Shanghai 13 A.K.A. Shanghai Thirteen • Shang Hai Tan Shi San Tai Bao • 上海灘十三太保 (1984)

Shanghai 13 (1984), also released as Shanghai Thirteen, The Shanghai Thirteen, and Shang Hai Tan Shi San Tai Bao (上海灘十三太保), is a Hong Kong martial arts action classic directed by legendary filmmaker Chang Cheh. Featuring an extraordinary ensemble cast including Jimmy Wang Yu, Ti Lung, Chiang Sheng, Chen Kuan Tai, Danny Lee Sau-yin, David Chiang, Lu Feng, Sun Chien, Philip Kwok, and Lo Mang, the film reunites several members of the legendary Venom Mob in one of Chang Cheh's final large-scale martial arts productions. Packed with unforgettable assassins, explosive fight choreography, and nonstop action, this cult favorite is available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors seeking rare Hong Kong martial arts classics and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

As China faces growing political unrest during the Republican era, patriotic courier Gau is entrusted with escorting a prominent statesman and highly sensitive documents safely to Hong Kong. Standing in his way are the feared Shanghai Thirteen, an elite group of assassins, mercenaries, and martial arts experts hired to stop the mission at any cost. Outnumbered and pursued across the city, Gau must survive a relentless series of deadly encounters while uncovering shifting loyalties among the killers sent to destroy him.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Shanghai 13 showcases an incredible variety of martial arts styles, traditional weapons, and memorable one-on-one duels as each member of the Shanghai Thirteen brings a unique fighting technique to the battlefield. Chang Cheh fills the film with fast-paced choreography, spectacular group battles, and dramatic confrontations featuring Jimmy Wang Yu, Ti Lung, David Chiang, Chen Kuan Tai, and several members of the celebrated Venom Mob.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors consider Shanghai 13 one of the greatest ensemble martial arts films ever produced. The rare opportunity to watch so many legendary kung fu stars sharing the screen, combined with Chang Cheh's signature action direction and memorable cast of colorful assassins, has made the film an essential addition to serious Hong Kong cinema collections. Its nonstop action and historic cast continue to make it a favorite among longtime martial arts fans.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released during the final years of Chang Cheh's remarkable directing career, Shanghai 13 serves as a celebration of many of the actors who helped define Hong Kong martial arts cinema throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. The film reunited Shaw Brothers legends, independent action stars, and members of the Venom Mob in one unforgettable production that remains one of the most impressive all-star kung fu films ever assembled.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Shanghai 13 – International English title
  • Shanghai Thirteen – Alternate English title
  • The Shanghai Thirteen – Alternate English release title
  • Shang Hai Tan Shi San Tai Bao – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Shanghai Tan Shi San Tai Bao – Alternate Mandarin romanization
  • Sheung Hoi Taan Sap Saam Taai Bou – Cantonese romanization
  • 上海灘十三太保 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 上海滩十三太保 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Studio: Chang Hong Channel Film & Video Co., Ltd.
• Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu, Ti Lung, Chiang Sheng, Chen Kuan Tai, Danny Lee Sau-yin, David Chiang, Lu Feng, Sun Chien, Philip Kwok, Lo Mang
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Running Time: 87 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1984

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