Shaolin Intruders (1983)

"Repent and turn back!"

Prolific martial arts director Tang Chia/Tong Kai only directed three movies. Having just finished watching Shaolin Intruders, I’ve now completed all three. Hard to believe Shaw Brothers only used him a handful of times as I enjoyed all three of his films. He utilized several well-known martial arts directors for this kung fu lollapalooza with deception, revenge, and secret identities galore!

Buddies, perhaps frenemies, Lei Xun and Qiao Yi Duo come to the aid of pretty acquaintance Ye Qing Hua when she is accused of murdering 2 of the 4 most powerful clans. Xun and Yi Duo discover evidence that fighters trained at the Shaolin Temple are the culprits. In order for Qing Hua to be allowed to identify the intruders she witnessed, the two men must pass three tests. When it seems the mystery is solved, the two heroes realize it might not be as simple as it seemed.

Tang Chia and Shaw Brothers brought in numerous stunt men and actors capable of stunt fighting. The six martial arts directors utilized numerous styles, creative weapons (bolo dice!) and formations to keep the action rolling, stacking, and flipping from opening credits to ending ones. Every clan chief had their own men and the Shaolin Temple was staffed well, too.
With the exceptionally large cast of bit players, you know to expect a similarly large body count.

Derek Yee played the stern and earnest swordsman while Jason Pai Piao turned on the charm as his gambling and vivacious partner. Phillip Ko Fei brought the kung fu know-how and speed as the Big Bad. Lau Yuk Pok who only worked in 10 films before retiring played Ye Ching Hua. She held her own, though one of Shaw’s other more established actresses might have given this role the darkness it needed. Ku Feng, a regular Shaw Brothers contract player, made an appearance as one of the doomed Chiefs.

The story was rather thin with just enough substance to tie the numerous fight scenes together. Jason Pai’s Yi Duo kept things lively and entertaining. Phillip Ko Fei often played smaller roles and it was nice to see him in a weightier one. The SB sets and costumes were always more opulent than their Taiwanese competitors and a multitude of stuntmen flipped, flew, and lunged through the walls and railings to sell the action. If you enjoy old kung fu films this is one to try. As always, I grade these cheap, niche, films on a curve.

26 November 2024
Trigger warning: Snakes. Lots of snakes.

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