House of Traps AKA Chong Xiao Lou • 沖霄樓 (1982)

House of Traps (1982), also released as Chong Xiao Lou, is a Shaw Brothers martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh. Inspired by episodes from the classic Chinese novel The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants, the film stars Chin Siu-Ho, Lung Tien-Hsiang, Phillip Kwok Chun-Fung, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, and Ricky Cheng Tien-Chi. Combining suspense, ingenious mechanical traps, swordplay, and fast-paced martial arts choreography, it remains one of the most distinctive productions released during the final years of Shaw Brothers Studio. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who appreciate authentic Hong Kong martial arts cinema on physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

A notorious outlaw takes refuge inside the legendary Chong Xiao Tower, a heavily fortified stronghold filled with hidden passageways, collapsing floors, concealed weapons, and elaborate mechanical traps capable of killing even the most skilled fighters. Determined to capture him, a group of martial artists enters the fortress knowing that every room may become a deadly battlefield.

What begins as a mission to capture a wanted criminal quickly becomes a desperate fight for survival. As companions fall victim to increasingly dangerous traps, the remaining heroes must rely on courage, quick thinking, and trust in one another if they hope to escape the tower and bring their enemy to justice.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Unlike traditional kung fu films that focus primarily on direct combat, House of Traps blends martial arts with suspense as the heroes battle human opponents and an endless series of mechanical hazards. Chang Cheh combines swordplay, acrobatics, weapons, and teamwork with trap-filled set pieces that keep the action unpredictable.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

House of Traps is remembered as the final film to feature the classic Venom Mob ensemble under Chang Cheh's direction. Phillip Kwok, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, and their longtime collaborators deliver the athletic performances that made the group famous, while the elaborate death traps give the film a style unlike other Shaw Brothers productions.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1982, House of Traps marked the end of an important chapter in Hong Kong martial arts cinema. It was the last Chang Cheh film to unite the core members of the original Venom Mob, whose collaborations helped define Shaw Brothers action films during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

• Verified AKAs:
  • House of Traps – International English title
  • Chong Xiao Lou – Alternate romanized title
  • 沖霄樓 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 冲霄楼 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Chōng Xiāo Lóu – Official Mandarin pinyin
  • Cung Siu Lau – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Source Material: The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants
• Action Directors: Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Phillip Kwok, Sun Chien
• Cinematography: Tsao Hui-Chi
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Adventure
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Swordplay, Trap Combat
• Starring: Chin Siu-Ho, Lung Tien-Hsiang, Phillip Kwok Chun-Fung, Chiang Sheng, Ricky Cheng Tien-Chi, Sun Chien
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin (1.0 Mono)
• Subtitles: English, Traditional Chinese
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 91 Minutes
• Release Year: 1982

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