Shaolin Mantis (1978)
1h 40m | PG-13
When scholar Wei Fung is forcibly hired by the Manchu Emperor to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming Loyalists, his mission goes adrift when he falls in love with the clan's leader's granddaughter. Wei Fung must choose between his new love and his family, who will be put to death if he doesn't return to the palace successfully.
Director: Lau Kar-Leung
Studio: Shaw Brothers
Genre: Action, Drama
Video: 720p
Cast
David Chiang Da-Wei
as Wai Fung
Lily Li
as Gi Gi's Mother
Lau Kar-Wing
as Master Tien, Gi Gi's Grandfather
Cecilia Wong
as Tien Gi-Gi
Norman Tsui Siu-Keung
as Bao Tung, Gi Gi's 4th Uncle
Wai Wang
as Emperor Ping Xi
Reviews
As others have complained, the first half can be boring just because it's mostly plot; however, once you get to 45 minutes in, expect an hour straight of kick-ass, blistering choreography. Don't blink! I was leaning towards a 7/10, but the action is just good enough that I bumped it up. Get that 88 Films blu-ray while it's available!