Martial Arts of Shaolin

Martial Arts of Shaolin is the third collaboration between legendary martial arts filmmaker, Lau Kar-Leung and the rising star of Hong Kong cinema, Jet Li. The film was released in 1986 and it marks Jet Li's third appearance as the legendary folk hero, Wong Fei-Hung. The film also features Jianqiang Hu, and Qiuyan Huang in prominent roles. This film stands as a stellar example of mid-1980s Hong Kong martial arts cinema, a must-watch for fans of the genre, and certainly anyone interested in Jet Li’s filmography.

The film begins with Zhi Ming (Jet Li), a young monk from the Northern Shaolin Temple, plotting to exact revenge on the Manchu emperor's forces who had killed his family. Zhi Ming's vengeful ambitions are disapproved of by the temple's elders, who prefer to maintain Shaolin’s status as a monastic sanctuary rather than a training ground for rebels. Undeterred, Zhi Ming slips away from the temple and heads south to the province of Zhengzhou. Along the way, he encounters numerous setbacks and allies, and his story becomes one of personal growth as he learns about the broader world beyond the walls of the Shaolin Temple.

The subplot involves Zhi Ming's relationships with Sima Yan (Jianqiang Hu) and Yan's sister, Sima Lin (Qiuyan Huang). Sima Yan, a skilled martial artist himself, also seeks revenge against the same Manchu general. A friendly rivalry develops between the two young men, which is further complicated by the presence of Sima Lin, adding an emotional crescendo to the tale. Sima Lin is portrayed as a formidable heroine; a character that brings a welcome, gender-balanced perspective to the genre, while adding depth and dynamic nuances to the narrative.

Martial Arts of Shaolin is much more than a simple revenge story, however. The film offers an exploration of Shaolin philosophy and Zen Buddhism's teachings on anger, suffering, and the path to enlightenment. Zhi Ming's spiritual journey runs parallel to his physical journey, as he struggles to reconcile his desire for revenge with the peaceful teachings of his Shaolin masters. This deeper emotional layer gives a weighty significance to what might have otherwise been a typical martial arts revenge film.

Martial Arts of Shaolin marks a dynamic progression in both narrative and choreography, showcasing a vast array of Chinese martial arts styles. This film sees Jet Li demonstrate not just his signature Shaolin Kung Fu, but also other fighting styles such as the animal-based techniques of Monkey Fist and Crane styles, as well as the art of Drunken Boxing. Likewise, the movie is littered with stunningly choreographed set-piece battles that take place in a variety of imaginative environments. These include epic battles atop moving horse-drawn carriages, narrow bridge crossings, and bamboo forests in vast Chinese landscapes.

Martial Arts of Shaolin is also notable for being the first co-production between Hong Kong's Shaw Brothers studio and mainland China's Xi'an Film Studio. This partnership allowed for the film to be shot entirely on location in China, a rarely seen film backdrop in the mid-1980s with global audiences. The film captures a genuine slice of 18th-century China, contributing to a visually richer and more authentic interpretation of the historical period.

In the Pantheon of martial arts cinema, Martial Arts of Shaolin emerges as an essential entry. Helmed by the iconic Lau Kar-Leung and headlined by the incomparable Jet Li, it strikes a potent blend of hard-hitting martial arts action and a solid narrative arc. The performances are masterfully executed and the cinematography stunning, making it a worthwhile spectacle for any lover of martial arts cinema or aficionado of Hong Kong cinema from that era.

In conclusion, Martial Arts of Shaolin is indeed a fine blend of martial arts thrills and cultural philosophy, worthy of its place in martial arts film history. It's a movie invested in the journey and transformation of its protagonist, striking a balance between quiet introspection and high-octane fight scenes. It offers a captivating portrayal of strength, resilience, and spiritual growth, deeply embedded in the tenets of Shaolin Kung Fu, making it an enduring classic in the vast martial arts film universe.