Watch The Mystery of Chess Boxing

The Mystery of Chess Boxing is a kung fu movie from 1979 directed by the legendary martial arts choreographer Joseph Kuo. The film stars several notable actors from the genre, including Jack Long, Yi-Min Li, and Kuan-Wu Lung. The story follows Ah Pao, a young man who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. His father, who is a former master, wants Ah Pao to stay away from martial arts and instead focus on his studies. However, Ah Pao ignores his father's wishes and begins to train under a mysterious kung fu master who teaches him the art of "Chess Boxing."

Chess Boxing is a unique style of kung fu that combines the strategy of chess with the physicality of boxing. Ah Pao quickly rises through the ranks and becomes a formidable opponent, catching the attention of a local gang leader who seeks to defeat him.

Meanwhile, a group of corrupt officials are terrorizing the village and extorting its inhabitants. Ah Pao and his fellow Chess Boxers decide to take matters into their own hands and fight back against the corrupt officials, leading to a thrilling showdown between good and evil.

The Mystery of Chess Boxing is known for its fast-paced action sequences and unique fighting styles. The Chess Boxing scenes, in particular, are a sight to behold, as the characters move in a fluid and rhythmic manner, using their fists and feet to execute precise attacks and defenses, all while thinking strategically like a chess player.

The film also features a colorful cast of characters, including a comic relief monk who adds levity to the intense fight scenes, and a menacing villain who is determined to defeat Ah Pao and his friends at any cost.

The movie's soundtrack is another highlight, featuring funky and upbeat tracks that perfectly complement the action on screen. The overall production design, from the costumes to the sets, also helps to transport the viewer into a world of ancient Chinese martial arts.

Despite being almost 40 years old, The Mystery of Chess Boxing remains a beloved classic within the kung fu genre. Its unique combination of chess strategy and high-octane action set it apart from other martial arts movies of its time, and its influence can still be seen in modern films and video games.

Overall, The Mystery of Chess Boxing is a must-watch for fans of the kung fu genre and anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining martial arts movie experience.

The Mystery of Chess Boxing is a 1979 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.