Shaolin Traitorous
The plot is a standard revenge tale told in a concise manner that involves a boy witnessing his parents' murder at the hands of corrupt officials and growing up to achieve vengeance. The boy goes to Shaolin Temple to learn kung fu in a superb training sequence that ranks with some of the better-known Shaolin Temple scenes in kung fu cinema. By the time the boy has completed his training, he has grown up to be Carter Wong and soon sets out on his mission. He meets Polly Shang Kwan along the way and, after some initial antagonism, the two become allies and confront the villains. The bad guys employ a particularly clever maneuver involving dozens of imperial guardsmen performing a variety of formations on cue (including standing on each other's shoulders, three men high) as Sammo Hung bangs out different drumbeats. Sammo and Carter engage in a particularly exciting bout against the backdrop of a mountainous landscape midway through the film.
Insights
Plot Summary
This historical martial arts epic follows a young Shaolin monk who is trained in secret to avenge his father's death. As he navigates the treacherous political landscape of ancient China, he must hone his formidable skills while evading the watchful eyes of the ruling powers who seek to eradicate Shaolin's influence. The film culminates in a series of intense battles where loyalty, betrayal, and the ultimate pursuit of justice are tested.
Critical Reception
Shaolin Traitorous is generally regarded as a classic of the Shaw Brothers studio and the kung fu genre, praised for its intricate fight choreography, compelling storyline, and strong performances from its martial arts stars. It is often cited as a prime example of the studio's peak output in the mid-1970s.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic and dynamic martial arts sequences.
- Applauded for its compelling narrative of revenge and loyalty.
- Recognized as a significant entry in the Shaw Brothers kung fu filmography.
Google audience: Information not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film features a legendary cast of martial arts actors who would go on to become icons in the genre, including David Chiang, Alexander Fu Sheng, Ti Lung, and Gordon Liu, all working under the direction of the prolific Chang Cheh.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources