4 Clans of Death A.K.A. Dragon From Shaolin • 四大通義門 (1978)

4 Clans of Death (1978), also released as Dragon From Shaolin, is a South Korean martial arts film directed by Kim Jeong-rong. Starring Bruce Cheung Mong, Carrie Lee Ying-ying, Richard Kang, Steve Chen, and Nam Chung-il, the film blends traditional kung fu, Shaolin training, family loyalty, and revenge into an action-packed martial arts adventure. Produced by Asso Asia Films and Filmark, this rare Korean kung fu film remains a rewarding discovery for collectors of vintage Asian martial arts cinema. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

After their fathers are murdered by a ruthless criminal organization, two young martial artists dedicate themselves to mastering Shaolin kung fu before seeking justice. Their search for the killers leads through dangerous rival clans, hidden betrayals, and relentless battles where every victory uncovers another deadly secret. As the truth finally comes to light, they must risk everything to restore honor to their families.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

4 Clans of Death delivers traditional hand-to-hand kung fu, Northern-style techniques, demanding Shaolin training sequences, acrobatic kicking, and a variety of weapon fights. Action director Nam Chung-li stages energetic one-on-one duels and large group battles that capture the style of late-1970s Korean martial arts cinema.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors seek out 4 Clans of Death because it represents the wave of Korean martial arts films that reached international audiences during the worldwide kung fu boom. Its combination of revenge, traditional Shaolin training, and nonstop action makes it a worthwhile addition for fans looking beyond the better-known Hong Kong studio productions.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1978, 4 Clans of Death demonstrates how Korean filmmakers created their own style of martial arts cinema while embracing the popularity of Shaolin-inspired stories. It later found a wider audience under the alternate English title Dragon From Shaolin, earning a place among sought-after rare martial arts releases. 

• Verified AKAs:
  • 4 Clans of Death – English home video title
  • Dragon From Shaolin – Alternate English title
  • Four Clans of Death – Alternate English spelling
  • 사대통의문 – Original Korean title
  • Sa-dae-tong-ui-mun – Revised Romanization
• Director: Kim Jeong-rong
• Producer: Joseph Lai San-lun, Thomas Tang Kaak-yan
• Screenplay: Richard Hung
• Action Director: Nam Chung-li
• Studio: Asso Asia Films / Filmark
• Country: South Korea
• Starring: Bruce Cheung Mong, Carrie Lee Ying-ying, Richard Kang, Steve Chen, Nam Chung-il
• Format: DVD
• Language: English Dubbed
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Presentation: Digitally Remastered & Restored
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen
• Running Time: 82 Minutes
• Release Year: 1978

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