Daredevils of Kung Fu A.K.A. The Daredevils • 雜技亡命隊 (1979)

Daredevils of Kung Fu (1979), also known as The Daredevils, Shaolin Daredevils, Magnificent Acrobats, Five Kung Fu Daredevil Heroes, The Kings of Kung Fu, and Venom Warriors, was originally released as 雜技亡命隊 (杂技亡命队 / Zá Jì Wángmìng Duì). Directed by legendary filmmaker Chang Cheh and produced by Run Run Shaw for Shaw Brothers Studio, this classic Hong Kong martial arts film stars Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Philip Kwok, Lu Feng, and Wong Lik. Bringing together members of Chang Cheh's celebrated Venom Mob, the film combines revenge, deception, street performance, acrobatics, traditional kung fu, and fast-moving ensemble action in one of the distinctive Shaw Brothers productions of 1979.

STORY OVERVIEW

After military commander Han Pei-tsang betrays and murders senior officer Yang Tsung before taking his position, Yang's family is nearly wiped out. His eldest son, Yang Ta-ying, survives the attack and becomes determined to avenge his father's death. He turns to his longtime friends Chen Feng, Liang Guo-ren, Fu Quanyi, and Xin Zheng for help in confronting the powerful commander.

Yang Ta-ying's attempt to take revenge ends before he can defeat Han, leaving his four friends to carry on the mission. Realizing that Han is surrounded by soldiers and heavily protected, they develop a more deceptive strategy rather than attacking him directly. Using disguises, street performance, acrobatics, and their martial arts abilities, the four men work their way into Han's circle while preparing for the confrontation they have been waiting for.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Daredevils of Kung Fu places unusual emphasis on acrobatic movement and teamwork alongside traditional martial arts. Philip Kwok, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, and Sun Chien demonstrate tumbling, balancing, coordinated attacks, hand-to-hand combat, and weapon techniques as their characters use their skills to maintain their disguises and get close to Han Pei-tsang. The film's extended final battle brings the four fighters together in a fast-moving display of Venom Mob-style choreography.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors value Daredevils of Kung Fu for its rare combination of Chang Cheh's revenge storytelling and the athletic ensemble style of the Venom Mob. Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Philip Kwok, Sun Chien, and Lu Feng bring together several of the performers associated with The Five Venoms, while Wong Lik gives the group a formidable military antagonist. The use of deception, street performers, acrobatics, and coordinated martial arts makes the film stand apart from many of Chang Cheh's more conventional revenge pictures.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1979, Daredevils of Kung Fu arrived during one of the most productive periods for Chang Cheh and his Venom Mob performers at Shaw Brothers Studio. The film was written by Chang Cheh and Ni Kuang and features martial arts direction from Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Dai Cheh, and Philip Kwok. Its emphasis on acrobatics, disguise, teamwork, and ensemble fighting makes it a distinctive entry in the late-1970s Shaw Brothers kung fu cycle.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Daredevils – Original English title
  • Daredevils of Kung Fu – International English title
  • Shaolin Daredevils – Alternate English title
  • Magnificent Acrobats – Alternate English title
  • Five Kung Fu Daredevil Heroes – Alternate English title
  • The Kings of Kung Fu – Alternate English title
  • Venom Warriors – Alternate English title
  • 雜技亡命隊 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 杂技亡命队 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Zá Jì Wángmìng Duì – Mandarin pinyin
  • Zaap Gei Mong Ming Deoi – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producers: Run Run Shaw, Mona Fong
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Action Directors: Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Dai Cheh, Philip Kwok
• Music: Eddie H. Wang Chi-ren
• Cinematography: Cho Wai-kei
• Editors: Chiang Hsing-lung, Li Yen-hai
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Drama
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Acrobatics, Hand-to-Hand Combat, Weapon Fighting, Team Fighting
• Starring: Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Philip Kwok, Lu Feng, Wong Lik
• Format: DVD
• Language: Cantonese, Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: Approximately 100 Minutes
• Release Year: 1979

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