Ching Siu-Tung has been a staple of the Hong Kong film industry for well over fifty years in numerous capacities. He’s been a stunt coordinator, an action choreographer, a director, and an actor. He may be best known as a director, having helmed classics such as Dr. Wai in the Scripture with No Words, the Swordsman trilogy, and the A Chinese Ghost Story trilogy. Throughout much of the ’70s, he focused on acting in high-octane martial arts films, including the underrated Shaw Brothers classic from 1979, Monkey Kung Fu (aka Stroke of Death). While his greatest achievements in the film may have been behind the camera, he still managed to make his mark on camera for the legendary company genre fans have long adored.
Having escaped custody, Ching (Ching Siu-Tung) and Zhou (Hau Chiu-Sing) are trying to keep themselves hidden from a local crime family. While behind bars, Ching was given only half of a medallion by a fellow prisoner. On the outside, the two men think if they find the other half, they’ll find riches beyond their beliefs, but instead, it hides a deadly secret only they can master. Once this secret is in their possession, their enemies will regret ever having picked this fight.
Monkey Kung Fu follows a pretty familiar template yet still manages to offer up several exciting fight scenes mixed with that off-beat sense of humor we’ve grown to know and love. While it’s great to see the film in its original language with English subtitles, there’s something about the English-language dubbed track that is really nostalgic. It reminds me of the days of Kung Fu Theater, anticipating the moment when you could sit in front of the TV, laugh a little, and marvel at the acrobatic skills of the performers.
RELATED: ‘Sakra’ Review: Donnie Yen Delivers Once Again
Monkey Kung Fu delivers on all fronts, and the two leads, Ching and Hau, are both enigmatic and exciting. Director Mar Lo knows what to do, how to do it, and when, making this an essential title in the Shaw Brothers catalog.
The limited-edition release from 88 Films/88 Asia includes a slipcase with new artwork from R.P. “Kung Fu Bob” O’Brien, a booklet with notes written by Andrew Graves, and a double-sided foldout poster. On the disc, you can expect an HD remaster from the original negative, a commentary track from Kenneth Brorsson and Phil Gillon of the Podcast On Fire Network, an interview with choreographer Tony Leung Siu-Hung, and more. It’s a terrific package and an ultra-fun film you won’t want to miss.
