The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
Reviews
No Such Agency
Alternately known as The Master Killer and Shaolin Master Killer... This is the film to watch if you would like to watch classical martial arts weapons put in action by professional martial artists, not mere actors. Master Killer contains one of the longest and most impressive martial arts training montages ever put to film. I would like to add that Shaolin (2011) is in the same caliber of this movie, but with modern cinematography techniques and beautiful dark forest coloring. Use of the triple section staff (triple-staff)(tri-staff) | Use of Dual Kung Fu swords or Dao (double butterfly) (double broadsword) (double tiger hook) | Use of Bo Staff. In short, you will not grab so much weapon use from any other martial arts movie. - No Such Agency
BornKnight
Almost half a century ago, one of the greatest Kung-Fu and preexponents of the genre, 少林三十六房 was done, being directed by Lau Kar-leung and written by I Kuang and tells the story of a village young student named Liu Yude that is drawn by his activist teacher into the local rebellion against the Manchu government. But the plans to overturn the evil general Tien Ta are discovered and a massacre follows - Liu Yude (played by), escapes and join the Shao Lin Temple to learn the martial arts in 7 years and returns now, as Monk San Te to confront and crush the oppressive regime, while coming out as the Master of the 36th chamber, created by him to enlist new followers. The great thing about this movie is the training sequences that make up for 75% of the movie, through them Liu becomes a Master of the arts by full determination and learns self-discipline. Formulaic as every other Kung Fu movie of the 70's the training steps differentiate this from other movies. Quite good Kung Fu scenes on the right time (nothing rushed) and beautiful choreography. The negative spots can be named as the blood (common red ink by the way) and the number of scenes filmed on studio - if their where done in the open the movie could be a lot better than it is. On the genre, a solid 9.0 out of 10.0 / A score, and a must watch to the genre fans.
CinemaSerf
When "Liu/San Te" (Chia-Hui Liu) proves lucky to escape with his life after an attack by the governing Manchu on the school in which he "teaches", and in which his father is killed, he determines to seek out the legendary Shaolin monks and learn the art of kung fu. His work with these monks is a bit ignominious - a seemingly perpetual job sweeping leaves and keeping their monastery tidy, but a chance meeting with the sagely Abbot gives him a change to learn. Rather arrogantly he opts for the 35th level - and is soon taught one of the core values of their order. Humility. Starting again from scratch and after a few duckings in the water en route to dinner, he quickly masters not just the martial skills, but also becomes imbued in the peaceful and honourable traditions of Buddhism. His spiritual leader is sympathetic to his true purpose, though, and soon he is foraying into the countryside to wreak havoc and revenge on those who destroyed his home and his family. This is a solid and entertaining revenge story with plenty of action and quite a considered look at just how cerebral a way many of these essentially self-defence techniques were designed to be employed. Yes, much of the combat action is extremely well choreographed and does frequently lack any sense of authenticity - except, perhaps, at the end of the story when a duel with nemesis "General Tien Ta" (Lieh Lo) showcases the nimbleness of the young man's newly acquired patience and dexterity. This is a well paced adventure that avoids the trap of endless, repetitive, fight scenes; it nods it's head to the codes of decency and tolerance that underpin the lives of the monks and their teachings - and still manages to find a novel use for a bowl of rice.
Movie Recommendation
The One-Armed Swordsman1967-07-26A noble swordsman, whose arm had been chopped off, returns to his former teacher to defend him from a villainous gang of rival swordsmen.More...
Return to the 36th Chamber1980-08-24The workers of a dye factory have their pay cut by 20% when the factory owner brings in some Manchu thugs to try and increase production. Desperate to reclaim their full wages, the workers hire an actor to impersonate a priest and kung-fu expert from the temple of Shaolin. The factory owner proves the actor a fraud, and punishes all those involved. The young actor feels he has let the workers down, and promises to atone. He sets out for Shaolin, determined to be accepted as a kung-fu pupil at the elite temple.More...
A-1 Headline2004-09-09Ling is a fashion columnist whose ex-boyfriend died in a car accident. Debt collectors Fei and Ma are eyewitnesses on the scene and Fei is certain that Peter's death is more than just an accident. The weird and suspicious act that news Chief Editor Tsang recently displays convinces Ling of what Fei says. Ling pleads for the assistance of both Fei and Ma. With newspaper photographer Kei also volunteering to help, the quartet embanks on a journey to track down the truth. How much truth will tomorrow's headline news reveal?More...
Three Orphan Kittens1935-10-26Three orphan kittens are entering a society house in winter and ruin the furniture. But when they're caught by the maid, the young daughter of the house "rescues" them from the cold outside.More...
The School Girls1970-10-23Mockumentary about German schoolgirls openly talking about their scandalous sexual experiences. Some of these are illustrated through inserted vignettes. Also, a street reporter asks actual common folk about their views on sex.More...
The Boxer's Omen1983-10-23After his brother was crippled in the ring by a cheating Thai boxer, Chan Hung goes to Thailand to avenge his brother, and finds the key to an omen which may release their family from an ancient curse. He is then caught up in a spiraling web of fate, Buddhist curses, and black magic.More...
Achoo2017-11-15In ancient China, a little dragon who can't breath fire will fight to overcome his weakness in order to take part in the New Year's celebration.More...
Sita Sings the Blues2008-02-11Utilizing the 1920s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw, the epic Indian tale of exiled prince Ramayana and his bride Sita is mirrored by a spurned woman's contemporary personal life, and light-hearted but knowledgeable discussion of historical background by a trio of Indian shadow puppets.More...
The Executioner1974-08-10Three men, the skilled ninja Ryuichi Koga, the deadly assassin and former drug detective Takeshi Hayato, and the criminal mastermind Ichiro Sakura work together to take out an infamous drug dealer.More...
The Shadow Boxing1979-02-15Lau Kar-leung returns to the success of his first directed film, "The Spiritual Boxer," which also stars the original film's bumbling ghost controller, Wong Yu. Hoping to make the lightning of success strike in the same place, Lau had his two brothers Lau Kar-Wing and Gordon Liu not only act but also help with the fights. The end result is a martial arts film masterpiece filled with breathtaking action and set pieces.More...
Sarutobi Sasuke and the Army of Darkness 2 - The Earth Chapter2004-01-02After a bloody battle, Sarutobi Sasuke, his lord, and his students, retreat to a hideout in the middle of a forest awaiting for new orders. At the same time, Genyusai, an ancient and immortal evil, returns, and blood ties are revealed. Part 2 of 4 Sarutobi Sasuke Series.More...
Two Thousand Maniacs!1964-03-20Six people are lured into a small Deep South town for a Centennial celebration where the residents kill them one by one as revenge for the town's destruction during the Civil War.More...
Evilspeak1981-08-22Bullied by classmates, a pudgy military-school student fights back by computer with the devil.More...
Five Fingers of Death1972-04-28A young boxer joins a martial arts school to increase his skill so he can enter a martial arts competition. He leaves the school when he hears that a local gangster is terrorizing the town. He comes to the aid of a young singer and brings on the wrath of the local gang. He eventually enters the martial arts competition after learning iron palm technique and takes out all competition.More...
The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter1984-02-17The Yangs are betrayed by a government official conspiring with the Mongols. All of the Yang family males except the 5th and 6th brother are killed. Fu Sheng loses his mind after the death of his family, while the other brother takes refuge in a Buddhist temple.More...
The Narrow Margin1952-05-03A tough cop meets his match when he has to guard a gangster's widow on a train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles.More...
The Mercenary1968-12-20While a Mexican revolutionary lies low as a U.S. rodeo clown, the cynical Polish mercenary who tutored the idealistic peasant tells how he and a dedicated female radical fought for the soul of the guerrilla general Paco, as Mexicans threw off repressive government and all-powerful landowners in the 1910s. Tracked by the vengeful Curly, Paco liberates villages, but is tempted by social banditry's treasures, which Kowalski revels in.More...
Jean-Claude van Damme: Karate King2023-03-17An American low-budget action film celebrated an unexpected worldwide success in 1988: "Bloodsport". With its, the world of film fans and martial arts cinema discovered a new idol: Jean-Claude Van Damme. In the 1970s there was Bruce Lee, but at the end of the 1980s a Belgian won the day. Van Damme was a karate master and had unparalleled strength and flexibility. For ten years he was one of Hollywood's hottest action stars. But excessive overconfidence and drugs bring him down again. At home in Europe he becomes a laughing stock on talk shows. Only with "JCVD" does he manage to get back on his feet, playing his character with perspective and self-irony, but without ever giving up the reputation that his action films brought him and which has been a cult for several generations. The highs and lows of his eventful life are told through archive footage and contributions from people close to the popular Belgian actor.More...
Support Your Local Sheriff!1969-03-26In the old west, a man becomes a Sheriff just for the pay, figuring he can decamp if things get tough.More...
Last Three Days2020-11-13After getting mixed up with a dangerous crime syndicate, an undercover cop wakes up to discover he is missing his partner, his wife, and three days of his life.More...
Similar Movies
The Kung Fu Kids II
1986-04-28Get set for more kung foolery with everybody's favorite warrior waifs! After being trained as unbeatable kung fu fighters by their cantankerous grandpa, the three kung fu kids move to the big city and become adored media stars. Then they discover the nice old lady who took them in is actually their gradma herself a magical kung fu master! So, when grandpa shows up to claim the kids, granny challenges the old man to a hilarious, no holds barred battle to decide once and for all who's champ. Join the high kickin, special effects filled fun and adventure with the Young Dragons in Young Dragons The Kung Fu Kids IIZatoichi
2003-09-06Blind traveler Zatoichi is a master swordsman and a masseur with a fondness for gambling on dice games. When he arrives in a village torn apart by warring gangs, he sets out to protect the townspeople.Kill Bill: Vol. 1
2003-10-10An assassin is shot by her ruthless employer, Bill, and other members of their assassination circle – but she lives to plot her vengeance.Absolute Power
1997-02-14A master thief coincidentally is robbing a house where a murder—in which the President of the United States is involved—occurs in front of his eyes. He is forced to run, while holding evidence that could convict the President.Hero
2002-07-22During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.Crouching Tiger, Hidd...
2000-07-06Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically-skilled, teenage nobleman's daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life.Mortal Kombat: Annihi...
1997-11-11A group of heroic warriors has only six days to save the planet in "Mortal Kombat Annihilation." To succeed they must survive the most spectacular series of challenges any human, or god, has ever encountered as they battle an evil warlord bent on taking control of Earth.House of Flying Dagge...
2004-08-03In 9th century China, a corrupt government wages war against a rebel army called the Flying Daggers. A romantic warrior breaks a beautiful rebel out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they seem.Hard to Kill
1990-02-09Mason Storm, a 'go it alone' cop, is gunned down at home. The intruders kill his wife, and think they've killed both Mason and his son too. Mason is secretly taken to a hospital where he spends several years in a coma. His son meanwhile is growing up thinking his father is dead. When Mason wakes up, everyone is in danger - himself, his son, his best friend, his nurse - but most of all those who arranged for his deathRed Heat
1988-06-17A tough Russian policeman is forced to partner up with a cocky Chicago police detective when he is sent to Chicago to apprehend a Georgian drug lord who killed his partner and fled the country.On Deadly Ground
1994-02-18Forrest Taft is an environmental agent who works for the Aegis Oil Company in Alaska. Aegis Oil's corrupt CEO is the kind of person who doesn't care whether or not oil spills into the ocean or onto the land—just as long as it's making money for him.The Glimmer Man
1996-10-04A former government operative renowned for his stealth, Jack Cole is now a Los Angeles police detective. When a series of horrible murders occurs in the metro area, Cole is assigned to the case, along with tough-talking fellow cop Jim Campbell. Although the two men clash, they gradually become effective partners as they uncover a conspiracy linked to the killings, which also involves terrorism and organized crime.Forbidden Warrior
2004-01-01The Gaia Za is a sacred tome that holds many ancient and powerful spells to be unlocked by a so-called Chosen One expected to be born to one of two leading families: the Khans or the Marajis. Unwilling to leave the clan's fate to the gods, Che Khan decides to take matters into his own hands by plotting the murder of a new Maraji baby, who may be the child in question. In doing so, he sets off a furious clash.Unleashed
2005-02-02Raised as a slave, Danny is used to fighting for his survival. In fact, his "master," Bart, thinks of him as a pet and goes as far as leashing him with a collar so they can make money in fight clubs, where Danny is the main contender. When Bart's crew is in a car accident, Danny escapes and meets a blind, kindhearted piano tuner who takes him in and uses music to free the fighter's long-buried heart.My Lucky Stars
1985-02-10Two Hong Kong cops are sent to Tokyo to catch an ex-cop who stole a large amount of money in diamonds. After one is captured by the Ninja-gang protecting the rogue cop, the other one gets his old Orphanage gang, dubbed the "Five Lucky Stars," to help him. They don't like this much, but they do it.District B13
2004-11-09Set in the ghettos of Paris in 2010, an undercover cop and ex-thug try to infiltrate a gang in order to defuse a neutron bomb.Attack Force
2006-12-05Marshall Lawson is the commander of an elite military unit. Marshall Lawson loses his strike-team in a cold-blooded and seemingly random attack, and he takes it upon himself to investigate the attack, with the help of his girlfriend Tia and his friend Dwayne.Escape from L.A.
1996-08-09Into the 9.6-quaked Los Angeles of 2013 comes Snake Plissken. His job: wade through L.A.'s ruined landmarks to retrieve a doomsday device.Bongcheon Tiger Lee
2019-11-01It's the return of the "The Age of the Wild Men"! Lee Sang-dae is known as the 'Bongcheon Tiger' who knocks out all fighters with his head. He begins a fight to teach his friend, Hak-cheol, a lesson, as he is on the side of the Japanese and bullying innocent people.The Hard Corps
2005-07-29An Army veteran assembles a team of bodyguards to protect a former boxer. Complications arise when the boxer suspects his sister may be romantically involved with the bodyguard.