The Shadow Boxing A.K.A. Spiritual Boxer II • Mao Shan Jiang Shi Quan • 茅山殭屍拳 (1979)

The Shadow Boxing (1979), also released as Spiritual Boxer II, The Spiritual Boxer Part II, Shaolin Shadow Boxer, and Mao Shan Jiang Shi Quan (茅山殭屍拳 / 茅山僵尸拳), is a Hong Kong martial arts horror-comedy directed by Lau Kar-leung for Shaw Brothers Studio. Starring Wong Yue, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Lau Kar-wing, Lee Hoi-sang, Wilson Tong, and Huang Hsing-hsiu, this entertaining classic combines authentic Hung Gar kung fu, Taoist folklore, hopping vampires, and Lau Kar-leung's trademark action choreography. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Fan Chun-yuen makes a living by staging fake ghost exorcisms, using clever tricks to fool superstitious villagers. His carefree life changes when he becomes entangled with two Taoist corpse herders transporting jiangshi, the legendary hopping vampires of Chinese folklore. What begins as another opportunity for easy money quickly turns into a dangerous encounter with genuine supernatural forces that no amount of deception can control.

As murder, corruption, and dark Taoist magic threaten innocent lives, Fan Chun-yuen is forced to rely on real martial arts instead of sleight of hand. Joined by skilled kung fu fighters, he faces undead enemies, ruthless criminals, and terrifying supernatural creatures in a fast-paced adventure filled with comedy, traditional martial arts, and spectacular action that culminates in an unforgettable finale.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Shadow Boxing showcases Lau Kar-leung's authentic Hung Gar choreography alongside imaginative supernatural action. Rather than relying solely on fantasy elements, the film balances traditional kung fu, acrobatics, comedy, and Taoist folklore, creating a unique blend that helped shape the popular jiangshi genre of the 1980s.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate The Shadow Boxing for its inventive combination of martial arts, supernatural comedy, and classic Shaw Brothers production values. Gordon Liu, Lau Kar-wing, and Wong Yue deliver memorable performances, while Lau Kar-leung's direction gives the film a distinctive style that continues to appeal to fans of vintage Hong Kong cinema.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1979, The Shadow Boxing served as the thematic sequel to The Spiritual Boxer and became one of the earliest Hong Kong films to feature jiangshi (hopping vampires), helping pave the way for the supernatural martial arts boom that followed in the 1980s. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Shadow Boxing – International English title
  • Spiritual Boxer II – English release title
  • The Spiritual Boxer Part II – Alternate English title
  • Shaolin Shadow Boxer – Alternate English title
  • Mao Shan Jiang Shi Quan – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Mou Saan Geung Si Kyun – Cantonese romanization
  • 茅山殭屍拳 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 茅山僵尸拳 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Lau Kar-leung
• Writer: Ni Kuang
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Wong Yue, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Lau Kar-wing, Lee Hoi-sang, Wilson Tong, Huang Hsing-hsiu
• Format: DVD
• Language: Cantonese, Mandarin
• Subtitles: English, Chinese
• Running Time: 97 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1979

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