Snake in the Monkey's Shadow A.K.A. Monkey Fist and Snake • 猴形扣手 (1979)

Snake in the Monkey's Shadow (1979), also released as Monkey Fist and Snake, was originally released as 猴形扣手 (Hóu Xíng Kòu Shǒu / Hau Ying Kau Sau). Directed by Cheung Sum for Goldig Films (H.K.) Ltd., this independent Hong Kong kung fu classic stars John Cheung Ng-long, Wilson Tong Wai-shing, Charlie Chan Yiu-lam, Pomson Shi, Hau Chiu-sing, and Tong Tin-hei. Blending traditional kung fu, lighthearted comedy, and imaginative fight choreography, the film has become a cult favorite among collectors looking beyond the major Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest productions. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors seeking rare Hong Kong martial arts films on DVD.

STORY OVERVIEW

Lung is a humble fishmonger who dreams of becoming a skilled martial artist, but his carefree nature often gets him into trouble. After humiliating members of a powerful local family, he becomes caught in a violent conflict involving rival kung fu schools and deadly Snake Style assassins determined to eliminate anyone who stands in their way.

Under the guidance of an unconventional master, Lung develops his skills through demanding training before discovering that combining the unpredictable movements of Monkey Style with his existing techniques offers the only chance of defeating his ruthless enemies. The result is a fast-paced finale filled with inventive kung fu and classic independent Hong Kong action.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Snake in the Monkey's Shadow showcases energetic choreography built around Snake Style, Monkey Style, and traditional drunken boxing techniques. Creative training methods, balancing exercises, wooden dummy practice, and fluid animal-style combat distinguish the film from many martial arts releases of its era, culminating in a memorable showdown between contrasting fighting styles.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Snake in the Monkey's Shadow as one of the hidden gems of independent Hong Kong kung fu cinema. John Cheung delivers an engaging lead performance, while Wilson Tong and Charlie Chan provide formidable Snake Style opponents. Its inventive choreography, entertaining training sequences, and animal-style combat have earned the film a loyal following among fans of classic kung fu.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released during the boom of late-1970s independent kung fu films, Snake in the Monkey's Shadow demonstrated that smaller studios could produce memorable martial arts classics outside the Shaw Brothers system. Its combination of comedy, animal-style kung fu, and imaginative choreography helped establish it as a cult favorite that continues to be discovered by collectors decades after its original release.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Snake in the Monkey's Shadow – International English title
  • Monkey Fist and Snake – Alternate English title
  • Snake Fist vs. the Dragon – Alternate international title
  • 猴形扣手 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 猴形扣手 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Hóu Xíng Kòu Shǒu – Mandarin pinyin
  • Hau Ying Kau Sau – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Cheung Sum
• Producer: Alex Gouw
• Screenplay: Cheung Sum, Wilson Tong
• Action Director: Wilson Tong, Hsin Shen
• Music: Chow Fook-liang
• Cinematography: Tony Fan (Fan Chuan-lin)
• Editor: Fan Kung-wing
• Studio: Goldig Films (H.K.) Ltd.
• Starring: John Cheung Ng-long, Wilson Tong Wai-shing, Charlie Chan Yiu-lam, Pomson Shi, Hau Chiu-sing, Tong Tin-hei
• Format: DVD
• Language: English Dubbed
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: Uncut (Feature approximately 100 Minutes)
• Release Year: 1979

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