Hapkido A.K.A. Lady Kung Fu • 合氣道 (1972)

STORY OVERVIEW

During the Japanese occupation of Korea, three Chinese students complete their Hapkido training under master Shih Kung-chan before returning home to establish their own martial arts school. Their plans quickly run into trouble when a Japanese martial arts school already operating in the area begins harassing them and demanding that they submit to its authority.

Refusing to surrender their school or accept the abuse of the local Japanese fighters, the three friends find themselves drawn into an increasingly dangerous conflict. As attacks against their students and community intensify, they must stand together against skilled opponents determined to drive them out. Their resistance leads to a series of increasingly fierce confrontations that culminate in a memorable final battle.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Hapkido is one of the standout martial arts films of the early 1970s for its showcase of authentic Korean Hapkido techniques. Hwang In-shik and Ji Han-jae demonstrate powerful kicking, throws, joint locks, and defensive techniques, while Angela Mao, Carter Wong, and Sammo Hung bring Hong Kong kung fu into the mix. The film also features early appearances by Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, and Corey Yuen.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors value Hapkido for the combination of Angela Mao, Carter Wong, Sammo Hung, Hwang In-shik, and Ji Han-jae. The film's authentic Hapkido demonstrations and energetic fight choreography give it a distinctive style, while the early appearances by several future Hong Kong action stars add considerable historical interest.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1972, Hapkido helped introduce Korean Hapkido to international martial arts audiences during the worldwide kung fu boom. The production brought together Hong Kong filmmakers and Korean martial artists, while its cast and action team included performers who would become major figures in Hong Kong cinema.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Hapkido – Original English title
  • Lady Kung Fu – North American release title
  • Hap Ki Do – Alternate English romanization
  • Hap Kei Do – Cantonese romanization
  • He Qi Dao – Mandarin pinyin
  • 合氣道 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 合气道 – Simplified Chinese title
  • 女活殺拳 – Alternate Chinese title
  • La Regina del Kung Fu – Italian release title
  • Lady Kung-Fu – Alternate English styling
  • Hiệp Khí Đạo – Vietnamese title
  • 흑연비수 – Korean release title
• Director: Huang Feng
• Producer: Raymond Chow
• Writer: Ho Jen
• Action Director: Sammo Hung
• Studio: Golden Harvest
• Starring: Angela Mao Ying, Carter Wong, Sammo Hung, Hwang In-shik, Ji Han-jae, Pai Ying
• Featuring: Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Corey Yuen
• Music: Lai Shu-Hua
• Cinematography: Danny Lee Yau-Tong
• Editor: Peter Cheung Yiu-Chung
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Running Time: 97 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong / South Korea
• Release Year: 1972

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