Buddha Assassinator • 佛掌皇爺 • Fo Zhang Huang Ye (1980)

Buddha Assassinator (1980), also released as Shogun Massacre, Buddha Killer, Buddhist Assassinator, and Fo Zhang Huang Ye (佛掌皇爺), is a Hong Kong-Taiwan martial arts film directed by Richard Tung Chin-hu. Starring Hwang Jang Lee, Mang Hoi, Lung Fei, Chin Yuet-sang, and Corey Yuen, the film blends Shaolin kung fu, Buddhist martial arts, and political intrigue into a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors of hard-to-find martial arts films.

STORY OVERVIEW

During the struggle between Ming loyalists and the ruling Ching Dynasty, young Shao Hai unexpectedly saves the life of Prince Yi, a ruthless Manchu noble feared for his mastery of the devastating Lohan Fist. Rewarded with the opportunity to study under the prince, Shao Hai soon discovers he has unknowingly become a pawn in a deadly conflict that has already claimed members of his own family.

Determined to avenge his loved ones and fight for the Ming resistance, Shao Hai turns to a wandering monk who teaches him the legendary Buddhist Palm. Armed with a powerful new fighting style, he prepares for a final battle against Prince Yi, where justice and survival depend on mastering one of kung fu cinema's most unique martial arts styles.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Buddha Assassinator showcases Hwang Jang Lee at his villainous best, using his trademark kicking ability to portray the ruthless Prince Yi. Mang Hoi counters with the graceful Buddhist Palm style while the film features Shaolin techniques, Lohan Fist, memorable training sequences, and an explosive finale.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Buddha Assassinator for pairing Hwang Jang Lee with Mang Hoi in an entertaining independent kung fu production. The film combines authentic martial arts, memorable villain performances, inventive training, and outstanding fight choreography.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1980, Buddha Assassinator arrived during the height of the independent Hong Kong kung fu boom, when filmmakers experimented with distinctive fighting styles and historical adventures outside the major studios. Its Buddhist Palm versus Lohan Fist finale remains a memorable example of the era's inventive martial arts storytelling.

• Verified A.K.A.s:
  • Buddha Assassinator – International English title
  • Shogun Massacre – Alternate English title
  • Buddha Killer – Alternate English title
  • Buddhist Assassinator – Alternate English title
  • Fo Zhang Huang Ye – Mandarin Pinyin
  • 佛掌皇爺 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 佛掌皇爷 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Richard Tung Chin-hu
• Writers: Ni Kuang, Tu Liang-tai
• Producer: Johnny Lee Man-yiu
• Action Directors: Chin Yuet-sang, Corey Yuen
• Studio: Fortuna Film Company; Golden Princess Film Production
• Starring: Hwang Jang Lee, Mang Hoi, Lung Fei, Chin Yuet-sang, Corey Yuen
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Running Time: 93 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong, Taiwan
• Release Year: 1980

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