Five Shaolin Masters

[RGemmell]

What can I say about this film? One of the many excellent Chang Cheh/Lau Kar Leung collaborations. Made in 1974, shot on location in Taiwan. The fourth film in the Shaolin Cycle tells of 5 men who escaped the burning of the Shaolin Temple. Ti Lung, David Chiang, Chi Kuan Chun, Alexander Fu Sheng and Mang Fei are in top form, showing astondingly precise skills in the Shaolin martial arts, the undisputedly unique battle scenes are without a doubt excellently choreographed and directed by the descendant of Wong Fei Hong, Lau Kar Leung who also done excellent choreography and action direction in the prevous three films in the Shaolin Cycle: ''Heroes Two''(1974), ''Men From The Monastery'' and ''Shaolin Martial Arts''(1974). The film shows David Chiang's amazing proficiency in the bamboo chain dart, Ti Lung's great use of the pole, Chi Kuan Chun's stunning use of the Ten Style Fists (earth fist, fire fist, water fist, dragon fist and snake fist etc.), Alexander Fu Sheng's use of the deceptively gentle yet greatly powerful Tiger and Crane fist style and Mang Fei showing considerable skill in the Rolling and Tumbling moves. Fung Hark On (with his trademark, the mantis style), Wang Lung Wei, Leung Kar Yan, Tsai Hung and Kong Do make excellent villains. Also look out for Lau Kar Fai who makes a cameo as a long haired rebel. The fourth in the chapter is an amazingly stirring showcase of the skills of Chang Cheh's second team of actors. Take my advice and do not waste time on boring kickfests with sloppy choreography, bad editing and plots that make no sense and seek out one of the many classics that Shaw Brothers has to offer. Although the film lacks the abundance of over-the-top gore and outrageousness in Chang Cheh's later films, there are still scenes of choppings, stabbings and a scene where a guy has his eyes kicked out of his head. Please seek out the Celestial DVD version with remastered picture and widescreen format plus subtitles. Also when you see this film, please don't hesitate to bring forward your opinions and ideas.

MY RATING: 10/10

[MrBooth]

Yes, that was SHAOLIN TEMPLE (1976). Also check out 36th CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN if you like your unorthodox training methods films Or, err... Karate Kid

[PAUL MARTINEZ]

Well, I will tell you now that in my opinion all Shaw Brothers films should be seen on thier new sub-titled re-mastered versions courtesy of Celestial Pictures. I don't know if Maryland has a Chinatown section like they do in NY, SF and Boston. If so, go there and look into the local video stores. Thing is you'll need a region free dvd player to play it. Something that you will probably find for sale in the same video store if you ask.