Five Shaolin Masters (1974)

Five-Shaolin-Masters-(1974)
Five Shaolin Masters (1974)

In 1974, Chang Cheh, who was director at Shaw Brothers and a crew of around fifty people including his favorites David Chiang, Ti Lung and Fu Sheng, left Hong Kong to produce films in Taiwan. This new group operated under the name Long Bow Company until 1976. Although Chang was working independently in making his movies, he still had strong connections to Shaw Brothers through which he received all necessary support.

Among all of their Taiwanese productions, these six films made over one million dollars in Hong Kong but “The Fantastic Magic Boy” (1975) was their worst performer. As it turns out, Long Bow’s early film “Five Shaolin Masters” turned out to be their biggest box office success in Hong Kong, followed by “Heroes Two”, “Disciples of Shaolin”, “Shaolin Martial Arts”, “Marco Polo” and “Boxer Rebellion”.

Outnumbered and caught by surprise, most of the inhabitants didn’t have a chance but five young disciples manage to escape the destruction. Set during the Great Qing era, the Court sends its army to burn down the Shaolin Temple since it views it as a threat and has information from spies. At first, they went their separate ways to seek help from local rebels in order to beat the invaders from Qing Dynasty as well as revive Ming Dynasy for Han people. While on the run and being hunted by Manchus, they must use their own secret hand gestures so that they can communicate with each other.

To begin with, they wanted to confront the Manchu rulers and in particular with those traitors among them such as a Shaolin monk who caused total destruction. Nonetheless, after several close shaves with death and short encounters with these opponents it became clear to them that the Qing kung fu soldiers that were highly trained were just way too strong for them. Determined to correct their poor arts, five pupils without masters hide themselves in remains of burnt temple focusing on training specific skills.

The demolition of Shaolin Temple coupled by the recurring theme of vengeance has been shown in many movies and Chang’s “Shaolin Cycle” also touches on this subject. However, what makes this version rather refreshing is the casting of the five lead protagonists and the equally impressive villains they are up against. Topping it all off are various types of martial arts along with different weapons used by each contender. Furthermore, Cheh has skillfully camouflaged his threadbare plot under relentless action almost non-stop executed by Lau Kar Leung and his brother Lau Kar Wing.

This, because these outdoor locations are also amazing. His filming of the landscapes in Taiwan such as rivers, mountains, bamboo forests and little villages make the outside scenes more impressive which is not common in most of his Hong Kong films. Unfortunately, Chen Yung Yu’s uninspired score is a mixed bag of slow and sad electronic or brass music that heavily borrows from Hollywood scores.

It is a fact that Cheh does not seem to care about telling details about their pasts when it comes to the five running away Shaolin disciples; they are portrayed as true patriots with unique Kung fu prowess who wish to fight against Qing dynasty. Ti Lung’s Tsai Te Chung is tall and good-looking man who uses a staff that he handles like a whirlwind. On the other side, David Chiang plays Hu Te Ti who seems older and more organized than others leading the group fights with a metal chain whip tipped spear in his hands.. Strangely enough, there isn’t any interaction between Tsai Te Chung (Ti Lung) and David Chiang (Hu Te Ti). They do not even talk much.

In addition, Fu Sheng liked by everyone was given a part as Ma Chao Hsing who is a playful and innocent student while for Chi Kuan Chun his Li Shih Kai is simple but strong. Lastly we have Fan Ta Hung (Meng Fai), a quiet student with a gentle soul. However, the trio only fight barehanded without any weapon. Amazingly, all of these actors aptly fit into their roles and manage to bring out their own personality in the movie. Elsewhere, Gordon Liu makes a cameo as another brave disciple who dies while Fan escapes from an attack by Qing soldiers.

Additionally, loveable Fu Sheng played the role of Ma Chao Hsing a playful and innocent student whereas Li Shih Kai played by Chi Kuan Chun, is simpleminded but physically powerful man. Lastly we have Fan Ta Hung (Meng Fai) quiet disciple with kind spirit. However; these three use only hands in fighting; they do not use any weapons. Interestingly enough every single one of these actors fits right into their designed characters and brings out their true selves in front of the camera within this movie. Elsewhere, Gordon Liu also makes a brief appearance as another courageous student who sacrifices his life while Fan tries to escape from being attacked by Qing troops.

The villains are just as impressive; starting off with Wang Lung Wei who portrays the Shaolin traitor Ma Fu Yi. From here on Wang would become one of the most beloved super villains across all subsequent Shaw Brothers films. Similarly, Fung Hark On is also admirable for portraying Chang Chin Chiu, the Mantis fist expert, Tsai Hung appears as Pao Yu Lung wielding an axe head tied to rope whilst Liang Chia Jen plays Chop Palm style master named Chien San. Always bagged by two twin bodyguards General Chen played by Chiang Tao has long hair braid calling him to fight; however, he is not the only one to do so.

Apart from the obvious revenge and patriotism themes, this film also explores survival instinct as well as the five Shaolin students who eventually become true masters. This production is visually arresting with a range of colorful characters and numerous great kung fu fights that would definitely satisfy their intended audiences even though it may not rank as one of Chang’s finest works.

For more movies like “Five Shaolin Masters” visit on solarmovie

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top