Watch Bandits from Shantung

Bandits from Shantung is a Chinese martial arts film from 1972 directed by Cheh Chang. The movie tells the story of three young men, Ma-Yung Chen (played by Kang Chin), Hsiu-Chien Ho (played by David Chiang), and Tung-Ching Yeh (played by Lung Ti), who become friends while working as laborers in the semi-rural area of Shantung province. The three men want to become rich and famous and decide to start their own criminal band to achieve their goals.

Ma-Yung is a skilled martial artist and takes the lead in organizing the gang, taking care of the logistics and planning the robberies. Hsiu-Chien is the go-to guy for information, scouting out potential targets and providing the crew with valuable intelligence. Tung-Ching is the enforcer, using his impressive strength and combat skills to intimidate the victims.

The band quickly gains a fearsome reputation and becomes notorious throughout the region. They rob rich merchants, tax collectors, and corrupt officials, distributing the spoils among the poor people of Shantung. The people see the band as a Robin Hood-like folk hero, fighting against the unjust regime of the time.

However, things take a turn for the worse when the gang crosses paths with the local crime boss, Master Chin. Master Chin is a ruthless criminal who controls the entire area with an iron fist, extorting money from the people and killing anyone who dares to oppose him. He sees the band as a threat to his authority and orders his men to hunt them down.

The band faces a tough challenge trying to evade Master Chin's henchmen and keep their criminal activities going. They draw the attention of the local authorities, who also set out to catch them. The three friends must use all their cunning and combat skills to stay ahead of the law and survive the dangerous world of organized crime.

Bandits from Shantung stands out as a landmark in the history of Chinese martial arts movies. It was one of the first films to combine action, drama, and political commentary, creating a new genre of socially aware martial arts films that became popular throughout the 1970s. The movie has a gritty, realistic tone, showing the harsh reality of life in rural China in the early 20th century. The film features intense fight scenes, showcasing the impressive physical abilities of the actors, as well as elaborate sets and costumes that capture the atmosphere of the time.

The performances of the actors are also noteworthy. Kang Chin delivers a powerful portrayal of Ma-Yung, a conflicted character torn between his desire for wealth and his sense of justice. David Chiang is excellent as Hsiu-Chien, bringing a sense of humor and lightheartedness to the film. Lung Ti is a force to be reckoned with as Tung-Ching, displaying an imposing physical presence and commanding the screen in his fight scenes.

Overall, Bandits from Shantung is a must-see for fans of martial arts movies and Chinese cinema in general. It is a groundbreaking film that influenced many others in the genre and helped establish the reputation of Hong Kong cinema worldwide. The film combines action, drama, and political commentary in a highly entertaining package that still holds up today.