Shaolin Ex Monk A.K.A. Renegade Monk • 四兩搏千斤 (1979)

Shaolin Ex Monk (1979), also released as Renegade Monk, A Notorious Ex-Monk, and Si Liang Bo Qian Jin (四兩搏千斤), is a Taiwanese martial arts action film directed by Cheung San Yee. Starring legendary kicker John Liu, alongside Chan Sing, Yeh Fei-yang, Ma Chin-ku, Blackie Ko Sau-leung, and Alan Chui Chung-san, this independent kung fu classic puts a darker spin on the traditional Shaolin story. With explosive kicking techniques, hard-hitting fight choreography, and the fast-paced action of late-1970s Taiwanese cinema, it remains a sought-after title among collectors of rare Kung Fu Movies.

STORY OVERVIEW

After abandoning the discipline and teachings of the Shaolin Temple, a highly skilled former monk turns to a life of crime, using his extraordinary martial arts abilities to terrorize innocent people and challenge anyone who stands in his way. As his reputation spreads throughout the martial arts world, respected fighters join forces to stop the renegade before his violent rampage claims more victims.

The pursuit leads to a series of brutal confrontations as traditional Shaolin techniques are tested against a warrior who knows the strengths and weaknesses of the art he once devoted his life to mastering.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Shaolin Ex Monk showcases the explosive kicking style that made John Liu one of Taiwan's most recognizable martial arts stars. Fast hand-to-hand combat, colorful villains, and energetic fight choreography by Blackie Ko Sau-leung and Alan Chui Chung-san give the film the raw energy associated with classic 1970s kung fu cinema.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Shaolin Ex Monk for turning the familiar Shaolin hero into a dangerous outlaw, giving the story a darker edge than many traditional temple-based adventures. John Liu's spectacular kicking ability and the film's old-school choreography make it a particularly interesting choice for fans of rare Taiwanese martial arts films and classic Kung Fu Movies. Its independent production also makes it a different experience from the better-known Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest releases of the period.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Produced during Taiwan's independent kung fu boom, Shaolin Ex Monk reflects an era when filmmakers experimented with darker characters, unusual Shaolin stories, and increasingly elaborate martial arts action. The film also captures John Liu during the height of his popularity, when his remarkable kicking techniques helped establish him as a standout figure in Asian martial arts cinema.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Shaolin Ex Monk – International English title
  • Shaolin Ex-Monk – Alternate English spelling
  • Renegade Monk – English export title
  • A Notorious Ex-Monk – Alternate English export title
  • Si Liang Bo Qian Jin – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Ssu Liang Po Chien Chin – Wade-Giles romanization
  • 四兩搏千斤 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 四两搏千斤 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Cheung San Yee
• Action Directors: Blackie Ko Sau-leung, Alan Chui Chung-san
• Starring: John Liu, Chan Sing, Yeh Fei-yang, Ma Chin-ku, Blackie Ko Sau-leung, Alan Chui Chung-san
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 86 Minutes
• Country: Taiwan
• Release Year: 1979

Prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.