Possibly the worst of Liu Chia Liang's directoral efforts for Shaw Brothers, "Shaolin Mantis" has many talents as well as David Chiang. Lau Kar Wing makes an excellent villain; Norman Chu, John Chang and Wilson Tong are awesome uncles, and Celica Wong is a great period actress. Unfortunately, the film is nearly ruined by the slow choreography, which is either due to it really being slow or me watching too many fast-paced movies (Roar of the Lion, e.g.) lately. The action is nowhere near as good as in Legendary Weapons or in 8 Diagram.

Also, this story may have the most unsatisfying ending I have ever seen.

[6/10]