The Water Margin A.K.A. Seven Blows of the Dragon • Shui Hu Zhuan (水滸傳) (1972)

The Water Margin, also released as Seven Blows of the Dragon and originally titled Shui Hu Zhuan (水滸傳), is a 1972 Shaw Brothers historical martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh. Starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Lily Ho, Yueh Hua, Chin Feng, and Ku Feng, this acclaimed adaptation of one of China's Four Great Classical Novels tells the story of the legendary Liangshan outlaws whose loyalty and courage made them enduring heroes of Chinese literature. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

As corruption spreads throughout the Song Dynasty, honest men are driven from their homes by dishonest officials and abuse of power. Seeking justice where the government has failed, 108 outlaws gather at Liangshan Marsh and form a brotherhood built on loyalty, honor, and a shared determination to protect the innocent.

Led by some of the martial world's greatest warriors, the Liangshan heroes wage daring campaigns against corrupt authorities while defending those who cannot defend themselves. Their struggle becomes a timeless story of sacrifice, brotherhood, and resistance against oppression that has inspired generations of readers and filmmakers.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Water Margin showcases Chang Cheh's talent for directing large ensemble casts and staging memorable battle sequences. The film features traditional Chinese weapons including spears, swords, staffs, and polearms, with action that emphasizes teamwork, battlefield tactics, and heroic combat rather than one-on-one duels. David Chiang and Ti Lung lead an outstanding cast in one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most ambitious productions.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate The Water Margin for its faithful adaptation of one of China's greatest literary works and its remarkable cast of Shaw Brothers stars. The film captures Chang Cheh's enduring themes of loyalty, honor, sacrifice, and brotherhood while presenting the Liangshan heroes on a scale rarely seen in Hong Kong cinema. It remains an essential title for fans of classic Shaw Brothers productions and historical martial arts films.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1972, The Water Margin was one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most ambitious literary adaptations. Its success led to the companion film All Men Are Brothers (1975) and demonstrated the studio's ability to bring China's classic literature to the screen with lavish production values, outstanding performances, and memorable martial arts action.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Water Margin – Primary English title
  • Seven Blows of the Dragon – Alternate English title
  • Shui Hu Zhuan – Original Mandarin pinyin title
  • 水滸傳 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 水浒传 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Based on: Water Margin (Shui Hu Zhuan), one of China's Four Great Classical Novels
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Lily Ho (Li Li), Yueh Hua, Chin Feng, Ku Feng
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Running Time: 80 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1972

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