Shaolin Traitorous A.K.A. The Traitorous • 大太監 (1976)

Shaolin Traitorous (1976), also released as The Traitorous and Da Tai Jian (大太監 / 大太监), is a classic Hong Kong Kung Fu Movie directed by Sung Ting-mei. Starring Carter Wong, Chang Yi, Sammo Hung, Polly Shang-kwan, Ka Tat, and Kam Bo, this hard-hitting martial arts film combines Shaolin training, revenge, deadly assassins, and traditional kung fu fighting. Sammo Hung delivers a memorable early villain performance as the White-Haired Mantis, making this 1976 Kung Fu Movie a worthwhile discovery for collectors of classic Hong Kong martial arts cinema and rare physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

During the final years of the Ming Dynasty, the corrupt eunuch Wei Chung-hsien uses the feared Eastern Depot and a network of ruthless assassins to tighten his control over the imperial court. After tragedy strikes his family, a young survivor finds refuge at Shaolin Temple, where years of disciplined training prepare him to confront the forces responsible. As loyal warriors join the resistance, they must face powerful enemies and deadly martial artists led by the terrifying White-Haired Mantis.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Shaolin Traitorous delivers the traditional fighting, weapons work, and demanding training sequences that define a classic Kung Fu Movie from Hong Kong's golden era. Carter Wong and Polly Shang-kwan lead the heroic side of the story, while Sammo Hung's portrayal of the White-Haired Mantis provides one of the film's most memorable martial arts villains. The action combines traditional kung fu techniques with fast-paced confrontations and old-school choreography.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors seek out Shaolin Traitorous for its strong cast, Shaolin themes, revenge-driven story, and early performance by Sammo Hung. The combination of Carter Wong, Chang Yi, Polly Shang-kwan, and Sammo Hung makes this an especially interesting Kung Fu Movie for fans exploring lesser-known Hong Kong martial arts productions from the 1970s. Its traditional fighting style and memorable villain give it lasting appeal among collectors of vintage kung fu cinema.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1976 during the boom in independent Hong Kong martial arts filmmaking, Shaolin Traitorous represents the era's fascination with Shaolin heroes, anti-Qing resistance, revenge, and larger-than-life martial arts villains. The film is particularly notable for Sammo Hung's early villain role, years before he became one of Hong Kong cinema's most influential action stars, directors, and choreographers.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Shaolin Traitorous – International English title
  • The Traitorous – English release title
  • Da Tai Jian – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Dai Tai Gam – Cantonese romanization
  • 大太監 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 大太监 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Sung Ting-mei
• Screenplay: Chang Hsin-yi
• Producer: Yen Wu-tung
• Studio: Fortuna Films
• Starring: Carter Wong, Chang Yi, Sammo Hung (Hung Kam-bo), Polly Shang-kwan, Ka Tat, Kam Bo
• Format: DVD
• Language: English Dubbed
• Subtitles: English, Chinese (Not Removable)
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 90 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1976

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