Abbot of Shaolin A.K.A. A Slice of Death • 少林英雄榜 (1979)

Abbot of Shaolin (1979), also released as A Slice of Death and Shaolin Abbot, is a Hong Kong Shaolin martial arts film directed by Ho Meng Hua for Shaw Brothers Studio. Based on a screenplay by acclaimed writer Ni Kuang, the film stars David Chiang, Lo Lieh, Ching Miao, Ku Kuan-chung, Lily Li, and Norman Chui. Combining Shaolin kung fu, Qing Dynasty resistance, traditional training, and revenge, this classic remains an important entry in the Shaw Brothers tradition of heroic martial arts cinema.

STORY OVERVIEW

During the Qing Dynasty, the Shaolin Temple faces increasing persecution from the ruling government. Monk Chi San is sent away from the temple to learn advanced fighting techniques from a Wu-Tang priest and strengthen his skills for the struggle against Qing oppression. While Chi San is away, the Shaolin Temple is destroyed, leaving him determined to continue the fight and protect the surviving Shaolin disciples.

His journey brings him into conflict with the ruthless Pai Mei, a powerful martial artist whose opposition to the Shaolin rebels creates a deadly confrontation. As Chi San gathers allies and masters new techniques, he must face increasingly dangerous enemies while fighting to preserve the Shaolin cause.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Abbot of Shaolin features traditional hand-to-hand combat, Shaolin training, weapon fighting, and classic martial arts choreography characteristic of late-1970s Shaw Brothers productions. David Chiang brings strength and athleticism to the role of Chi San, while Lo Lieh delivers a memorable performance as the formidable Pai Mei.

The film emphasizes traditional kung fu techniques and the disciplined training of Shaolin warriors, with its action built around the conflict between the Shaolin rebels and the forces supporting Qing rule.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors seek Abbot of Shaolin for its combination of Shaw Brothers production, Shaolin mythology, and an outstanding cast led by David Chiang and Lo Lieh. The film also features Ching Miao, Ku Kuan-chung, Lily Li, Norman Chui, and other familiar faces from the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts cinema.

Its story of Shaolin resistance, martial arts training, betrayal, and revenge makes it a natural choice for collectors of classic Shaolin films and vintage Shaw Brothers kung fu.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1979, Abbot of Shaolin arrived during one of the most productive periods in Shaw Brothers Studio's history. The film belongs to the studio's long-running tradition of Shaolin and anti-Qing martial arts stories, combining historical rebellion with the training and combat elements that became staples of Hong Kong kung fu cinema.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of Pai Mei, a recurring figure in Shaolin-themed martial arts cinema, played here by Lo Lieh. Its place within the Shaw Brothers catalog makes it an important title for collectors tracing the studio's classic Shaolin productions.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Abbot of Shaolin – International English title
  • A Slice of Death – English alternate title
  • Shaolin Abbot – English alternate title
  • Shao Lin Ying Xiong Bang – Mandarin Pinyin / original title
  • 少林英雄榜 – Traditional Chinese title
  • Le Combat mortel de Shaolin – French release title
  • Master der Shaolin – German release title
  • O Monge de Shaolin – Portuguese release title
• Director: Ho Meng Hua
• Writer: Ni Kuang
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: David Chiang, Lo Lieh, Ching Miao, Ku Kuan-chung, Lily Li, Norman Chui, Yeung Chi-ching, Chiang Tao
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin / Cantonese
• Subtitles: English
• Running Time: 84 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1979

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