The Tattoo Connection A.K.A. Black Belt Jones 2 • 鱷魚頭黑煞星 (1978)

The Tattoo Connection (1978), originally released as 鱷魚頭黑煞星 (E Yu Tou Hei Sha Xing) and also marketed as Black Belt Jones 2 and Hong Kong Connection, is a Hong Kong martial arts crime film directed by Lee Tso-Nam. Starring Jim Kelly, Chan Sing, Tan Tao-Liang, Norman Wingrove, Bolo Yeung, Cheng Fu Hung, and Tony Leung Siu-Hung, the film follows former CIA operative Lucas as he investigates the theft of a valuable diamond in Hong Kong. Combining martial arts, crime, blaxploitation influences, and international action, The Tattoo Connection is a distinctive late-1970s Hong Kong production. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

A priceless diamond known as the North Star is stolen by a Hong Kong criminal organization. The company that insured the diamond sends former CIA operative Lucas to Hong Kong to recover the stone before the thieves can disappear with it. Lucas begins following the trail through the city's criminal underworld, where gangsters, informants, and rival criminals all have an interest in the missing fortune.

At the same time, one of the gang's lower-ranking members begins questioning his loyalty after his girlfriend urges him to leave the organization. His growing conflict with crime boss Lu creates another threat inside the criminal operation, while Lucas continues closing in on the stolen diamond. As the different interests collide, the investigation develops into a series of violent confrontations involving gangsters and martial artists, leading to the film's final action sequences.

ACTION HIGHLIGHTS

The Tattoo Connection combines Jim Kelly's martial arts ability with the hard-edged crime atmosphere of a late-1970s Hong Kong action film. Kelly gets several extended fight sequences, while the cast also includes Tan Tao-Liang, Chan Sing, Bolo Yeung, Kong Do, and Lee Hoi-San. The film's action moves between street fights, criminal confrontations, and larger martial arts battles, giving it a distinctive blend of Hong Kong kung fu and American-influenced blaxploitation style.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors seek out The Tattoo Connection primarily for Jim Kelly, who had already become internationally known through Enter the Dragon and Black Belt Jones. The film also brings Kelly together with several major Hong Kong martial arts performers, including Tan Tao-Liang, Chan Sing, and Bolo Yeung. Although it was sometimes marketed as Black Belt Jones 2, the story and character are unrelated to the original Black Belt Jones beyond Kelly's presence.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1978, The Tattoo Connection belongs to the period when Hong Kong martial arts productions increasingly incorporated Western crime and action influences. IMDb identifies First Films as the production company and lists Lee Tso-Nam as director, while the film was marketed internationally under several different titles. Its reputation among collectors has been strengthened by the presence of Jim Kelly, Tan Tao-Liang, Chan Sing, and Bolo Yeung. ([imdb.com](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190060/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Tattoo Connection – Original/international English title
  • Black Belt Jones 2 – Alternate U.S./UK marketing title
  • Black Belt Jones 2: The Tattoo Connection – Alternate title
  • Hong Kong Connection – Alternate English title
  • 鱷魚頭黑煞星 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 鳄鱼头黑煞星 – Simplified Chinese title
  • E Yu Tou Hei Sha Xing – Mandarin romanization
  • Black Kung Fu contre Hong Kong Connection – French alternate title
  • Die Bruderschaft des Roten Drachen – German alternate title
• Director: Lee Tso-Nam
• Writers: Hsin-Yi Chang, Po-Sheng Lu
• Producer: H. Wong
• Music: Anders Nelsson
• Cinematography: Yan-Chien Chuang
• Production Company: First Films
• Distributor: First Films
• Country: Hong Kong
• Language: English, Mandarin
• Starring: Jim Kelly, Chan Sing, Tan Tao-Liang, Norman Wingrove, Bolo Yeung, Cheng Fu Hung, Kong Do, Tony Leung Siu-Hung, Lee Hoi-San, Nami Misaki
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Crime, Drama, Blaxploitation
• Martial Arts Focus: Hand-to-Hand Combat, Kung Fu, Martial Arts
• Format: DVD
• Running Time: 90 Minutes
• Release Year: 1978

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