Marco Polo A.K.A. The Four Assassins • Ma Ko Po Lo • 馬可波羅 (1975)

Marco Polo (1975), also released as The Four Assassins, was originally released as 馬可波羅 (Mǎ Kě Bō Luó / Ma Ko Po Lo). Directed by Chang Cheh for Shaw Brothers Studio, this sweeping historical martial arts epic stars Richard Harrison, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Shih Szu, Phillip Ko, and Bolo Yeung. Combining large-scale battles, heroic brotherhood, and spectacular kung fu action, the film remains one of Shaw Brothers' most ambitious historical productions. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors seeking authentic Shaw Brothers classics on DVD.

STORY OVERVIEW

Sent by Kublai Khan as an Imperial Inspector, Marco Polo arrives in southern China to investigate growing resistance against Mongol rule. As he witnesses corruption, oppression, and the courage of local patriots, his loyalties begin to change. Caught between duty and justice, he ultimately joins the rebellion, leading to fierce battles, heroic sacrifices, and an epic struggle against overwhelming odds.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Marco Polo showcases Chang Cheh's trademark blend of powerful hand-to-hand combat, traditional weapons, battlefield warfare, and large ensemble fight sequences. Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Phillip Ko, and Bolo Yeung deliver memorable martial arts performances, while the film's impressive scale and action choreography rank among the most spectacular of the Shaw Brothers era.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Marco Polo for its unique blend of historical adventure and classic Shaw Brothers martial arts. Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast, lavish production values, and some of Chang Cheh's largest action sequences, the film stands as one of the studio's defining historical epics.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1975, Marco Polo marked one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most expensive and ambitious productions. Its international cast, epic battlefield sequences, and historical setting demonstrated the studio's ability to produce martial arts spectacles on a grand scale while maintaining the themes of heroism, loyalty, and sacrifice that define Chang Cheh's cinema.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Marco Polo – International English title
  • The Four Assassins – Alternate English title
  • 馬可波羅 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 马可波罗 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Mǎ Kě Bō Luó (Ma Ke Bo Luo) – Mandarin pinyin
  • Ma Ko Po Lo – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Action Directors: Lau Kar-leung, Tang Chia
• Music: Frankie Chan
• Cinematography: Pao Hsueh-Li
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Richard Harrison, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Shih Szu, Phillip Ko, Bolo Yeung
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Dual Mono)
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 103 Minutes
• Release Year: 1975

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