Shaolin Temple Against Lama A.K.A. Shaolin Against Lama • 紅衣喇嘛 (1980)

Shaolin Temple Against Lama (1980), originally released as 紅衣喇嘛 (Hong Yi La Ma), is a Taiwanese-Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Cheung Gin-Gat. Starring Alexander Lo Rei, Alan Chui Chung-San, Chin Fei, Chang Chi-Ping, and Wang Hsieh, the film sends a young martial artist to Tibet to train in Lama Kung Fu before bringing him back into a dangerous mystery involving Shaolin and the disappearance of his father. With its large-scale fights, fast-paced choreography, and unusual Shaolin-versus-Lama premise, it is a distinctive example of rare early-1980s kung fu cinema.

STORY OVERVIEW

Prince Shin Kari is the son of the Emperor of China and has a passion for kung fu. He is sent to Tibet, where he spends three years training with the Lamas and learning their distinctive fighting methods. When his training is complete, he returns home with greatly improved martial arts skills, only to discover that his father has mysteriously disappeared.

His investigation leads him toward Shaolin Temple after a minister claims that the evidence points to the monks. Prince Shin Kari cannot accept that the peaceful Shaolin monks would have kidnapped the Emperor, so he begins searching for the truth. What follows brings together Shaolin fighters, Lama martial arts, rival warriors, and a succession of hard-fighting confrontations.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Shaolin Temple Against Lama is built around the contrast between Shaolin kung fu and Lama fighting techniques. Alexander Lo Rei brings speed and athletic movement to the role of Prince Shin Kari, while the film fills its running time with group battles, hand-to-hand combat, kicks, weapons, and fast-moving martial arts exchanges.

The film is also associated with the action filmmaking style of the martial arts performers surrounding Robert Tai, giving it the energetic, highly physical quality sought by collectors of independent Taiwanese kung fu movies from this period. Its emphasis on repeated combat sequences makes it particularly appealing to fans looking for old-school kung fu action rather than a heavily character-driven martial arts drama.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors seek out Shaolin Temple Against Lama because it is an uncommon entry in the Shaolin kung fu cycle and features Alexander Lo Rei in an early leading role. The combination of Shaolin fighters, Tibetan Lama martial arts, mystery, and frequent combat gives the movie a distinctive identity within the crowded field of 1970s and 1980s martial arts cinema.

It is also a title worth separating from Shaolin vs. Lama (1983). Despite the similar English names, they are different films. The 1980 movie is 紅衣喇嘛, while the later 1983 production is a separate title.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1980, Shaolin Temple Against Lama reflects the continuing popularity of Shaolin-themed kung fu adventures and the international demand for increasingly elaborate martial arts action. Its Taiwan/Hong Kong production background, Golden Sun Films connection, and unusual Lama Kung Fu storyline place it firmly within the independent kung fu filmmaking tradition of the era.

• Verified A.K.A.s:
  • Shaolin Temple Against Lama – English title
  • Shaolin Against Lama – Alternate English title
  • Shaolin Temple Vs Lama – Alternate English title
  • 紅衣喇嘛 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 红衣喇嘛 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Hong Yi La Ma – Romanized Chinese title
  • Les Guerriers du temple maudit – French release title
  • Le Guerrier du Temple Maudit – French VHS title variation
  • Red Robe Lama – Alternate English title
• Director: Cheung Gin-Gat
• Writer: Cheung Gin-Gat
• Production Company: Golden Sun (H.K.) Film Co.
• Starring: Alexander Lo Rei, Chin Fei, Alan Chui Chung-San, Miu Ho, Chang Chi-Ping, Wang Hsieh, Alan Li Hai-Hsing, Yang Hsiung, William Yen Ming-Chang, Mary Wong Ma-Lee
• Country: Taiwan / Hong Kong
• Genre: Kung Fu, Martial Arts, Action, Drama
• Martial Arts Focus: Shaolin Kung Fu, Lama Kung Fu, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Kicking Techniques, Weapons Fighting
• Format: DVD
• Original Language: Mandarin
• Running Time: Approximately 86–92 Minutes
• Release Year: 1980

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