The Iron-Fisted Monk

The Iron-Fisted Monk

UK DVD cover
Traditional 三德和尚與舂米六
Simplified 三德和尚与舂米六
Mandarin Sān Dé Hé Shàng Yǔ Chōng Mǐ Liù
Cantonese Saam1 Dak1 Wo4 Seong2 Jyu2 Zung1 Mai2 Leok6
Directed by Sammo Hung
Produced by Raymond Chow
Written by
Starring
Music by Frankie Chan
Cinematography Lee Yiu-ting
Edited by Peter Cheung
Production
company
Distributed by Golden Harvest
Release date
  • 25 August 1977 (1977-08-25)
Running time
 93 minutes
Country Hong Kong
Language Cantonese
Box office HK$2.28 million[1]

The Iron-Fisted Monk is a 1977 Hong Kong martial arts film written and directed by Sammo Hung in his directorial debut, who also starred in the lead role. The film co-stars Chan Sing and James Tien. The film was released in the Hong Kong on 25 August 1977.

Plot

Hawker (Sammo Hung), is sent to the Shaolin Temple by the Iron Fisted Monk (Chan Sing), after he saves Hawker from a beating by the Manchu's. After being trained by his master (James Tien) he runs away from the temple, only to be confronted by his master and forced to take the four tests. Whilst this is happening, an official (Fung Hak-on) is indulging in his passion for raping women, and is virtually above the law as he is a powerful Manchu officer. He begins by raping Liang's (Lo Hoi-pang) sister (Chu Ching), who then commits suicide and makes Liang a very angry man. Liang takes his revenge by killing one of those pesky Manchus but everyone thinks Hawker is responsible.

Both Liang and Hawker go to meet the Iron Fisted Monk who convinces Hawker to teach all the workers at the dye factory kung fu, so they can defend themselves against the Manchus. The final act involves the Manchus' butchering of the workers from the dye factory, rape of Liang's wife and the murder of his mother. When Liang eventually dies from his wounds, both Hawker and the Iron Fisted Monk swear vengeance on the Manchus and it is delivered.

Cast

Release

The film grossed HK$2,283,594.40 during its 15-week theatrical run.[1] It was released on DVD on 29 October 2001 in the UK[2] and 7 September 2004 in the US.[3]

Reception

Almar Haflidason of BBC Online rated it 4/5 stars and recommended it to Sammo Hung fans.[2] J. Doyle Wallis of DVD Talk rated it 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Iron-Fisted Monk moves briskly with some solid fights and a decent story".[3] David Johnson of DVD Verdict wrote, "A lackadaisical start gives way to a relentless hand-to-hand spectacle of zaniness".[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "The Iron Fisted Monk (1977)". Hong Kong Movie Database. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
  2. 1 2 Haflidason, Almar. "Iron Fisted Monk DVD (1977)". BBC Online. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
  3. 1 2 Wallis, J. Doyle (2004-09-20). "The Iron-Fisted Monk". DVD Talk. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
  4. ↑ Johnson, David (2004-10-14). "The Iron-Fisted Monk". DVD Verdict. Retrieved 2015-12-15.
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