Marco Polo A.K.A. The Four Assassins • 馬可波羅 (1975)

Marco Polo (1975), also known as The Four Assassins, was originally released as 馬可波羅 (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 Kwok Chun-Fung, and Bolo Yeung. Combining historical adventure, traditional kung fu, weapons combat, and large-scale action, the film remains one of Chang Cheh's notable Shaw Brothers productions of the 1970s.

STORY OVERVIEW

After four martial artists attempt to assassinate Kublai Khan, Marco Polo is sent by the Mongol emperor to southern China as an imperial inspector to find the rebels. The four men go into hiding and begin training in advanced kung fu techniques while Marco Polo investigates their activities and encounters the people caught between Mongol rule and the resistance.

As Marco Polo learns more about the men he has been ordered to capture, his view of the conflict begins to change. The investigation brings him into contact with Li Xiongfeng and the other resistance fighters, leading to dangerous confrontations, martial arts battles, and a growing conflict between his official duty and his sympathy for those opposing the empire.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Marco Polo features Chang Cheh's trademark combination of powerful hand-to-hand combat, traditional weapons, kung fu training, and large-scale battle action. Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Philip Kwok Chun-Fung, and the rest of the ensemble bring a strong martial arts presence to the film, while the action builds toward an extended series of battles between the opposing forces.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Marco Polo is a notable Shaw Brothers title for collectors of Chang Cheh films and Alexander Fu Sheng's early work. Richard Harrison's international presence, the large ensemble cast, historical setting, and mixture of kung fu training and battlefield action give the film a distinctive place among the studio's 1970s martial arts productions.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1975, Marco Polo was produced by Shaw Brothers and Chang's Film Company and directed by Chang Cheh. The film uses the historical figure of Marco Polo as the central character in a fictional martial arts adventure set during the Mongol period, combining Chinese resistance themes with the large-scale action style associated with Chang Cheh's work.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Marco Polo – International English title
  • The Four Assassins – U.S. English title
  • Ma Ko Po Lo – Original romanized title
  • 馬可波羅 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 马可波罗 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Chu Keng, Shih-Wei Peng, Tsu Kang
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Starring: Richard Harrison, Alexander Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-Chun, Shih Szu, Philip Kwok Chun-Fung, Bolo Yeung
• Music: Chen Yung-Yu
• Cinematography: Kung Mu-To
• Editor: Kuo Ting-Hung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Production Company: Chang's Film Company
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Historical, Adventure
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Weapons Combat, Swordplay, Battlefield Combat
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 103 Minutes
• Release Year: 1975

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