4 Clans of Death A.K.A. Dragon From Shaolin • 사대통의문 (1978)

4 Clans of Death, also known as Dragon From Shaolin, Four Clans of Death, and Brawl Busters, is a 1978 South Korean martial arts film directed by Kim Jeong-rong. Also associated with the Korean title 사대통의문 and the Chinese title 四大通義門, the film features Bruce Cheung Mong, Carrie Lee Ying-ying, Nam Chung-il, Richard Kang, and Steve Chen. Produced by Joseph Lai San-lun and Thomas Tang Kaak-yan, this rare martial arts film combines Shaolin training, revenge, traditional kung fu, and hard-hitting action. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors searching for rare Asian martial arts cinema on physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

After two young martial artists lose their fathers to a ruthless enemy, they turn to Shaolin training to prepare themselves for revenge. Guided by a skilled Shaolin master, the fighters develop their kung fu abilities while learning the discipline necessary to face an opponent whose power extends throughout the region.

As their training ends, the two warriors begin their dangerous mission against the men responsible for their fathers' deaths. Their journey brings them into conflict with powerful enemies, deadly martial artists, and a network of alliances that stands between them and the justice they seek.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

4 Clans of Death combines traditional kung fu with the energetic action style associated with late-1970s Korean martial arts cinema. Action director Nam Chung-li oversees the film's combat sequences, including hand-to-hand fighting, Shaolin techniques, weapon battles, and fast-moving confrontations. The film's emphasis on martial arts training and revenge places it firmly within the classic kung fu cycle of the era.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors seek out 4 Clans of Death because it represents a lesser-known South Korean martial arts production that circulated internationally under several English titles. Its combination of Shaolin training, revenge, traditional kung fu, and vintage action makes it an interesting addition for collectors who want more than the familiar Hong Kong studio classics.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1978, 4 Clans of Death reflects the international popularity of Shaolin and kung fu films during the late 1970s. The film was distributed internationally under titles including Dragon From Shaolin, 4 Clans of Death, and Brawl Busters, helping introduce this Korean martial arts production to audiences outside South Korea.

• Verified AKAs:
  • 4 Clans of Death – English international title
  • Dragon From Shaolin – Alternate English title
  • Four Clans of Death – Alternate English title
  • Brawl Busters – Alternate English title
  • Dragoneer 3 – The Invincible – Alternate international title
  • 사대통의문 – Korean title
  • 四大通義門 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 四大通义门 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Sa-dae-tong-uimun – Romanized Korean title
• Director: Kim Jeong-rong (Kim Jeong-yong)
• Producers: Joseph Lai San-lun, Thomas Tang Kaak-yan
• Screenplay: Richard Hung
• Action Director: Nam Chung-li
• Studio: Asso Asia Films, Filmark
• Country: South Korea
• Genre: Martial Arts, Kung Fu, Action
• Martial Arts Focus: Shaolin Kung Fu, Traditional Kung Fu, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Weapon Fighting
• Starring: Bruce Cheung Mong, Carrie Lee Ying-ying, Nam Chung-il, Richard Kang, Steve Chen
• Format: DVD
• Language: English Dubbed
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Release Year: 1978

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