Director Chu Yuan was already famous for his many collaborations with respected novelist Ku Lung and for his introduction of detective thriller ingredients into the martial arts movie genre. But this production was made even more special by the rare presence of superstar David Chiang. Here he gives another great performance as kung-fu knight Shen Lang, who stumbles across grave robbers while on the trail of a martial arts mass murderer. There's intrigue, betrayals, and battles galore before the last plot is revealed and the final murderer is defeated.
Direction
Chor Yuen's labyrinthine sets and vertigo-inducing camera angles.
Acting
David Chiang's smoldering intensity as the reluctant detective swordsman.
Production
Gothic Shaw Brothers studio craftsmanship at its most baroque.
Director
Chor Yuen
David Chiang Da-Wei
Shen Lang
Ching Li
Zhu Qi Qi
Wong Chung
Jin Wu Wang
Chen Ping
Madam Wang
Candice Yu On-On
Bai Fei Fei
Danny Lee Sau-Yin
Panda
Lo Lieh
Happy King
Ching Miao
Li Chang Chun
Norman Tsui Siu-Keung
Li's swordsman
Ai Fei
Tsui Re Yu
Lam Fai-Wong
Priest Li
Eddie Koo Koon Chung
Wang Lian Hua
Lau Wai-Ling
Old woman
Wai Wang
Fang Pan Yang
Teresa Ha Ping
Chun Qiu
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of David Chiang's rare appearances in a Chor Yuen wuxia; he usually worked with Chang Cheh, making this a fascinating stylistic collision.
The film exemplifies the 'wuxia mystery' subgenre Chu Yuan pioneered—essentially transplanting Agatha Christie structures into Jianghu underworld settings.
HK
