The Battle Wizard A.K.A. Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils • 天龍八部 (1977)

The Battle Wizard (1977), also released as Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and Tian Long Ba Bu (天龍八部), is a Shaw Brothers Studio fantasy martial arts film directed by Pao Hsueh-li. Based on Jin Yong's famous novel, the film stars Danny Lee, Tanny Tien Ni, Lin Chen-chi, Lily Li, Ku Feng, and Shih Szu. Packed with sword fights, magical martial arts, poisonous creatures, strange villains, and unforgettable fantasy imagery, it stands apart from every other Shaw Brothers production of its era.

STORY OVERVIEW

Prince Tuan Yu leaves the safety of his royal home and unexpectedly finds himself caught in a dangerous struggle involving rival martial arts clans, mysterious masters, and deadly enemies connected to his family's past. Along the way he encounters strange allies, beautiful warriors, and ruthless killers while discovering abilities he never knew he possessed.

As hidden identities are revealed and powerful enemies close in, Tuan Yu must rely on courage, friendship, and his growing martial arts skills to survive an unforgettable journey filled with danger, deception, and extraordinary battles.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Battle Wizard combines traditional swordplay with flying combat, supernatural martial arts, energy attacks, giant snakes, bizarre creatures, and imaginative special effects. Pao Hsueh-li fills nearly every scene with colorful action that gives the film a style unlike any other Shaw Brothers fantasy adventure.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors continue to enjoy The Battle Wizard because it offers something completely different from traditional kung fu films. Danny Lee leads a memorable cast through a world of fantasy, martial arts, and unforgettable villains, making it a longtime favorite among fans of Shaw Brothers and Jin Yong stories.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1977, The Battle Wizard showed how far Shaw Brothers Studio was willing to push fantasy filmmaking by combining martial arts with elaborate visual effects and supernatural storytelling. It remains one of the studio's most distinctive fantasy wuxia films.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Battle Wizard – International English title
  • Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils – Alternate English title
  • Tian Long Ba Bu – Mandarin pinyin
  • Tin Lung Baat Bou – Cantonese romanization
  • 天龍八部 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 天龙八部 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Pao Hsueh-li
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Based On: The novel by Jin Yong (Louis Cha)
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Danny Lee, Tanny Tien Ni, Lin Chen-chi, Lily Li, Ku Feng, Shih Szu
• Music: Frankie Chan
• Format: DVD
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Dual Mono)
• Subtitles: English
• Running Time: 77 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1977

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