Buddha's Palm (1982) • Ru Lai Shen Zhang • 如來神掌

Buddha's Palm (1982), also released as Ru Lai Shen Zhang (如來神掌 / 如来神掌), is a Hong Kong fantasy martial arts film directed by Taylor Wong Tai Loy and produced by Shaw Brothers Studio. Starring Derek Yee, Tung Sing, Alex Man, Candice Yu, Chi Leung, and On On, this imaginative adventure blends spectacular kung fu action with supernatural powers and classic wuxia storytelling. Inspired by the famous martial arts novel created by Shangguan Hong, Buddha's Palm remains one of the defining fantasy kung fu films of the early 1980s. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

A young martial artist discovers the legendary Buddha's Palm technique and suddenly finds himself caught in a deadly struggle between powerful clans seeking ultimate mastery. As ancient secrets are uncovered and formidable enemies emerge, he must learn to control extraordinary abilities while protecting the martial world from those willing to abuse its greatest power. Filled with supernatural combat, legendary weapons, and larger-than-life heroes, the story builds toward an unforgettable battle between good and evil.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Buddha's Palm combines traditional wuxia swordplay with dazzling supernatural martial arts, featuring energy attacks, gravity-defying combat, and the legendary Buddha's Palm technique. Action director Tony Ching Siu-tung delivers imaginative fight choreography that helped redefine fantasy kung fu cinema during the early 1980s, blending practical stunt work with ambitious visual effects.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Buddha's Palm remains one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most ambitious fantasy productions. Collectors appreciate Derek Yee's charismatic performance, Tony Ching Siu-tung's inventive action choreography, colorful visual style, and its faithful adaptation of Shangguan Hong's beloved martial arts novel. Its combination of wuxia adventure, supernatural powers, and classic Hong Kong filmmaking continues to make it a favorite among fantasy kung fu fans.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1982, Buddha's Palm helped revive the fantasy wuxia genre for a new generation of audiences. Building upon the popularity of earlier adaptations, the film introduced spectacular visual effects and modern action choreography that influenced many Hong Kong fantasy martial arts films throughout the decade.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Buddha's Palm – International English title
  • Ru Lai Shen Zhang – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Yue Loi San Jeung – Cantonese romanization
  • 如來神掌 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 如来神掌 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Taylor Wong Tai Loy
• Producer: Mona Fong
• Based on the Novel By: Shangguan Hong
• Screenplay: Szeto On
• Action Director: Tony Ching Siu-tung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Derek Yee, Tung Sing, Alex Man, Candice Yu, Chi Leung, On On
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Fantasy, Wuxia, Martial Arts
• Format: DVD
• Language: Chinese
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All
• Running Time: 93 Minutes
• Release Year: 1982

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