Mantis Fists and Tiger Claws of Shaolin • 血海螳螂仇 (1977)

Mantis Fists and Tiger Claws of Shaolin (1977), also released as Xie Hai Tang Lang Chou (血海螳螂仇), is a Hong Kong martial arts mystery directed by Cheung Sam and Simon Chui Yee-ang. Starring John Cheung Ng-long, Siu Tak-foo, Sarina Choi, Chuk Guen, Dean Shek Tin, and Ng Long, this unusual kung fu film combines murder, revenge, and the deadly techniques of Praying Mantis boxing. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors of rare Hong Kong martial arts films and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

A series of brutal murders leaves a quiet village living in fear, with suspicion falling on a mysterious martial artist skilled in Praying Mantis kung fu. Determined to uncover the truth, a young fighter follows a trail of clues that leads to hidden enemies, old grudges, and a deadly revenge plot.

As the mystery unfolds, he faces rival fighters and dangerous ambushes while getting closer to the man responsible for the killings. The investigation eventually leads to a series of fierce confrontations, bringing Praying Mantis techniques and Tiger Claw kung fu together in the film's final battles.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Mantis Fists and Tiger Claws of Shaolin stands out for combining a murder mystery with traditional kung fu action. The film features distinctive Praying Mantis techniques, Tiger Claw fighting, hand-to-hand combat, martial arts training, and the fast-paced choreography associated with independent Hong Kong kung fu films of the late 1970s.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Mantis Fists and Tiger Claws of Shaolin for its unusual mystery storyline and focus on specialized fighting styles. The combination of murder, revenge, Praying Mantis boxing, and traditional kung fu gives this lesser-known Hong Kong production a character of its own.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released during the late-1970s kung fu boom, Mantis Fists and Tiger Claws of Shaolin reflects the period's interest in films built around distinctive martial arts systems. Its emphasis on Praying Mantis boxing makes it an interesting title for collectors of vintage Hong Kong kung fu cinema.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Mantis Fists and Tiger Claws of Shaolin – International English title
  • Xie Hai Tang Lang Chou – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Hyut Hoi Tong Long Chau – Cantonese romanization
  • 血海螳螂仇 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 血海螳螂仇 – Simplified Chinese title
• Directors: Cheung Sam, Simon Chui Yee-ang
• Starring: John Cheung Ng-long, Siu Tak-foo, Sarina Choi, Chuk Guen, Dean Shek Tin, Ng Long
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1977

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