Shaolin Ex Monk A.K.A. Renegade Monk • A Notorious Ex-Monk • 四兩搏千斤 (1979)

Shaolin Ex Monk (1979), also released as Renegade Monk, A Notorious Ex-Monk, and Si Liang Bo Qian Jin (四兩搏千斤), is a Taiwanese martial arts action film directed by Cheung San Yee. Starring legendary kicker John Liu, alongside Chan Sing, Yeh Fei-yang, Ma Chin-ku, Blackie Ko Sau-leung, and Alan Chui Chung-san, this independent kung fu classic delivers a fresh twist on the traditional Shaolin formula by following a former monk who abandons his sacred vows and becomes one of the martial arts world's most dangerous outlaws. Featuring explosive action choreography by Blackie Ko Sau-leung and Alan Chui Chung-san, the film remains a sought-after Taiwanese rarity. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors seeking rare martial arts films and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

After abandoning the discipline and teachings of the Shaolin Temple, a highly skilled former monk embraces a life of crime, using his extraordinary martial arts abilities to terrorize innocent people and challenge anyone who stands in his way. As his ruthless reputation spreads throughout the martial arts world, respected fighters unite to stop the renegade before his violent rampage claims more victims. Their pursuit leads to a series of brutal confrontations where traditional Shaolin techniques are tested against a warrior who knows every strength and weakness of the art he once devoted his life to mastering.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Shaolin Ex Monk showcases the explosive kicking style that made John Liu one of Taiwan's greatest martial arts stars. Fast-paced hand-to-hand combat, colorful villains, and energetic fight choreography by Blackie Ko Sau-leung and Alan Chui Chung-san combine to create an entertaining showcase of classic late-1970s independent kung fu filmmaking. The film's darker premise and relentless action distinguish it from more traditional Shaolin adventures.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Shaolin Ex Monk for turning the familiar Shaolin hero into a dangerous outlaw, creating a refreshing variation on the classic kung fu formula. John Liu's spectacular kicking ability, authentic old-school fight choreography, and the film's nonstop pace have helped it become a favorite among fans of rare Taiwanese martial arts cinema. Its independent production style offers an exciting alternative to the better-known Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest releases.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Produced during Taiwan's independent kung fu boom, Shaolin Ex Monk reflects the growing trend of martial arts filmmakers experimenting with darker stories that moved beyond traditional revenge tales and heroic Shaolin monks. It also captures John Liu during the height of his international popularity, when his incredible kicking techniques made him one of the most recognizable martial arts stars outside Hong Kong's major studios.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Shaolin Ex Monk – International English title
  • Shaolin Ex-Monk – Alternate English spelling
  • Renegade Monk – English export title
  • A Notorious Ex-Monk – Alternate English export title
  • Si Liang Bo Qian Jin – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Ssu Liang Po Chien Chin – Wade-Giles romanization
  • 四兩搏千斤 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 四两搏千斤 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Cheung San Yee
• Action Directors: Blackie Ko Sau-leung, Alan Chui Chung-san
• Starring: John Liu, Chan Sing, Yeh Fei-yang, Ma Chin-ku, Blackie Ko Sau-leung, Alan Chui Chung-san
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 86 Minutes
• Country: Taiwan
• Release Year: 1979

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