Marco Polo AKA The Four Assassins • 馬可波羅 (1975)

Marco Polo (1975), also released as The Four Assassins, was originally released as 馬可波羅 (Mǎ Kě Bō Luó / Ma Ko Po Lo). Directed by legendary filmmaker Chang Cheh for Shaw Brothers Studio, this historical martial arts adventure stars Richard Harrison, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Shih Szu, Philip Ko Fei, and Bolo Yeung. Combining large-scale battles, heroic brotherhood, and memorable kung fu action, the film remains one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most ambitious historical productions. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Sent by Kublai Khan as an Imperial Inspector, Marco Polo arrives in southern China to investigate growing unrest against Mongol rule. As he encounters corruption, oppression, and courageous resistance fighters, he finds himself caught between loyalty to the empire and his growing respect for the people struggling to defend their homeland. His journey leads to dangerous alliances, fierce martial arts battles, and difficult choices without revealing the film's conclusion.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Marco Polo features Chang Cheh's trademark blend of powerful hand-to-hand combat, traditional weapons, mounted warfare, and large-scale battle sequences. Action choreography by Lau Kar-leung and Tang Chia showcases memorable performances from Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Philip Ko Fei, and Bolo Yeung, while the film's impressive battlefield action ranks among the finest historical productions from Shaw Brothers Studio.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Marco Polo is highly regarded by collectors for its historical setting, outstanding ensemble cast, and blend of martial arts action and adventure. The film features one of Alexander Fu Sheng's memorable early performances alongside Richard Harrison while showcasing Chang Cheh's enduring themes of loyalty, courage, and brotherhood.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1975, Marco Polo represented one of Shaw Brothers Studio's largest productions of the decade. Filmed with an international cast and extensive outdoor locations, the film demonstrated the studio's ability to produce historical martial arts adventures on a grand scale while helping establish Alexander Fu Sheng as one of Shaw Brothers' leading stars.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Marco Polo – International English title
  • The Four Assassins – Alternate English title
  • 馬可波羅 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 马可波罗 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Mǎ Kě Bō Luó – Official Mandarin pinyin
  • Ma Ko Po Lo – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Action Directors: Lau Kar-leung, Tang Chia
• Music: Frankie Chan
• Cinematography: Pao Hsueh-Li
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Distributor: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Historical, Adventure
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Battlefield Combat, Swordplay
• Starring: Richard Harrison, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Shih Szu, Philip Ko Fei, Bolo Yeung
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Dual Mono)
• Subtitles: None
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 103 Minutes
• Release Year: 1975

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