Shaolin Temple A.K.A. Shao Lin Si • 少林寺 (1982)

Shaolin Temple (1982), also released as The Shaolin Temple and Shao Lin Si (少林寺), is a landmark Hong Kong-Chinese martial arts film directed by Chang Hsin-yen. Starring Jet Li (Li Lian-jie) in his feature film debut alongside Yu Hai, Ding Lan, Yu Cheng-hui, and Ji Chunhua, the film became an international sensation and helped revive worldwide interest in the Shaolin Temple and traditional Chinese martial arts. Filmed on location at the historic Shaolin Monastery with many real wushu champions, it remains one of the most influential martial arts films ever produced. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors seeking legendary kung fu classics on DVD. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

STORY OVERVIEW

After the ruthless warlord Wang Shichong murders his father, the young Jue Yuan escapes to the legendary Shaolin Temple, where compassionate monks shelter him and begin teaching him the ancient disciplines of Shaolin kung fu. Through years of demanding training, he transforms from a grieving orphan into a formidable martial artist determined to protect the innocent and avenge his family. As the tyrant's army threatens both the temple and the people it serves, Jue Yuan joins the Shaolin monks in a courageous struggle that will shape his destiny forever.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Shaolin Temple showcases authentic Chinese wushu performed by many of the nation's finest martial artists, including Jet Li, a former national champion. The film features traditional weapons, staff fighting, empty-hand forms, and large-scale action sequences filmed at the actual Shaolin Monastery, giving it a level of authenticity rarely matched in martial arts cinema. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors regard Shaolin Temple as one of the defining martial arts films of the modern era. It introduced Jet Li to audiences around the world, inspired renewed interest in Shaolin kung fu, and remains celebrated for its breathtaking choreography, beautiful location photography, and sincere storytelling. For many fans, it stands as one of the greatest traditional kung fu films ever made.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Shaolin Temple was among the first major co-productions between Hong Kong and mainland China and the first feature filmed at the real Shaolin Monastery with a predominantly mainland Chinese cast. Its enormous success launched Jet Li's career and sparked a worldwide resurgence of interest in Shaolin culture, martial arts, and tourism to the historic temple. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• Verified AKAs:
  • Shaolin Temple – International English title
  • The Shaolin Temple – English release title
  • Shao Lin Si – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Siu Lam Zi – Cantonese romanization
  • 少林寺 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 少林寺 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Chang Hsin-yen
• Studio: Chung Yuen Motion Picture Company
• Starring: Jet Li (Li Lian-jie), Yu Hai, Ding Lan, Yu Cheng-hui, Ji Chunhua
• Format: DVD
• Language: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
• Running Time: 95 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong / China
• Release Year: 1982

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