The Fatal Flying Guillotines A.K.A. 陰陽血滴子 • Yin Yang Xue Di Zi (1977)

The Fatal Flying Guillotines (1977), also released as Fatal Flying Guillotine, Shao Lin Duan Tou Tai, Shao Lin Duan Tou Zhong, and Yin Yang Xue Di Zi (陰陽血滴子 / 阴阳血滴子), is a Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Raymond Lui. Starring Carter Wong, Chan Sing, and Chan Siu-pang, the film combines traditional martial arts, deadly weapons, Shaolin monks, and a dangerous master whose Flying Guillotine has become the film's defining attraction. Yuen Biao and Corey Yuen also appear in supporting roles. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors of hard-to-find classic martial arts DVDs.

STORY OVERVIEW

In the Qing Dynasty, a sacred medical book becomes the center of a deadly struggle after Prince Yun Ching takes possession of it. Shaolin monks and other martial artists set out to recover the book, but their mission brings them into conflict with powerful fighters and a ruthless warrior who has mastered a devastating new form of the Flying Guillotine.

Known as the Valley of No Return, the remote stronghold becomes the setting for a series of confrontations between rival martial artists. As the search for the stolen book continues, the fighters must contend with deadly weapons and a master whose twin-bladed technique makes every encounter a fight for survival.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Fatal Flying Guillotines centers its action around the film's unusual twin-bladed weapon while mixing hand-to-hand kung fu, traditional weapons, and fast-moving martial arts battles. Carter Wong and Chan Sing lead the fighting cast, while the early appearances of Yuen Biao and Corey Yuen give the film added interest for Hong Kong action fans.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The unusual Flying Guillotine weapon is the main attraction, but the film also delivers the kind of independent 1970s martial arts action that makes these releases interesting to collectors. Carter Wong's presence, the Shaolin setting, and the appearance of several future Hong Kong action stars give this obscure title plenty of appeal.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in Hong Kong on June 17, 1977, The Fatal Flying Guillotines came from the wave of independent martial arts productions that filled Hong Kong cinemas during the kung fu boom of the 1970s. Its distinctive weapon and unusual story have helped keep it known among collectors of vintage Hong Kong martial arts cinema.

• Verified A.K.A.s:
  • The Fatal Flying Guillotines – Hong Kong English title
  • Fatal Flying Guillotine – Canadian English title
  • Yin Yang Xue Di Zi – Alternate Mandarin romanization
  • Yin Yang Xie Di Zi – Alternate Mandarin romanization
  • Shao Lin Duan Tou Tai – Hong Kong Mandarin alternate title
  • Shao Lin Duan Tou Zhong – Taiwan poster title
  • 陰陽血滴子 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 阴阳血滴子 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Raymond Lui
• Writers: Hsu Sheng-yu, Raymond Lui
• Producer: Raymond Lui
• Production Company: Success Film Production Company
• Starring: Carter Wong, Chan Sing, Chan Siu-pang
• Supporting Cast: Mang Hoi, Ou-Yang Sha-Fei, Yuen Biao, Corey Yuen, Austin Wai, Alan Chui Chung-san, Hua Shan
• Format: DVD
• Language: English Dubbed
• Running Time: 88 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Date: June 17, 1977
• Release Year: 1977

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.