Watch Five Shaolin Masters

Five Shaolin Masters is an action-packed martial arts movie directed by Chang Cheh and released in 1974. The movie stars David Chiang, Lung Ti, and Sheng Fu, among others. The film follows the story of a group of kung fu masters who must come together to stop a corrupt ruler and his army from taking over the Shaolin Temple. The story is set during the Qing Dynasty in China, where the Shaolin Temple is a place of refuge for rebel fighters against the corrupt government. The temple is led by Abbot Hung Hsi Kuan, played by Lung Ti, who is reluctant to engage in any uprising against the government. However, his peaceful stance is compromised when the government's general Qi Jiguang, played by Ku Feng, sets his sights on the temple and seeks to destroy it.

Three of the five primary Shaolin masters are introduced early in the film: the bo staff expert Han Wen Ting played by David Chiang, the iron whip wielder Liang Feng played by Ti Lung, and the blade specialist Meng Hu played by Sheng Fu. Together, they begin training a group of kung fu students in preparation for the inevitable battle with the corrupt government.

The plot thickens when Abbot Hung Hsi Kuan is taken captive and tasked with leading the government's army against the Shaolin Temple. This leaves the temple vulnerable, and the remaining Shaolin masters come forward to protect it. The plot then shifts into high gear as the Shaolin masters engage in a series of intense battles with the government's forces.

The fight scenes are choreographed to perfection, showcasing each of the Shaolin masters' unique fighting styles. The acrobatic and elegant fighting style of Han Wen Ting is contrasted with the ferocious, animalistic style of Liang Feng, and the precise blade play of Meng Hu. These fight scenes, coupled with amazing cinematography, create a visual spectacle that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

One of the film's most memorable scenes involves the Shaolin masters fighting their way through a maze of bamboo traps. The scene is a nod to the classic kung fu films of the time, and it's executed flawlessly, showing off each of the character's skills and personalities.

Five Shaolin Masters is not just another martial arts movie; it's a movie that emphasizes the importance of loyalty and brotherhood. Cheh does an excellent job of building a sense of camaraderie and respect between the characters. The film shows us that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope when we band together and fight for what is right.

Overall, Five Shaolin Masters is a true masterpiece of its time. The movie is a must-watch for fans of the martial arts genre, and it's a great introduction for those looking to dive deeper into the world of kung fu cinema. It's an exciting, action-packed movie that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Five Shaolin Masters is a 1974 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.