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.
Direction
Lau Kar-Leung's obsessive authentic animal style choreography
Acting
David Chiang's scholar-turned-killer emotional arc
Practical Effects
No wires, all real mantis form suffering and sweat
Director
Lau Kar-Leung
David Chiang Da-Wei
Wai Fung
Lily Li
Gi Gi's Mother
Lau Kar-Wing
Master Tien, Gi Gi's Grandfather
Cecilia Wong
Tien Gi-Gi
Norman Tsui Siu-Keung
Bao Tung, Gi Gi's 4th Uncle
Wai Wang
Emperor Ping Xi
Wilson Tong Wai-Shing
Bao Jiang, Gi Gi's 3rd Uncle
John Cheung Ng-Long
Tien Chung, One of Gi Gi's Uncles
Lee Hoi-Sang
Mongolian Fighter
Gordon Liu Chia-Hui
Shaolin Fighting Monk
Ching Miao
Wai Jing Yuan, Wai Fung's Father
Teresa Ha Ping
Gi Gi's 1st Aunt
Wong Ching-Ho
Teacher Wong
Lun Ga-Chun
Little Fatty, Gi Gi's Servant
Peter Chan Lung
Guard (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Lau Kar-Leung spent months studying real praying mantises to design the fighting style, and it shows in every awkward, deadly arm movement.
The Manchu/Ming conflict reflects actual Qing dynasty tensions, with martial arts schools often serving as covert resistance networks—a theme Shaw Bros milked for decades.
HK
