Dragon Squad A.K.A. Four Real Friends • 四大天王 (1974)

Dragon Squad (1974), also released as Four Real Friends, The Dragon Squad, and originally titled Si Da Tian Wang (四大天王), is a Taiwanese martial arts adventure directed by and starring legendary action icon Jimmy Wang Yu. Produced by First Films, the film co-stars Chang Yi, Chen Sing, Kam Kong, Kao Fei (Phillip Ko), Shikamura Yasuyoshi, Lung Fei, and Hsieh Han. Released internationally under several titles, including the German Die stahlharten Vier and the Spanish El Comando del Dragón, this entertaining production combines colorful heroes, exciting kung fu action, and old-fashioned adventure into one of Jimmy Wang Yu's most enjoyable independent films. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors seeking rare Taiwanese martial arts classics and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

When a shipment of gold is stolen during a deadly ambush, the lone survivor begins a desperate search to recover the treasure and bring the killers to justice. His investigation leads him to three extraordinary martial artists, each with a very different personality, fighting style, and past. Although reluctant to trust one another, the four warriors eventually unite after discovering that a ruthless criminal organization threatens innocent lives throughout the region.

Together they battle expert assassins, corrupt gang leaders, and skilled Japanese fighters while following a dangerous trail of deception that leads ever closer to the stolen fortune. Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged through courage, loyalty, and sacrifice as the four heroes prepare for a climactic showdown against overwhelming odds.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Dragon Squad features Jimmy Wang Yu's trademark blend of powerful hand-to-hand combat, traditional weapons, colorful villains, and fast-paced fight choreography. Each member of the heroic quartet brings a unique fighting style to the action, creating memorable group battles that showcase teamwork alongside individual martial arts skill. The combination of adventure, humor, and energetic kung fu makes the film an entertaining example of Taiwan's independent action cinema during the 1970s.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors continue to appreciate Dragon Squad for bringing together Jimmy Wang Yu, Chang Yi, Chen Sing, Kam Kong, and Kao Fei in one action-packed adventure. The film highlights Wang Yu's abilities as both director and leading man while delivering the rugged style that helped make him one of martial arts cinema's biggest international stars after leaving Shaw Brothers. Having circulated worldwide under multiple English and foreign-language titles, it has become a favorite among collectors of rare Taiwanese kung fu films.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Produced during the height of Taiwan's independent martial arts boom, Dragon Squad reflects Jimmy Wang Yu's successful transition from Shaw Brothers superstar to filmmaker and producer. Its international distribution under numerous alternate titles introduced audiences around the world to Taiwan's thriving action cinema and helped strengthen Wang Yu's reputation as one of the genre's most influential pioneers.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Dragon Squad – International English title
  • The Dragon Squad – Alternate English release title
  • Four Real Friends – English export title
  • Si Da Tian Wang – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Ssu Ta Tien Wang – Wade-Giles romanization
  • Die stahlharten Vier – German release title
  • El Comando del Dragón – Spanish release title
  • 四大天王 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 四大天王 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Jimmy Wang Yu
• Studio: First Films
• Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu, Chang Yi, Chen Sing, Kam Kong, Kao Fei (Phillip Ko), Shikamura Yasuyoshi, Lung Fei, Hsieh Han
• Format: DVD
• Language: English Dubbed
• Running Time: 85 Minutes (Uncut)
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Taiwan
• Release Year: 1974

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