Death Duel of the Mantis A.K.A. 螳螂鬥雞公 • Tang Lang Dou Ji Gong (1978)

Death Duel of the Mantis (1978), also released as Strike of Mantis Fist, Strike of the Mantis Fist, Mantis Fights Cock, and Tang Lang Dou Ji Gong (螳螂鬥雞公), is a Taiwanese martial arts film directed by Gwok Ching-kong (Kuo Ching-chiang). Starring Ting Hwa Chung, Lung Fei, Kam Yin-fei, Lam Man-cheung, Mau Ging-shun, and O Yau-man, this entertaining kung fu classic blends comedy, revenge, and traditional martial arts into a memorable showdown between the rare Chicken Fist and Praying Mantis styles. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Hsiao Hai spends his days working in a busy marketplace while enduring constant ridicule from those around him. His fortunes change when a respected martial arts master recognizes his determination and begins teaching him the powerful Chicken Fist style. As Hsiao Hai's confidence and abilities grow, he believes he has finally found the path toward a better life.

Everything changes when he discovers his master's true ambitions and realizes that loyalty can come at a terrible price. Forced to choose between serving evil and defending the innocent, Hsiao Hai seeks help from skilled Praying Mantis practitioners, leading to an exciting series of battles where two distinctive kung fu styles collide in an unforgettable final duel.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Death Duel of the Mantis stands out for its unusual showcase of Chicken Fist and Praying Mantis kung fu. Fast-paced choreography, acrobatic techniques, and energetic performances from Ting Hwa Chung and Lung Fei give the film its own identity among classic Taiwanese martial arts productions.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Death Duel of the Mantis for its rare fighting styles, memorable training sequences, and entertaining blend of comedy and martial arts. The film's energetic action and distinctive Praying Mantis techniques have helped it earn a loyal following among fans of vintage Taiwanese kung fu cinema.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1978, Death Duel of the Mantis reflects the growing popularity of independent Taiwanese martial arts productions that highlighted lesser-known fighting styles and imaginative choreography. Its focus on Chicken Fist and Praying Mantis techniques has made it a favorite among collectors searching for kung fu films beyond the major Hong Kong studios.

• Verified A.K.A.:
  • Death Duel of the Mantis
  • Strike of Mantis Fist
  • Strike of the Mantis Fist
  • Mantis Fights Cock
  • Tang Lang Dou Ji Gong
  • 螳螂鬥雞公
• Director: Gwok Ching-kong (Kuo Ching-chiang)
• Writers: Li Chi-shan, Lin Hsiang-mei
• Studio: Hua Kuo Film Company
• Starring: Ting Hwa Chung, Lung Fei, Kam Yin-fei, Lam Man-cheung, Mau Ging-shun, O Yau-man
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 88 Minutes
• Country: Taiwan
• Release Year: 1978

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