Watch Disciples of the 36th Chamber

Disciples of the 36th Chamber is a 1985 martial arts film directed by Chia-Liang Liu, starring Hou Hsiao, Chia-Hui Liu, and Lily Li. It is the third installment in the 36th Chamber of Shaolin series. The story is set during the Qing Dynasty, and it follows the journey of disgruntled young villager Wei Fung (Hou Hsiao), who is determined to learn Shaolin kung fu so he can fight back against the corrupt government officials who have been oppressing his people. On a mission to find a teacher who can help him reach his goal, Wei Fung comes across the legendary Shaolin Temple, where he begs to be admitted as a disciple.

Despite his lack of training and basic abilities, Wei Fung is eventually accepted into the Shaolin Temple and begins his rigorous training, starting from the most basic of techniques. His perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds sets him apart from the other students and earns him the respect of his fellow disciples.

As he progresses through the various chambers of the temple and gains new skills, Wei Fung discovers a greater sense of self-awareness and purpose. He realizes that his true calling is not to fight for personal gain but to use his newfound abilities to help his fellow villagers and fight for justice.

The film features some of the most intense and unforgettable fight scenes in martial arts cinema history. Chia-Hui Liu (aka Gordon Liu), the star of the first two 36th Chamber films, returns in this installment as a senior monk who teaches Wei Fung the intricacies of kung fu. Liu's powerful performance and expert choreography add a layer of authenticity to the fight sequences, which are anything but ordinary. The choreography is so intricate and well-executed that it is a joy to watch even after multiple viewings.

The film also features the stunning Lily Li as the romantic interest of Wei Fung. Her graceful movements on the screen are a treat to the eyes and a nice contrast to the intense fight scenes.

Overall, Disciples of the 36th Chamber is a must-see film for anyone who loves martial arts cinema. The intense training sequences, jaw-dropping fight scenes, and inspiring story make this film a classic of the genre. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other kung fu films of the era, it certainly deserves a place among them.

The film also serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of perseverance, self-awareness, and justice. It demonstrates that sometimes the greatest battles we face are not physical but spiritual and that the true meaning of Shaolin kung fu lies in its ability to transform individuals and empower them to make the world a better place.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of kung fu movies, Disciples of the 36th Chamber is not to be missed. It is a film that will leave you breathless, inspired, and eager to train in the art of Shaolin kung fu.

Disciples of the 36th Chamber is a 1985 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.