3 Evil Masters A.K.A. The Master • 背叛師門 (1980)

The Master (1980), also released in English as 3 Evil Masters and Three Evil Masters, is a Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Lu Chin-ku (Tony Liu Jun-guk) for Shaw Brothers Studio. Written by Ni Kuang and featuring action choreography by Hsu Hsia, the film stars Chen Kuan-tai, Yuen Tak, Wang Lung-wei, Wen Hsueh-erh, and Chan Lau. Combining traditional kung fu, training sequences, comedy, and revenge-driven action, this later Shaw Brothers classic is especially notable for showcasing Yuen Tak in one of his earliest major screen roles. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors seeking rare Hong Kong martial arts films and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Gao Jian is a low-ranking student at a kung fu school who is constantly bullied by his fellow students and struggles to earn the respect of his teacher. His life changes when a badly wounded martial arts master named Jin Tien-yun secretly takes refuge at the school. After Gao Jian helps nurse the injured fighter back to health, Jin agrees to teach him his own kung fu techniques.

As Gao Jian's abilities improve, his decision to learn from the wounded master creates a serious conflict with his own teacher, eventually forcing him to leave the school. When the three ruthless fighters known as the Three Evil Masters discover that Jin Tien-yun is still alive, they track him down and seize control of the school. Gao Jian eventually returns, determined to avenge his master's death and confront the three killers one by one.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Master features extensive hand-to-hand combat, traditional kung fu training, weapons work, and a series of increasingly demanding confrontations. Action director Hsu Hsia stages the fights with an emphasis on practical techniques and physical skill, while Yuen Tak demonstrates the acrobatic ability that would later make him one of Hong Kong cinema's respected action choreographers.

The climactic battles between Gao Jian and the three evil masters provide the film's major martial arts highlights, with each opponent bringing a different fighting style and challenge. Chen Kuan-tai also delivers a memorable opening confrontation against the three villains before his character is seriously wounded.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors seek The Master for its combination of classic Shaw Brothers production, strong fight choreography, and the early starring performance of Yuen Tak. The film also brings together veteran martial arts star Chen Kuan-tai and longtime Shaw Brothers villain Wang Lung-wei, making it an especially interesting title for fans of the studio's later kung fu productions.

Yuen Tak's athletic performance is one of the film's major attractions. Best known to many fans for his later work as an action choreographer and member of the Seven Little Fortunes circle, he receives an opportunity here to demonstrate his martial arts and acrobatic skills in a leading role.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1980, The Master belongs to Shaw Brothers Studio's late period of traditional kung fu productions, when the studio was competing with the faster-paced style of Golden Harvest and the emerging generation of martial arts stars. Its combination of comedy, training, revenge, and hard-hitting choreography reflects the changing Hong Kong kung fu landscape of the period.

The film is also significant for Yuen Tak's early screen career. His performance helped demonstrate the talents that would later establish him as an important martial arts performer and action choreographer in Hong Kong cinema.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Master – Original English / international title
  • 3 Evil Masters – U.S. English release title
  • Three Evil Masters – Alternate English title
  • Bei Pan Shi Men – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Bui Bun Si Mun – Cantonese romanization
  • 背叛師門 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 背叛师门 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Lu Chin-ku (Tony Liu Jun-guk)
• Writer: Ni Kuang
• Action Director: Hsu Hsia
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Chen Kuan-tai, Yuen Tak, Wang Lung-wei, Wen Hsueh-erh, Chan Lau
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 95 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1980

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