The Web of Death A.K.A. Killer Clans II • 五毒天羅 (1976)

The Web of Death (1976), also released as Killer Clans II, and originally titled Wu Du Tian Luo (五毒天羅), is a Shaw Brothers wuxia classic directed by Chu Yuan. Inspired by the works of Gu Long, the film stars Yueh Hua, Lo Lieh, Ching Li, Lin Chen-Chi, Ku Feng, and Fan Mei-Sheng. Combining romance, deadly poisons, secret clans, swordplay, and fantasy, it remains one of Chu Yuan's most visually distinctive martial arts films.

STORY OVERVIEW

When the daughter of the feared Venom Clan leader falls in love with a swordsman from the Wu Tang School, an old feud erupts into a dangerous struggle. Secret identities, poisonous traps, deadly techniques, and rival assassins threaten the lovers as the clans prepare for confrontation.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Web of Death features graceful sword duels, hidden weapons, poison techniques, and imaginative fantasy combat. Action directors Tong Gai and Yuen Cheung-Yan complement Chu Yuan's elaborate sets, colorful costumes, and atmospheric visual style.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Web of Death stands out for its unusual combination of romance, fantasy, mystery, and martial arts. Collectors appreciate Yueh Hua, Lo Lieh, and Ching Li, along with the striking production design that makes this one of Shaw Brothers' most distinctive wuxia films.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1976, The Web of Death helped establish Chu Yuan's reputation for visually elaborate Gu Long-inspired wuxia. Its dreamlike atmosphere, unusual martial arts techniques, and elaborate sets became hallmarks of the director's celebrated Shaw Brothers swordplay films.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Web of Death – International English title
  • Killer Clans II – Alternate English home video title
  • Wu Du Tian Luo – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Ng Duk Tin Lo – Cantonese romanization
  • 五毒天羅 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 五毒天罗 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Le Filet de la Mort – French release title
• Director: Chu Yuan
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Action Directors: Tong Gai, Yuen Cheung-Yan
• Screenplay: Chu Yuan
• Inspired By: The works of Gu Long
• Music: Frankie Chan
• Cinematography: Wong Chit
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Yueh Hua, Lo Lieh, Ching Li, Lin Chen-Chi, Ku Feng, Fan Mei-Sheng, Wong Chung, Chan Ping, Lily Li, Lau Wai-Ling
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Wuxia, Martial Arts, Fantasy, Swordplay
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Swordsmanship, Poison Techniques, Hidden Weapons
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo – Dual Mono)
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 87 Minutes
• Release Year: 1976

Prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.