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Shaolin Prince
Shaolin Prince
Shaolin Prince
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Shaolin Prince (Chinese: 少林傳人) a.k.a. Death Mask of the Ninja, Shaolin Death Mask, and Iron Fingers of Death, is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts-action film released by Shaw Brothers and directed by Tang Chia. It is one of the Shaolin Temple-themed martial arts films and featured Ti Lung, Derek Yee and Jason Pai Piao.

Plot

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The 9th Prince aka "Iron Fingers" conspires to become emperor. To do so, he must kill the current emperor and his two newborn sons, elder brother Tao Hing and his younger brother, Wong Szu Tai, who are protected by their bodyguards, Gu Long and Li Chin. After the emperor is killed, Gu Long and Li Chin escape with the boys, but end up separated after a run-in with the 9th Prince and his two assassins, "Fire Man" and "Water Man". Tao Hing is taken to Shaolin Temple and placed under the care of the "3 Holy Fools" while Wong Szu Tai is placed under the care of Prime Minister Wang (Ku Feng). Growing up, they become unaware of each other's whereabouts or existence. Tao Hing is raised by the 3 Holy Fools, who are forbidden to come out of their dwelling due to corruption in Shaolin Temple. He learns the secret Yijin Jing kung fu style, however, he is naive and knows nothing of his lineage though he carries the emperors royal seal. He constantly gets into fights with a traitorous monk, Dao Kong, who secretly works for the 9th Prince but bests him in every scuffle. Wong Szu Tai however, being raised by the Prime Minister and Gu Long is well aware of the existence of his brother (though he does not know who or where he is), and the treachery of the 9th Prince. Gu Long tells him the only way to beat the 9th Prince is to go to Shaolin and get the Yijin Jing manual. The 9th Prince hears of the existence of Wong Szu Tai and visits the Prime Minister. He attempts to test if Wong knows kung fu but Wong holds back as he realizes he cannot beat the 9th Prince.

After an arranged exorcism by monk Dao Kong goes haywire and leaves Tao Hing to fend for himself, a passing Wong Szu Tai rescues and befriends him. Tao Hing offers to escort Wong Zu Tai to Shaolin, which angers monk Dao Kong as they arrive. Wong Szu Tai fights his way into Shaolin to get the Yijin Jing manual, but he is thwarted by the monks who make him fight through their tests in order to read it. Dao Kong goes to apprehend Tao Hing, but he is defeated as usual. Tao Hing rescues Wong Szu Tai, discovers the corrupt monks, and helps Wong Szu Tai to pass the "18 Buddhas". They are no match for the Buddhas until the 3 Holy Fools intervene, whose house arrest is about to expire. They also allow Tao Hing and Wong Zu Tai to take the Yijin Jing manual. The 9th Prince and Dao Kong go to intercept Tao Hing and Wong Zu Tai at an inn, but Dao Kong is ambushed and killed by Tao Hing. Tao Hing goes with Wong Szu Tai to kill the 9th Princes' puppet emperor, but after eavesdropping on him, Tao Hing realizes the "emperor" is a good man that is just being manipulated by the 9th Prince. This causes a rift between him and Wong Szu Tai after Wong attacks the puppet emperor and Tao Hing is forced to protect him, using the Yijin style on Wong. An angered Wong departs until he's intercepted by Fire Man and Water Man, however Tao Hing arrives, helps him defeat them, and they make amends. They return to the Prime Minister's house but everyone is dead except the Prime Minister and Gu Long. Tao Hing kneels to help Gu Long and accidentally drops the royal seal, which sparks the curiosity of Gu Long thus prompting him to say "we found him!" before he dies. Tao Hing and Wong Szu Tai realize they are brothers and go back to Shaolin to defeat an awaiting 9th Prince. After the 9th Prince is defeated, Wong Szu Tai returns to reclaim his lineage and Tao Hing becomes a senior monk at Shaolin alongside the 3 Holy Fools.

Cast

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Shaolin Prince

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Shaolin Prince is a Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Tang Chia, released in 1982 and produced by Shaw Brothers Studio. The story centers on two young princes separated at birth during a coup, one raised by a prime minister and the other by Shaolin monks, who grow up learning kung fu and eventually reunite to seek revenge against the usurper and reclaim their throne. Starring Ti Lung as one of the princes and Derek Yee as the other, the film blends intense action sequences with comedic elements and innovative fight choreography typical of Shaw Brothers productions. Directed by veteran action choreographer Tang Chia in his directorial debut, Shaolin Prince (original title: Shao Lin chuan ren) features a screenplay by and emphasizes themes of brotherhood, vengeance, and heritage. Key supporting cast includes Jason Pai Piao as the villainous Lord Ninth, known for his iron finger techniques, alongside other Shaw Brothers regulars like . The movie's production highlights the studio's signature style, with elaborate sets, wirework-enhanced fights, and a mix of and fantasy elements, contributing to its reputation for "insane kung fu action." Premiering in on February 25, 1983, the film was distributed in and achieved commercial success, grossing HK$5,227,623 at the . Running 100 minutes, it falls squarely within the genre and has been praised for its energetic pacing and the chemistry between its leads, though it received mixed reviews for its plot simplicity. As one of the later entries in Shaw Brothers' Shaolin-themed series, Shaolin Prince exemplifies the studio's influence on global kung fu cinema during the early .

Production

Development

The Shaolin Prince was conceived in the early at as a Shaolin Temple-themed , aligning with the studio's ongoing production of kung fu epics that capitalized on the genre's popularity. This project emerged during a period when Shaw Brothers sought to blend traditional narratives with innovative storytelling, building on prior successes in the subgenre. Tang Chia's involvement marked his directorial debut, representing a significant transition from his established role as an action choreographer for directors such as and Liu Chia-liang, whose collaborative styles influenced his approach to action sequences and narrative pacing. Having choreographed numerous Shaw Brothers films, including those emphasizing ensemble fight dynamics and historical themes, Tang brought his expertise in kinetic to helm the project, allowing for a seamless integration of spectacle and character-driven conflict. Under the executive production oversight of , the film emphasized fantastical elements such as extensive wirework and to distinguish it from the studio's more realistic offerings, aiming to deliver a visually extravagant experience. , as presenter and key decision-maker, guided the production toward heightened production values, including elaborate sets and innovative visual techniques that enhanced the supernatural aspects of the story. Script development, led by , incorporated the —a traditional Shaolin internal concept involving energy cultivation and physical transformation—as a central to empower the protagonists' abilities, grounding the fantastical narrative in authentic cultural elements. This choice reflected Shaw Brothers' strategy to merge mythological lore with action, creating a framework for the film's exploration of heroism and supernatural prowess.

Filming and Choreography

The principal filming for Shaolin Prince took place at the in , where elaborate interior sets were constructed to depict palace interiors and Shaolin temple environments, supplemented by limited exterior shots to capture the film's period setting. This studio-based approach was typical of Shaw Brothers productions during the early , allowing for controlled execution of the film's action-heavy sequences amid the company's expansive backlots and soundstages. Action was overseen by director Tang Chia, a veteran collaborator with filmmakers like and Chia-liang, in conjunction with a team including Huang Pei-Chih, , Yuen Bun, Kong Chuen, and . The sequences emphasized over-the-top wirework to enhance acrobatic feats, alongside comedic brawls involving multiple combatants that incorporated timing and exaggerated maneuvers for humorous effect. These fights highlighted intricate and exotic weaponry, blending high-energy with the film's lighthearted tone. The film's fantastical elements, particularly the Fire and Water Generals, were realized through practical effects, including pyrotechnics for fiery blasts and explosions, as well as water manipulation rigs to simulate aquatic assaults. These techniques, supported by a substantial budget for visual spectacle, represented ambitious on-set innovations for a 1982 martial arts production, though some effects appear rudimentary by modern standards. Lead actors and underwent regimens to execute Shaolin-inspired martial techniques, with drawing on his established background to infuse the action with realistic footwork and strikes, while exaggerating elements for comedic flair. This preparation enabled the performers to handle the choreography's demands, merging authentic martial forms with the film's playful, overblown style.

Plot and Cast

Plot Summary

The film opens with a at the imperial palace orchestrated by the ambitious , known as Iron Fingers for his deadly steel gauntlet, who assassinates the and seeks to eliminate his newborn heirs to secure the throne. As chaos ensues, loyal guards spirit away the two infant princes: the elder, Tao Hing, is entrusted to three eccentric Shaolin monks confined within the temple for their unorthodox ways, while the younger, Wong Szu Tai, is hidden with Wang, a trusted . Iron Fingers' forces pursue relentlessly, but the princes survive, their identities concealed to protect them from further harm. Years pass, and Tao Hing grows up in seclusion at the Shaolin Temple, raised by the three monks who train him in the secret technique—a historical Shaolin practice adapted in the story to grant him superhuman strength, agility, and resilience. Unaware of his royal bloodline, Tao Hing becomes a formidable martial artist, honing his skills amid the temple's disciplined yet whimsical environment. Meanwhile, Wong Szu Tai is educated in the ways of the court and under Wang's guidance, gradually learning of the usurpation that orphaned him and fueling his desire for justice. The briefly referenced here underscores Tao Hing's transformation into an unparalleled warrior. As adults, the brothers' paths converge when Wong Szu Tai, investigating court intrigues, encounters Tao Hing outside the temple, leading to a revelation of their shared heritage through recounted histories. United by blood and purpose, they form an alliance to challenge Iron Fingers' tyrannical rule, facing off against his elite forces, including elemental generals who wield powers mimicking fire, water, and other forces in spectacular battles. Their journey involves infiltrating the palace, overcoming corrupted temple elements, and engaging in intense confrontations that test their complementary fighting styles—Tao Hing's internal Shaolin power against Wong Szu Tai's precise blade work. The narrative culminates in a climactic assault on Iron Fingers' stronghold, where the brothers defeat the villain and his remaining lieutenants in a fierce showdown, avenging their family and restoring order. With the throne reclaimed, chooses to return to the Shaolin Temple as a senior monk, embracing a life of spiritual discipline over worldly power, while Wong Szu Tai ascends as the rightful ruler. This resolution emphasizes themes of brotherhood, destiny, and the harmony between martial prowess and inner enlightenment.

Cast

The principal cast of Shaolin Prince (1982) features prominent actors from Shaw Brothers Studio's ensemble, typical of the studio's kung fu productions.
ActorRoleNotes
Tao Hing / Dao XingPortrays the Shaolin-raised prince, a disciplined yet humorous warrior who masters the technique.
Wong Szu Tai / Wang Zi-TaiDepicts the palace-raised prince, more refined in demeanor and trained in .
Jason Pai Piao9th Prince / Lord 9th / Iron FingersServes as the primary antagonist, characterized by ruthless ambition and lethal finger strikes in combat.
Prime Minister WangPlays the loyal guardian who raises one of the princes and supports efforts toward restoration.
Supporting roles include Chan Shen as the Abbot of Shaolin Temple, providing guidance to the protagonists; Yuen Wah as Li Chin / Li Zheng, contributing to key action sequences; and Yue Tau-Wan alongside other ensemble members as monks and villains.

Release and Reception

Release

The film had its initial limited release in the United States in January 1982. It was released in Hong Kong on February 25, 1983, under the original Mandarin title Shao Lin chuan ren (translated as Shaolin Successor). Shaw Brothers facilitated wider international distribution through its established networks across Asia, including dubbed versions for export markets. Theatrical screenings were presented in the standard 35mm format. In the , the film became available on , contributing to its among enthusiasts. Modern home media releases include a DVD edition that premiered in on June 27, 2008, and a 1080p edition from Shout! Factory, released as part of the Shaw Brothers Classics Vol. 4 collection on December 19, 2023. In various international markets, the film was released under alternate titles such as Iron Fingers of Death and Death Mask of the , despite the absence of any ninja-themed elements in the story.

Critical Reception

Shaolin Prince received generally positive reception from critics and audiences, particularly for its energetic fusion of , and elements of Shaolin mythology, earning an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 on based on over 500 user votes. Director Tang Chia's debut feature was praised for its skillful blending of humor, wire-assisted "wire-fu" sequences, and Shaolin lore, with reviewers highlighting his background as a choreographer enabling a seamless integration of comedic timing and dynamic fight scenes. The film's average score of 3.5 out of 5 on from nearly 500 ratings underscores its enduring appeal as a lively example of late-era Shaw Brothers filmmaking. Critics lauded the humorous elements, such as the trio of eccentric "mad Shaolin monks" who train the protagonist in slapstick fashion reminiscent of , which injected levity into the otherwise intense narrative. Over-the-top , including the fantastical Fire and Water Generals with their powers and bizarre weaponry like iron fingers and fireball staffs, were seen as innovative for 1982, adding visual flair to the action though occasionally critiqued as excessively campy. The chemistry between leads and was frequently noted for its engaging brotherly dynamic, enhancing the film's emotional core amid the spectacle. In retrospective analyses, the film is positioned as a peak collaboration in cinema, exemplifying Shaw Brothers' frenetic, colorful style and influencing subsequent productions through its inventive choreography and genre-blending approach. However, some reviews pointed to minor flaws, including plot detours that dilute focus and a misleading title that promises ninjas absent from the story, contributing to an uneven narrative pace despite the strong action set pieces. Overall, its choreography's visual spectacle, involving five action directors and extensive wirework, remains a highlight, cementing its status as a fun, if imperfect, gem.

Box Office Performance

Shaolin Prince earned a total of HK$5,227,623 at the upon its release on February 25, 1983, marking it as moderately successful for a Shaw Brothers during a period of intense competition from Lee-inspired productions. This figure positioned it comparably to other mid-tier releases of the year, such as Mad, Mad 83 (HK$5,301,780), amid top earners like Project A (HK$19,323,824). The film achieved strong results in broader Asian markets, leveraging Shaw Brothers' robust distribution infrastructure across , including ownership of over 130 cinemas in regions like and . However, its theatrical earnings in Western markets remained limited until the boom of the introduced Shaw Brothers titles to international audiences via releases. Released during Shaw Brothers' early 1980s decline—when the studio had fallen behind Golden Harvest in dominance and would cease by 1987—the movie nonetheless proved profitable enough to bolster director Tang Chia's career, enabling follow-up projects like Secret Service of the Imperial Court (). In the long term, Shaolin Prince has generated additional revenue through international licensing agreements and digital restorations, with visibility enhanced by its inclusion in Shout Factory's 2023 Blu-ray collection of Shaw Brothers classics.
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