This week for Mubi Monday we’re switching things up a little bit. That’s right, we’re looking at a kung fu movie this week with…Five Fingers of Death (1972).
Title: Five Fingers of Death aka King Boxer
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Released: April 28, 1972 (Hong Kong)
Chao Chih-Hao (Lo Lieh) is a martial arts student who has his eyes on an upcoming tournament. Throughout his training, he has fallen head over heels for his master’s daughter. One day, the master fails to fend off a group of thugs sent by a local gangster. As a result, Chao is sent to train under a superior master in order to get him ready for the tournament.
Under new tutelage, Chao is consistently facing his teacher’s best student. Brutal attack after brutal attack, Chao perseveres and hones his skills. As an added bonus, he learns the deadly “iron fist” technique. With this new technique in his arsenal, he is able to find his inner warrior spirit, just in time for the tournament.
Just one question remains…can he win the martial arts tournament?
Have you ever seen a kung fu movie? If so, you know exactly how things will play out while watching this. Although, that isn’t always a bad thing. Such is the case here.
Admittedly, I am not as well-versed in the genre of kung fu as I am others. But I know the usual plot points that’ll be hit. Love story, revenge, overcoming insurmountable odds, and all are on full display with Five Fingers of Death (1972).
Is the substance pretty thin overall? Yep, absolutely. Although, I’m never going into a kung fu movie ready to think deep and philosophically about anything. I’m here for the action, and on that front, Five Fingers of Death (1972) fully delivered. Whether it be in mid-air, on the ground, or attacking someone’s eyes, there isn’t a single wasted action sequence.
If you don’t like fun, don’t watch this movie.
However, if you enjoy a wild kung fu movie, definitely give Five Fingers of Death (1972) at least one viewing. Shoot, if you’ve already seen it, watch it again!
So, if you have seen Five Fingers of Death (1972), now it’s your turn to tell me what you thought of it. Leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media!
As always, you can keep up with everything else that I’ve been watching over on my Letterboxd page.
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