Back home

Five Fingers of Death

111 votes

Producing House

A young boxer joins a martial arts school to increase his skill so he can enter a martial arts competition. He leaves the school when he hears that a local gangster is terrorizing the town. He comes to the aid of a young singer and brings on the wrath of the local gang. He eventually enters the martial arts competition after learning iron palm technique and takes out all competition.

movie

Status: Released

Released Date: 1972-04-28

Runtime: 97 mins

Director: Jeong Chang-hwa

Spoken language: 普通话

Genres: Action, Drama

Original title: Five Fingers of Death

Production Companies: Shaw Brothers

Production Countries: Hong Kong

Reviews

W

Wuchak
**_Comic book chopsocky flick from Hong Kong_** This was the movie that broke the Asian martial arts craze in America in 1973, following the success of the “Kung Fu” pilot and ensuing television series the previous year. Roy Thomas was inspired to create Marvel Comics’ Iron Fist after watching both. The story takes place in the early 20th century in rural Hong Kong (or bordering China). As such, there are no vehicles, but rather horse-drawn carriages, which gives the film a Western flair or something akin to “Planet of the Apes” & “Beneath the Planet of the Apes.” I like the simple Far East décor and backdrops. The fighting sequences are artistic, but not believable, resembling choreographed stage dances more than combat, sorta reminiscent of Michael Jackson's later "Thriller" video. The film should be respected for its historical impact, and it is entertaining to a point if you can enter its fantasy world with people jumping seven feet into the air at the drop of a hat (Why Sure). Unfortunately, Lo Lieh as the protagonist lacks the charisma of Bruce Lee and was too old for the part of “the young man” at almost 33 during shooting. Then there’s the jarring theme from Ironside used as a leitmotif coupled with the equally jarring sound effects used for physical impact in the fight scenes. It doesn’t help that it’s overlong by about 15-20 minutes and so the proceedings come across redundant. After the first 30-40 minutes, it’s just more of the same. The original 1972 “Kung Fu” movie with David Carradine (retitled “The Way of the Tiger, the Sign of the Dragon” after the success of the resultant series) is a masterpiece by comparison because it kept everything in the realm of plausibility and had the confidence to take its time with a moving, reverent tone. Despite my criticisms, the highlights make it worth checking out for those interested. It runs 1 hour, 44 minutes, and was shot in Hong Kong. GRADE: C+
2025-11-06

Recommendations

The Big Blue
3.7

The Big Blue

1988-05-10

Childhood friends Jacques and Enzo share a passion for the danger of free diving. Professional diver

The Wizard
3

The Wizard

1989-12-15

A boy and his brother run away from home and hitch cross-country, with help from a girl they meet, t

Bruce and Shaolin Kung Fu
3.5

Bruce and Shaolin Kung Fu

1977-03-19

Japanese forces in Shanghai attempt to destroy the patriotic spirit of the Chinese by closing down a

Twilight of the Warriors: Dragon Throne
0

Twilight of the Warriors: Dragon Throne

The second installment of the Twilight of the Warriors trilogy. In 1950s Hong Kong, brothers Lui Ch

Twilight of the Warriors: The Final Chapter
0

Twilight of the Warriors: The Final Chapter

The final installment of the Twilight of the Warriors trilogy.

The Man with the Golden Gun
3.2

The Man with the Golden Gun

1974-12-04

Cool government operative James Bond searches for a stolen invention that can turn the sun's heat in

Kebab Connection
3.3

Kebab Connection

2004-04-21

In Hamburg, Ibrahim "Ibo" Secmez, of Turkish descent, wants to direct the first German kung-fu movie

Hard Target
3.2

Hard Target

1993-04-27

When a woman's father goes missing, she enlists a local to aid in her search. The pair soon discove

Kung Fury
3.7

Kung Fury

2015-05-22

During an unfortunate series of events, a friend of Kung Fury is assassinated by the most dangerous

Master Of Guangdong Hall
2.8

Master Of Guangdong Hall

1983-03-15

The evil Dong Won has unbeatable kicking legs and proudly travels the land proving his expertise. Bu

Rambo III
3.1

Rambo III

1988-05-24

Combat has taken its toll on Rambo, but he's finally begun to find inner peace in a monastery. When

The Four 2
3.4

The Four 2

2013-11-21

The four constables Emotionless, Iron Hands , Life Snatcher and ColdBlood are specially skilled in t

Romeo Must Die
3.1

Romeo Must Die

2000-03-22

Two warring gang families (one African-American, the other Chinese) maneuver for bragging rights to

Rush Hour
3.5

Rush Hour

1998-09-18

When Hong Kong Inspector Lee is summoned to Los Angeles to investigate a kidnapping, the FBI doesn't

The Storm Riders
3.3

The Storm Riders

1998-07-18

Heeding a prophecy, a warlord trains two orphans after killing their parents. But the skills he teac

Kiss of the Dragon
3.4

Kiss of the Dragon

2001-07-06

Liu Jian, an elite Chinese police officer, comes to Paris to arrest a Chinese drug lord. When Jian i

The Seven Swords: Eye of Chaos
4.4

The Seven Swords: Eye of Chaos

2019-03-08

King Asura, the malevolent ruler, is on a quest to acquire the Seven Swords, intending to merge them

In the Mood for Love
4

In the Mood for Love

2000-09-29

Two neighbors form a strong bond after both suspect extramarital activities of their spouses. Howeve

Jiu Jitsu
2.4

Jiu Jitsu

2020-11-20

Every six years, an ancient order of jiu-jitsu fighters joins forces to battle a vicious race of ali

Batman Begins
3.9

Batman Begins

2005-06-10

Driven by tragedy, billionaire Bruce Wayne dedicates his life to uncovering and defeating the corrup