Unbeatable Dragon A.K.A. Invincible Shaolin • 南少林與北少林 (1978)

Unbeatable Dragon (1978), Also Known As: Invincible Shaolin · North Shaolin vs. South Shaolin · Shaolin Bloodshed · 南少林與北少林, is a Shaw Brothers kung fu film directed by Chang Cheh. The Venom Mob stars Lu Feng, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng, Phillip Kwok, Lo Meng, and Wai Pak bring fierce Northern and Southern Shaolin styles to a story of deception, revenge, and deadly training.

The Story

A scheming Qing general (Wang Lung-wai) recruits three Northern Shaolin fighters to train his troops, then arranges a contest against three masters from Southern Shaolin. When the Northerners win, the general secretly murders the defeated Southern masters and frames their rivals.

Southern Shaolin sends new challengers, but further tragedy deepens the feud. To avenge their fallen brothers, Lo Meng, Wai Pak, and Phillip Kwok undergo punishing instruction in mantis, Wing Chun, and staff techniques. Their coming confrontation threatens to destroy both schools while the general's plot remains hidden.

The Martial Arts

What makes Invincible Shaolin memorable is its extended training: conditioning drills, powerful kicks, intricate handwork, and weapon practice prepare the Southern students for opponents whose own skills seem impossible to beat. Sun Chien's whirlwind kicks, Lu Feng's iron-palm techniques, and Chiang Sheng's weapon work give each matchup a distinct style. The fight choreography draws on the athletic precision associated with the Venom Mob.

Why Collectors Pick It

Collectors seeking Shaw Brothers DVDs, Venom Mob kung fu movies, or classic Shaolin martial arts films prize this title for its lengthy training scenes, six leading fighters, and revenge-driven story. Unbeatable Dragon is a particularly strong choice for fans of Chang Cheh films and old-school kung fu DVDs featuring recognizable fighting styles.

Historical Significance

Released in Hong Kong in 1978, this Shaw Brothers production followed the breakout success of Five Deadly Venoms and brought much of Chang Cheh's ensemble together again. The Northern-versus-Southern Shaolin rivalry provides a showcase for different fighting disciplines and the team's demanding physical performances. The film is also documented under the English release title Unbeatable Dragon.

International & Alternate Titles

English release title: Unbeatable Dragon

International English title: Invincible Shaolin

Alternate English title: North Shaolin vs. South Shaolin

Alternate English title: Shaolin Bloodshed

Original Traditional Chinese title: 南少林與北少林

Simplified Chinese title: 南少林与北少林

Mandarin pinyin: Nan Shao Lin Yu Bei Shao Lin

Cantonese romanization: Naam Siu Lam Jyu Bak Siu Lam

Film & DVD Details

Director: Chang Cheh

Producer: Run Run Shaw

Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang

Martial Arts Choreography: Leung Ting, Robert Tai, Lu Feng

Cinematography: Cho Wai-kei

Editor: Chiang Hsing-lung

Music: Frankie Chan

Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio

Starring: Lu Feng, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng, Phillip Kwok (Kuo Chui), Lo Meng, Wai Pak (Wei Pai), Wang Lung-wai, Kara Hui

Qing General: Wang Lung-wai

Northern Shaolin Fighters: Lu Feng, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng

Southern Shaolin Fighters: Lo Meng, Wai Pak, Phillip Kwok

Country: Hong Kong

Genre: Shaw Brothers Kung Fu, Shaolin Martial Arts, Action Drama

Original Film Language: Mandarin

Release Year: 1978

DVD Specifications

Format: DVD

Audio Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Dual Mono)

Subtitles: English

Region: All Regions

Running Time: 98 Minutes

DVD specifications are preserved from this store's original product listing; other editions may differ.

Related Films & Collections

Find more Shaolin kung fu movies, Venom Mob DVDs, and rare Shaw Brothers martial arts films through the store's original collection links.

• Shaolin Kung Fu Movies
• Venom Mob Movies
• Shaw Brothers Kung Fu Movies
• 1970s Kung Fu Movies
• Classic Kung Fu Movies