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 · 雜技亡命隊. This is a Shaw Brothers martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh and starring the Venom Mob. This 1979 kung fu DVD blends acrobatics, undercover street performances, and coordinated fighting in a revenge story.

The Story

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.

The Martial Arts

Daredevils of Kung Fu puts the focus 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 pick Daredevils of Kung Fu for its mix 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.

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Related Collections

For more Venom Mob films, Chang Cheh movies, and Shaw Brothers kung fu DVDs, see these collections.

• Venom Mob Movies
• Chang Cheh Movies
• Shaw Brothers Kung Fu Movies
• 1970s Kung Fu Movies
• Classic Kung Fu Movies
• Rare Kung Fu Movies