The Iron-Fisted Monk
| The Iron-Fisted Monk | |
|---|---|
| File:IronFistedMonk DVDcover.jpg UK DVD cover | |
| Directed by | Sammo Hung |
| Written by | Huang Feng Sammo Hung Yu Ting |
| Produced by | Raymond Chow |
| Starring | Sammo Hung Chen Sing James Tien Fung Hark-on Casanova Wong |
| Cinematography | Lee Yao-ting |
| Edited by | Chang Yao Chung |
| Music by | Chen Hsun Chi |
Release date |
|
Running time | 93 min |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Language | Cantonese |
| Budget | HK $100,000 |
| Box office | HK $2,283,594.40 |
The Iron-Fisted Monk (Chinese: 三德和尚与舂米六) 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 Chen Sing and James Tien. The film was released in the Hong Kong on 25 August 1977.
Plot
Husker, who was sent to the Shaolin Temple by the Iron Fisted Monk (Chen Sing), after he saved Sammo 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 Fung Hark-On in divulging 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 (Chu Ching) sister, 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 Sammo is responsible.
Both Liang and Husker go to meet the Iron Fisted Monk who convinces Sammo 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 the workers (Lam Ching Ying, Eric Tsang, Mars et al) from the dye factory and rape of Liang's wife and his mother's murder. When Liang eventually dies from his wounds, both Husker and the Iron Fisted Monk swear vengeance on the Manchus and it is delivered.
Cast
- Sammo Hung - Husker / Hawker
- Chen Sing - Tak / Shan Teh (The Iron Fisted Monk)
- James Tien - Husker's Master
- Casanova Wong - Shaolin disciple
- Lam Ching Ying - Shu-Liu worker
- Fung Hak-on - Rapist Official
- Dean Shek - Goofy Manchu
- Yam Sai-kun - Manchu thug
- Wu Ma - Boatman in brothel
- Chung Fat - Shu-Liu worker
- Chan Lung - Manchu thug
- Eric Tsang - Shu-Liu worker
- Mars - Shu-Liu worker
- Tony Liu - Enemy
- Billy Chan
Production Notes
After the success of The Shaolin Plot, Sammo Hung's first starring role, Sammo asked a producer working at Golden Harvest if he could direct a movie, he agreed and wrote the script for Hung, while Hung directed and starred in the movie.
Box Office
The film was a modest hit at the box office grossing HK $2,283,594.40 during its 15-week theatrical run and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. An export version was created and released in the UK in 1978. The film was not released on any home media in the UK until 1998.
Home media
On 29 October 2001, DVD was released by Hong Kong Legends in the United Kingdom in Region 2.