The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
"Shao Lin san shi liu fang" (original title)

The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly set up their base in Canton, disguised as school masters. During a brutal Manchu attack, Lui manages to escape and... See full summary »

Director:

Chia-Liang Liu

Writer:

Kuang Ni

Stars:

Chia Hui Liu, Lieh Lo, Chia Yung Liu

Cast

Credited cast:
Chia Hui Liu	...	San Te
Lieh Lo	...	General Tien Ta
Chia Yung Liu	...	General Yin
Norman Chu	...	Lu Ah-cai (as Hsu Shao-Chiang)
Yung Henry Yu	...	Hung Hsi-kuan (as Yang Yu)
John Cheung	...	Lord Cheng (as Chang Wu-liang)
Wilson Tong	...	Tang San-yao (as Tang Wei-cheng)
Hang-Sheng Wu	...	Tung Qian-jin
Yue Wong	...	Miller Six (as Yu Wang)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tung-kua Ai	...	Abbot in charge of Head Chamber
Billy Chan	...	Soldier
Lung Chan	...	Abbot in charge of Staff Chamber
Shen Chan	...	Abbot in charge of Wrist Chamber
Szu-Chia Chen	...	Yien Pin
Wah Cheung	...	Shaolin disciple

Storyline

The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly set up their base in Canton, disguised as school masters. During a brutal Manchu attack, Lui manages to escape and devotes himself to learning the martial arts in order to seek revenge. In a short period of time he masters the deadly use of his fists, feet and palms, along with such weapons as swords, sticks, and lances. With his learning complete, he takes on the Manchus.

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Plot Keywords:

revenge | weapon | martial arts | training montage | buddhism | 

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Taglines:

Starring Martial Arts Master Liu Chia Hui!

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Hong Kong

Language:

Mandarin

Release Date:

June 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

36th Chamber

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shaw Brothers

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Despite the US title for the film (The Master Killer), the idea of taking a life would be abhorrent to a real Shaolin or Bhuddist monk.

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Connections

Followed by Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1985)

User Reviews

A young Shaolin student masters every discipline!

This is THE Hong Kong martial arts movie every fan of the genre MUST see. After watching this you'll be in no doubt why Tarantino picked the star, Chia Hui Liu, for two parts in his Kill Bill double.

The Shaw brothers demonstrate their mastery of the martial arts movie in this 1978 classic. Following the fortunes of a young rebel as he escapes from the tyranny of the government to a Shaolin temple where he hopes to learn superior kung fu techniques, we see his development from an inexperienced boy to an unrivalled master.

It is wonderful to see the rigours of training in each 'chamber'. The water crossing scenes are a delight. And some of the pain these students go through to perfect their bodies and art is impressive indeed.

I cannot recommend this enough. Indeed everyone should attempt to snap up any Shaw Brothers movie from around that period. "The 36th Chamber" stands head and shoulders above the rest, and is what all Martial Arts directors should aspire to.

Thanks Shaw's and Chia Hui Liu for a truly great experience EVERY time.