but please note that this was made in the 1960s, you shouldn't watch it solely for the action.
2. RETURN OF THE ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1969)
The RAMBO II of the One-Armed Swordsman series. While the original is known to be a well written film, the sequel is fully fueled by action & thrills. Among other 1960s SB productions, this is perhaps the one with the best fight scenes.
The RAMBO II of the One-Armed Swordsman series. While the original is known to be a well written film, the sequel is fully fueled by action & thrills. Among other 1960s SB productions, this is perhaps the one with the best fight scenes.
3. COME DRINK WITH ME (1966)
The celebrated wuxia classic that inspired Ang Lee's CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker King Hu, the first and only martial arts film he made with the Shaw Brothers (then he moved to Taiwan to make even better films).
The celebrated wuxia classic that inspired Ang Lee's CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker King Hu, the first and only martial arts film he made with the Shaw Brothers (then he moved to Taiwan to make even better films).
4. GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968)
The sequel to COME DRINK WITH ME. Directed by Chang Cheh, with Cheng Pei-pei reprising her role, Lo Lieh, and Wang Yu joining the cast. It doesn't get as much coverage as the original film these days, but personally, I like the sequel much better.
The sequel to COME DRINK WITH ME. Directed by Chang Cheh, with Cheng Pei-pei reprising her role, Lo Lieh, and Wang Yu joining the cast. It doesn't get as much coverage as the original film these days, but personally, I like the sequel much better.
5. VENGEANCE! (1970)
A tough revenge film. Often regarded as a pioneer of Chinese martial arts films that focus on hand-to-hand combat (which people call kungfu films), as opposed to the period heroic swordplay films (the ones that people call wuxia films) in the 1960s.
A tough revenge film. Often regarded as a pioneer of Chinese martial arts films that focus on hand-to-hand combat (which people call kungfu films), as opposed to the period heroic swordplay films (the ones that people call wuxia films) in the 1960s.
6. THE CHINESE BOXER (1970)
Tarantino's favorite film. Also known as THE HAMMER OF GOD. Some sources call it the first kungfu film, which is incorrect since it was released several months after VENGEANCE, but it was more influential, being the highest grossing HK film of the year
Tarantino's favorite film. Also known as THE HAMMER OF GOD. Some sources call it the first kungfu film, which is incorrect since it was released several months after VENGEANCE, but it was more influential, being the highest grossing HK film of the year
7. THE NEW ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1971)
Also known as TRIPLE IRONS. The third (but unrelated) One-Armed Swordsman film starring David Chiang & Ti Lung (Wang Yu left the Shaw Brothers and moved to Taiwan shortly after THE CHINESE BOXER). Action-wise, it's the best in the series.
Also known as TRIPLE IRONS. The third (but unrelated) One-Armed Swordsman film starring David Chiang & Ti Lung (Wang Yu left the Shaw Brothers and moved to Taiwan shortly after THE CHINESE BOXER). Action-wise, it's the best in the series.
8. KING BOXER (1972)
Also known as FIVE FINGERS OF DEATH. An important film in kungfu cinema history, it helped start the 1970s kungfu craze in the US, even before ENTER THE DRAGON. Also one of Quentin Tarantino's all time favorite films, its influence is obvious in KILL BILL.
Also known as FIVE FINGERS OF DEATH. An important film in kungfu cinema history, it helped start the 1970s kungfu craze in the US, even before ENTER THE DRAGON. Also one of Quentin Tarantino's all time favorite films, its influence is obvious in KILL BILL.
9. THE BOXER FROM SHANTUNG (1972)
Chen Kuan-tai's first major role. A laborer from the countryside moved to Shanghai to seek fortune, his life changed when a gangster saw his talents in kungfu and offered him a job. But the criminal path would always end in a very bloody climax.
Chen Kuan-tai's first major role. A laborer from the countryside moved to Shanghai to seek fortune, his life changed when a gangster saw his talents in kungfu and offered him a job. But the criminal path would always end in a very bloody climax.
10. THE OATH OF DEATH (1971)
A vastly underrated and overlooked gem in the Shaw Brothers library. An epic story of three men who once became blood brothers to fight against the Tartar invaders, until one of them went rogue, and the three brothers would have to kill each other.
A vastly underrated and overlooked gem in the Shaw Brothers library. An epic story of three men who once became blood brothers to fight against the Tartar invaders, until one of them went rogue, and the three brothers would have to kill each other.
11. THE BLOOD BROTHERS (1973)
Perhaps intended to be a reimagining or remake of THE OATH OF DEATH as both films tell the same story of three blood brothers killing each other. THE BLOOD BROTHERS is undoubtedly a superior film, also one of the best known Shaw Brothers productions.
Perhaps intended to be a reimagining or remake of THE OATH OF DEATH as both films tell the same story of three blood brothers killing each other. THE BLOOD BROTHERS is undoubtedly a superior film, also one of the best known Shaw Brothers productions.
12. THE DUEL (1971)
Also known as DUEL OF THE IRON FIST. Another film from The Iron Triangle of Chang Cheh, David Chiang, and Ti Lung. After being a scene-stealer in the earlier David Chiang films, this is where Ti Lung leads a film--and David Chiang steals the scene.
Also known as DUEL OF THE IRON FIST. Another film from The Iron Triangle of Chang Cheh, David Chiang, and Ti Lung. After being a scene-stealer in the earlier David Chiang films, this is where Ti Lung leads a film--and David Chiang steals the scene.
13. THE DEADLY DUO (1971)
A simple story about a band of warriors rescuing a kidnapped prince. The running time is also rather short, only about 80 minutes, but the film is packed with heroism, non-stop action from beginning to end, and an insanely high kill count.
A simple story about a band of warriors rescuing a kidnapped prince. The running time is also rather short, only about 80 minutes, but the film is packed with heroism, non-stop action from beginning to end, and an insanely high kill count.
14. THE 14 AMAZONS (1972)
Based on the legendary GENERALS OF THE YANG FAMILY, this film was nominated for best picture at the Golden Horse Awards. After almost all the males in the Yang family were killed during the war, it's time for the females to join the frontline!
Based on the legendary GENERALS OF THE YANG FAMILY, this film was nominated for best picture at the Golden Horse Awards. After almost all the males in the Yang family were killed during the war, it's time for the females to join the frontline!
15. DUEL FOR GOLD (1971)
Chu Yuan's first film at the Shaw Brothers. This is a story about a group of people who worship money too much that they are willing to betray and kill each other for it. As shown in the opening scene, there's no happy ending for this kind of people.
Chu Yuan's first film at the Shaw Brothers. This is a story about a group of people who worship money too much that they are willing to betray and kill each other for it. As shown in the opening scene, there's no happy ending for this kind of people.
16. INTIMATE CONFESSIONS OF A CHINESE COURTESAN (1972)
Part martial arts cinema, part sleazy erotica--even though it's not anything like SEX AND ZEN. The story follows a young girl who is abducted and sold to a brothel, where she discovers lesbianism and becomes a kungfu master.
Part martial arts cinema, part sleazy erotica--even though it's not anything like SEX AND ZEN. The story follows a young girl who is abducted and sold to a brothel, where she discovers lesbianism and becomes a kungfu master.
17. TIGER KILLER (1982)
Part of a film series based on WATER MARGIN, this one is about Wu Song (who's famous for having killed a tiger with his bare hands) and his dwarfish brother. It won three Golden Horse Awards and was nominated for best screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Award
Part of a film series based on WATER MARGIN, this one is about Wu Song (who's famous for having killed a tiger with his bare hands) and his dwarfish brother. It won three Golden Horse Awards and was nominated for best screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Award
18. THE DELIGHTFUL FOREST (1972)
The next chapter in the life of the tiger killer. Wu Song goes to jail after the events in the previous film. With a help from a tavern owner, Wu is treated well during his time and he agrees to help the man to get rid of the thugs from his tavern
The next chapter in the life of the tiger killer. Wu Song goes to jail after the events in the previous film. With a help from a tavern owner, Wu is treated well during his time and he agrees to help the man to get rid of the thugs from his tavern
19. THE WATER MARGIN (1972)
Also known as SEVEN BLOWS OF THE DRAGON. A martial arts epic with an all-star cast portraying the 108 Liangshan outlaws, including Wu Song--now dressed as a Buddhist pilgrim. This film was nominated for best picture at the Golden Horse Awards.
Also known as SEVEN BLOWS OF THE DRAGON. A martial arts epic with an all-star cast portraying the 108 Liangshan outlaws, including Wu Song--now dressed as a Buddhist pilgrim. This film was nominated for best picture at the Golden Horse Awards.
20. ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS (1975)
Also known as SEVEN SOLDIERS OF KUNG FU. You should know that these are only partial adaptations (similar to the THREE KINGDOMS films), you need to read the book if you want to know the whole story. Still, an epic conclusion to the film series.
Also known as SEVEN SOLDIERS OF KUNG FU. You should know that these are only partial adaptations (similar to the THREE KINGDOMS films), you need to read the book if you want to know the whole story. Still, an epic conclusion to the film series.
21. THE KISS OF DEATH (1973)
One of the toughest rape-revenge films ever. Without any intention to trivialize mental wounds, the protagonist actually caught a deadly STD after being raped by a group of men. While waiting for her death, she swore to hunt down and kill her rapists.
One of the toughest rape-revenge films ever. Without any intention to trivialize mental wounds, the protagonist actually caught a deadly STD after being raped by a group of men. While waiting for her death, she swore to hunt down and kill her rapists.
22. SHAOLIN TEMPLE (1976)
During his career, Chang Cheh made a series of Shaolin-themed films, often called the Shaolin Cycle. This film is centered around the burning of the Shaolin Temple, and should give the viewers some background before exploring the other Shaolin films.
During his career, Chang Cheh made a series of Shaolin-themed films, often called the Shaolin Cycle. This film is centered around the burning of the Shaolin Temple, and should give the viewers some background before exploring the other Shaolin films.
23. FIVE SHAOLIN MASTERS (1974)
Also known as 5 MASTERS OF DEATH. Notable for its beautifully choreographed climax. Each of the protagonists, who excels in different fighting styles, will face villains that also use varied fighting styles. Now that's a lot of fighting styles!
Also known as 5 MASTERS OF DEATH. Notable for its beautifully choreographed climax. Each of the protagonists, who excels in different fighting styles, will face villains that also use varied fighting styles. Now that's a lot of fighting styles!
24. HEROES TWO (1974)
This film follows the journey of two legendary Shaolin heroes Hong Xiguan (Chen Kuan-tai, later reprised this role in EXECUTIONERS FROM SHAOLIN) and Fang Shiyu (Fu Sheng, playing the same character from SHAOLIN TEMPLE) after the burning of the Shaolin Temple
This film follows the journey of two legendary Shaolin heroes Hong Xiguan (Chen Kuan-tai, later reprised this role in EXECUTIONERS FROM SHAOLIN) and Fang Shiyu (Fu Sheng, playing the same character from SHAOLIN TEMPLE) after the burning of the Shaolin Temple
25. SHAOLIN MARTIAL ARTS (1974)
An early example of kungfu films that focus on extensive training sequences to defeat the film's main antagonist, including the one-inch punch training, another classic Shaw Brothers scene that Quentin Tarantino borrowed for KILL BILL.
An early example of kungfu films that focus on extensive training sequences to defeat the film's main antagonist, including the one-inch punch training, another classic Shaw Brothers scene that Quentin Tarantino borrowed for KILL BILL.
26. DISCIPLES OF SHAOLIN (1975)
Barely related to the other Chang Cheh's Shaolin films. It's basically THE BOXER FROM SHANTUNG with Fu Sheng. A young country boy moved to the city, his mastery of kung fu instantly earned him some big money and gave him even bigger problems.
Barely related to the other Chang Cheh's Shaolin films. It's basically THE BOXER FROM SHANTUNG with Fu Sheng. A young country boy moved to the city, his mastery of kung fu instantly earned him some big money and gave him even bigger problems.
27. EXECUTIONERS FROM SHAOLIN (1977)
Not a part of the Shaolin Cycle as this one was directed by Liu Chia-liang, who was famous for his kungfu comedies. Starring Chen Kuan-tai, Wang Yu (汪禹, not the same Wang Yu from the 1960s wuxia films), and Lo Lieh as Shaolin master Pai Mei.
Not a part of the Shaolin Cycle as this one was directed by Liu Chia-liang, who was famous for his kungfu comedies. Starring Chen Kuan-tai, Wang Yu (汪禹, not the same Wang Yu from the 1960s wuxia films), and Lo Lieh as Shaolin master Pai Mei.
28. THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN (1978)
Also known as MASTER KILLER. One of the most iconic martial arts films of all time. The story follows Monk San Te's journey to become a Shaolin master. The detailed training sequences alone took about one hour--or half of its running time!
Also known as MASTER KILLER. One of the most iconic martial arts films of all time. The story follows Monk San Te's journey to become a Shaolin master. The detailed training sequences alone took about one hour--or half of its running time!
29. RETURN TO THE 36TH CHAMBER (1980)
One of the most hilarious films I've ever seen. Despite having similar Shaolin training sequences, the film's plot is only loosely related to THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN, and Liu Chia-hui played a new character, a con man impersonating San Te
One of the most hilarious films I've ever seen. Despite having similar Shaolin training sequences, the film's plot is only loosely related to THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN, and Liu Chia-hui played a new character, a con man impersonating San Te
30. CHINATOWN KID (1977)
The plot is similar to THE BOXER FROM SHANTUNG, only it's set in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1970s. Note that there are two different cuts of this film: the 86 minutes Mandarin version, and the much longer English dubbed version with a darker ending.
The plot is similar to THE BOXER FROM SHANTUNG, only it's set in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1970s. Note that there are two different cuts of this film: the 86 minutes Mandarin version, and the much longer English dubbed version with a darker ending.
31. CHALLENGE OF THE MASTERS (1976)
The Ten Tigers of Guangdong is another popular theme in kungfu cinema. The story is about Huang Fei-hong whose father, Huang Qiying (one of the Tigers), refused to teach him kungfu. Now he seeks to train under his father's teacher, Lu A-cai.
The Ten Tigers of Guangdong is another popular theme in kungfu cinema. The story is about Huang Fei-hong whose father, Huang Qiying (one of the Tigers), refused to teach him kungfu. Now he seeks to train under his father's teacher, Lu A-cai.
32. MARTIAL CLUB (1981)
A follow-up to CHALLENGE OF THE MASTERS, with Liu Chia-hui returned as a young Huang Fei-hong. One of Shaw Brothers' beloved lighthearted kungfu films. The alleyway fight is among the most beautifully choreographed fight scenes I've ever seen.
A follow-up to CHALLENGE OF THE MASTERS, with Liu Chia-hui returned as a young Huang Fei-hong. One of Shaw Brothers' beloved lighthearted kungfu films. The alleyway fight is among the most beautifully choreographed fight scenes I've ever seen.
33. KILLER CLANS (1976)
Chu Yuan is probably best known for his remake of Cantonese comedy THE HOUSE OF 72 TENANTS, but his masterful adaptations of Gu Long's wuxia mystery novels are what made him my favourite SB director. This film is based on the book METEOR, BUTTERFLY, SWORD.
Chu Yuan is probably best known for his remake of Cantonese comedy THE HOUSE OF 72 TENANTS, but his masterful adaptations of Gu Long's wuxia mystery novels are what made him my favourite SB director. This film is based on the book METEOR, BUTTERFLY, SWORD.
34. JADE TIGER (1977)
Ti Lung joined forces with Chu Yuan and Gu Long, the trio that I considered the real Iron Triangle of martial arts cinema. It's based on the novel of the same name. Arguably Chu Yuan's magnum opus, definitely one of the finest action films of all time.
Ti Lung joined forces with Chu Yuan and Gu Long, the trio that I considered the real Iron Triangle of martial arts cinema. It's based on the novel of the same name. Arguably Chu Yuan's magnum opus, definitely one of the finest action films of all time.
35. THE SENTIMENTAL SWORDSMAN (1977)
Adapted from the first book in the LITTLE LI FLYING DAGGER series, SENTIMENTAL SWORDSMAN, RUTHLESS SWORD, starring Ti Lung as the alcoholic martial artist Li Xunhuan. This film was nominated for best picture at the Golden Horse Awards.
Adapted from the first book in the LITTLE LI FLYING DAGGER series, SENTIMENTAL SWORDSMAN, RUTHLESS SWORD, starring Ti Lung as the alcoholic martial artist Li Xunhuan. This film was nominated for best picture at the Golden Horse Awards.
36. RETURN OF THE SENTIMENTAL SWORDSMAN (1981)
One of the highest-grossing films in the studio's history, and widely considered as a superior sequel. The story involves a lot of warriors trying to kill Li Xunhuan to climb the ranks of the best fighters in the martial arts world.
One of the highest-grossing films in the studio's history, and widely considered as a superior sequel. The story involves a lot of warriors trying to kill Li Xunhuan to climb the ranks of the best fighters in the martial arts world.
37. THE MAGIC BLADE (1976)
Based on HORIZON, BRIGHT MOON, SABER, the third book in the LITTLE LI FLYING DAGGER series. Ti Lung played a different character named Fu Hongxue, who partners with his rival, Yan Nanfei, to obtain an extremely powerful weapon called the Peacock Dart.
Based on HORIZON, BRIGHT MOON, SABER, the third book in the LITTLE LI FLYING DAGGER series. Ti Lung played a different character named Fu Hongxue, who partners with his rival, Yan Nanfei, to obtain an extremely powerful weapon called the Peacock Dart.
38. CLANS OF INTRIGUE (1977)
An adaptation of the first book in THE LEGEND OF CHU LIUXIANG series, FRAGRANCE IN THE SEA OF BLOOD. After being falsely accused of multiple murders, Chu Liuxiang is given one month to do the detective work, investigate the case, and clear his name.
An adaptation of the first book in THE LEGEND OF CHU LIUXIANG series, FRAGRANCE IN THE SEA OF BLOOD. After being falsely accused of multiple murders, Chu Liuxiang is given one month to do the detective work, investigate the case, and clear his name.
