He nan Song shan Shao Lin Si (1981) Online

For some reason this fine old Joseph Kuo feature disappeared for a while. But it is available on DVD, and if you enjoy old-school kung-fu flicks, I think you will find this highly entertaining. The characters are all likable, the martial arts exquisite, the endangered-princess storyline a classic. It's very fast paced, and moves well between episodes of fighting, occasional fits of comedy, and there's even a touch of drama in the relationship between one of the monks and an old friend who has since become a nasty Ching general. The final battle is a wild mêlée and the ending teeters on the tragic without falling over the cliff. This is a film to enjoy again and again.

Another Ching-vs-Shaolin conflict film, this one has a young princess sheltered at the temple with a dedicated soldier to protect her, and a slew of earnest monks to teach him their special kung-fu styles.

One of the most out-right fun martial arts pics of its era. The heroes are all bold determination and wide-eyed wonder, the monks perform with wit and energy - even the villainous general has an attractive side to him, an undeniable charm. The pace is furious and the martial arts action never lets up - it's by Joseph Kuo, one of the legendary non-Shaw directors of the 'chop-socky' era, who really knew how to work Buddhist themes into his films.

Particularly love the interpretation of drunken boxing in this film. Highly recommended.

SHAOLIN TEMPLE STRIKES BACK is a yet another Shaolin-themed movie and one directed by the hard-working Joseph Kuo, a man who seemed to be preoccupied with Buddhist themes and monk characters. However, there are no trap-filled temples in this one, no bronze or wooden men, just a straightforward adventure storyline about ruthless Ching invaders, Ming rebels, and a Ming princess who seeks refuge in the Shaolin temple.

The plot is quite simplistic and almost writes itself at times. Despite the deadly seriousness of the set up, there's time for hijinks and low brow humour, although none of the characters are particularly likable or interesting. The mega villain in his outlandish 'warlord' garb is more fun. The film suffers from the usual awful dubbing, particularly for the princess character, although there's a ton of action to keep you watching. Most of it is quite routine but certainly watchable.

Where SHAOLIN TEMPLE STRIKES BACK excels is in the massive, fight-filled climax which takes place in the Shaolin courtyard. This is a sprawling and gory battle which includes such bizarre elements as an iron-skinned giant who is impervious to sword strikes and our monk hero incorporating drunken boxing style to battle his opponent. Blood and limbs fly freely into the air and there's a ton of kicking, beating, and breaking. The final one on one is crazy as neither side will give in and the opponents just go on and on with beating each other into submission.