The Clutch of Power A.K.A. Son of Wu Tang • 刀魂 (1977)

The Clutch of Power (1977), also released as Son of Wu Tang, Sonz of Wu Tang, Soul of a Sword, and Clans of Intrigue, was originally released as Dao Hun (刀魂). Directed by Peng-Yi Chang and written by legendary wuxia author Gu Long, the film stars Mang Fei, Chan Sing, Doris Lung Chun-Erh, Wang Kuan-Hsiung, Phillip Ko Fei, and Leung Kar-yan. Combining revenge, swordplay, political intrigue, and a memorable Drunken Monk, this independent wuxia adventure remains a fascinating discovery from the late 1970s.

STORY OVERVIEW

After the mysterious swordsman known as the Soul of the Sword murders his father, a young martial artist sets out to uncover the truth and avenge his family's death. His search leads him into a dangerous world of assassins, corrupt officials, wandering fighters, and political conspiracies as the threat of a Mongol invasion places the country in even greater danger.

Along the way, he joins forces with an unconventional Drunken Monk whose relaxed manner hides formidable martial arts ability. Together they encounter deadly swordsmen and hidden enemies while uncovering a plot involving military secrets. What begins as a personal quest for revenge soon becomes a much larger fight involving the fate of the country.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Clutch of Power delivers classic late-1970s wuxia action with sword duels, traditional kung fu, acrobatic fighters, and distinctive martial arts characters. Action choreography by Yen Shi-Kwan and Leung Kar-yan gives the film a strong physical presence, while the combination of swordplay and colorful fighting styles keeps the action moving.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate The Clutch of Power for its unusual cast, Gu Long story, and wide variety of international release titles. Mang Fei leads the revenge story while Chan Sing, Leung Kar-yan, Phillip Ko Fei, and Yen Shi-Kwan add plenty of martial arts experience to the supporting cast. Its independent production history also makes it an interesting title for collectors looking beyond the major Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest releases.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1977, The Clutch of Power represents the strong independent wuxia movement that existed alongside Hong Kong's major studios. The film was released theatrically in Taiwan in December 1977 and in Hong Kong in May 1978, while its many international titles helped it circulate widely during the VHS era.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Clutch of Power – English release title
  • Son of Wu Tang – Alternate English release title
  • Sonz of Wu Tang – Alternate English video title
  • Soul of a Sword – Alternate English title
  • Clans of Intrigue – Alternate English title
  • Le Tigre du Kung Fu – French release title
  • Dao Hun – Mandarin pinyin
  • 刀魂 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 刀魂 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Dong Hai Dao Hun Wu Qing Jian – Alternate romanized title
• Director: Peng-Yi Chang
• Writer: Gu Long
• Choreography: Yen Shi-Kwan, Leung Kar-yan
• Starring: Mang Fei, Chan Sing, Doris Lung Chun-Erh, Wang Kuan-Hsiung, Phillip Ko Fei, Leung Kar-yan, Yen Shi-Kwan
• Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Action, Drama
• Martial Arts Focus: Swordplay, Traditional Kung Fu, Acrobatic Fighting
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin
• Running Time: 90 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong / Taiwan
• Release Year: 1977

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