Watch Buddha's Palm

Buddha's Palm is a Hong Kong martial arts fantasy film that was released in 1982. Directed by Taylor Wong, the film stars Tung-Shing Yee as Ah Chi, a young man who is more interested in practicing his kung fu skills than doing any real work. However, his life changes when he is given the opportunity to learn a mystical fighting style known as Buddha's Palm.

The story begins when Ah Chi's father is killed by a group of bandits who are searching for a powerful martial arts technique called "The Golden Snake Formation." Ah Chi, who has just returned from his martial arts training, heads out to seek revenge for his father's death. Along the way, he meets two women who also have extraordinary powers: the beautiful but deadly Chiu Hsiao-Lan, played by On-On Yu, and the kindhearted but powerful Mei Hsiao-Tien, portrayed by Kara Wai.

Together, Ah Chi, Chiu and Mei embark on a journey to stop the bandits from acquiring The Golden Snake Formation. Along the way they encounter numerous challenges that test their martial arts skills, but they always manage to come out on top. The trio is a perfect blend of strength, agility and intelligence, and they make for an interesting dynamic throughout the film.

One of the most memorable moments of the film comes when Ah Chi, aided by the powers of Buddha's Palm, uses his energy to lift an entire ship out of the water, sending his enemies flying into the ocean. His technique is so impressive that it becomes the talk of the martial arts world, and attracts the attention of the evil Shao Pai Long, who is also after the Buddha's Palm technique to enhance his own powers.

The film is visually stunning with vibrant colours and well-choreographed action sequences. While the special effects are somewhat dated by today's standards, they are still impressive for a film made in the early 80s. The fight choreography, particularly during the climax, is incredibly stylish and engaging. The film balances comedy, romance and action in a way that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

Tung-Shing Yee's portrayal of Ah Chi is charming, and he plays the role with a sense of whimsy that is endearing. On-On Yu and Kara Wai also deliver solid performances, and both women bring strength and depth to their characters. The villains, played by Tsung-Hua To and Pei-Shan Chang, are suitably menacing and bring a sense of urgency to the conflict.

While the story is somewhat formulaic, with standard martial arts tropes such as the journey of self-discovery, the film is elevated by its execution. The pacing is brisk, and the action scenes are plentiful, making it a fun and exciting watch.

Overall, Buddha's Palm is a must-watch for fans of Hong Kong martial arts films. It is a classic example of the genre and showcases some truly impressive fight scenes. While it may not be as well-known as other martial arts films of the same era, it is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

Buddha's Palm is a 1982 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.