Watch Stranger from Shaolin

Stranger from Shaolin is a classic martial arts film from the year 1977, which tells the story of a skilled warrior who travels from his hometown to another land in quest of his deceased friend's murderer. The movie is written, directed, and starred by Il-do Jang and features Cecilia Wong and Il-shik Jang in supporting roles. The plot of Stranger from Shaolin takes place during the Qing Dynasty, which was marked by political turmoil and constant conflicts. The protagonist, Guan Sheng-ying (played by Il-do Jang), is a martial artist from Shaolin Temple, known for his exceptional skills in Kung Fu, sword fighting, and other forms of combat. He sets out to avenge the death of his friend, who was killed by a traitor in their hometown. Guan's journey takes him to another province, where he discovers that the murderer is a well-known official who has powerful allies and is beyond the reach of common people.

Determined to seek justice for his friend, Guan fights against the villain's henchmen and gains the attention of a resistance group fighting against the corrupt officials. The group's leader, Hua Man-lien (Cecilia Wong), is impressed by Guan's skills and bravery and recruits him in their cause, which involves stealing a precious seal from the chief of the corrupt officials. The seal is vital for their resistance as it symbolizes the emperor's approval and legitimizes their fight against corruption.

To achieve the task, Guan and the team engage in intense battles, including a breathtaking fight scene where Guan fights against multiple attackers while blindfolded. Along the way, Guan also encounters a naive but skilled young warrior, Fan, who accompanies him in his journey and helps him in his fights. The movie features several breathtaking fight scenes that are a treat for any martial arts movie fan, with smooth choreography and intense action sequences.

One of the film's strengths is the character development of the protagonist, Guan, who starts as a lone warrior, seeking revenge for his friend's death, and ends up becoming a part of a larger cause to fight against corruption and tyranny. The movie's themes include loyalty, courage, and heroism, set against the backdrop of a corrupt regime, where justice is scarce and power rules.

Another unique aspect of Stranger from Shaolin is the portrayal of women characters in the movie, who are not just mere damsels in distress but play significant roles in the story. Hua Man-lien, the resistance group's leader, is a strong and intelligent woman who not only fights alongside Guan but also strategizes their plan of action. Fan's sister, Yen, is another notable character who uses her charm and wit to deceive the villain's henchmen and help Guan and the group.

Overall, Stranger from Shaolin is an excellent example of classic martial arts cinema, with its intricate fight scenes, well-developed characters, and engaging storyline. It is a must-watch for any fan of the genre and a testament to the skills of the cast and crew who made this gem of a movie.

Stranger from Shaolin is a 1977 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.