The Iron-Fisted Monk
| The Iron-Fisted Monk | |
|---|---|
 UK DVD cover | |
| Directed by | Sammo Hung |
| Produced by | Raymond Chow |
| Written by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Chen Hsun Chi |
| Cinematography | Lee Yao-ting |
| Edited by | Chang Yao Chung |
Release dates |
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Running time | 93 min |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Language | Cantonese |
| Box office | HK $2.3 million[1] |
The Iron-Fisted Monk (Chinese: 三德和尚与舂米六) is a 1977 Hong Kong martial arts film written and directed by Sammo Hung in his directorial debut, who also starred in the lead role. The film co-stars Chan Sing and James Tien. The film was released in the Hong Kong on 25 August 1977.
Plot
Husker, is sent to the Shaolin Temple by the Iron Fisted Monk (Chen Sing), after he saves Sammo from a beating by the Manchu's. After being trained by his master (James Tien) he runs away from the temple, only to be confronted by his master and forced to take the four tests. Whilst this is happening, Fung Hark-On is indulging in his passion for raping women, and is virtually above the law as he is a powerful Manchu officer. He begins by raping Liang's (Chu Ching) sister, who then commits suicide and makes Liang a very angry man. Liang takes his revenge by killing one of those pesky Manchus but everyone thinks Sammo is responsible.
Both Liang and Husker go to meet the Iron Fisted Monk who convinces Sammo to teach all the workers at the dye factory Kung Fu, so they can defend themselves against the Manchus. The final act involves the Manchus' butchering of the workers (Lam Ching Ying, Eric Tsang, Mars et al.) from the dye factory, rape of Liang's wife and the murder of his mother. When Liang eventually dies from his wounds, both Husker and the Iron Fisted Monk swear vengeance on the Manchus and it is delivered.
Cast
- Sammo Hung - Husker / Hawker
- Chan Sing - Tak / Shan Teh (The Iron Fisted Monk)
- James Tien - Husker's Master
- Casanova Wong - Shaolin disciple
- Lam Ching Ying - Shu-Liu worker
- Fung Hak-on - Rapist Official
- Dean Shek - Goofy Manchu
- Yam Sai-kun - Manchu thug
- Wu Ma - Boatman in brothel
- Chung Fat - Shu-Liu worker
- Chan Lung - Manchu thug
- Eric Tsang - Shu-Liu worker
- Mars - Shu-Liu worker
- Tony Liu - Enemy
- Billy Chan
Release
The film grossed HK $2,283,594.40 during its 15-week theatrical run.[1] It was released on DVD on 29 October 2001 in the UK[2] and 7 September 2004 in the US.[3]
Reception
Almar Haflidason of BBC Online rated it 4/5 stars and recommended it to Sammo Hung fans.[2] J. Doyle Wallis of DVD Talk rated it 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Iron-Fisted Monk moves briskly with some solid fights and a decent story".[3] David Johnson of DVD Verdict wrote, "A lackadaisical start gives way to a relentless hand-to-hand spectacle of zaniness".[4]
See also
References
- 1 2 "The Iron Fisted Monk (1977)". Hong Kong Movie Database. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
- 1 2 Haflidason, Almar. "Iron Fisted Monk DVD (1977)". BBC Online. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
- 1 2 Wallis, J. Doyle (2004-09-20). "The Iron-Fisted Monk". DVD Talk. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
- ↑ Johnson, David (2004-10-14). "The Iron-Fisted Monk". DVD Verdict. Retrieved 2015-12-15.