The Master of Kung Fu A.K.A. Death Kick • 黃飛鴻 (1973)

The Master of Kung Fu (1973), also released as Death Kick, Shaolin Death Kicks, and Wong Fei Hung, was originally released as Huang Fei Hong (黃飛鴻). Directed by Ho Meng-hua for Shaw Brothers Studio, the film stars Ku Feng, Chen Ping, Wang Hsieh, Lam Wai-Tiu, Hui Siu-hung, and Chan Shen. This unusual Wong Fei Hung adventure combines martial arts, rivalry, deception, and criminal intrigue with Ku Feng in the title role.

STORY OVERVIEW

An English merchant named Gordon arrives in Hong Kong seeking a skilled martial artist to protect his valuable jade cargo. A martial arts competition is arranged to find the right man for the job, attracting fighters from across the region. Among them is Wong Fei Hung, whose reputation and fighting ability quickly make him one of the leading contenders.

When the competition becomes entangled with a dangerous criminal scheme, Wong Fei Hung is drawn into a much more serious conflict. Rival fighters, deception, and criminal ambition turn the tournament into a struggle that forces Wong to put his martial arts skills to work.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Master of Kung Fu features traditional kung fu, tournament fighting, lion dance sequences, and several memorable hand-to-hand battles. Ku Feng's use of the three-section staff is one of the film's notable action highlights, while the choreography reflects the distinctive style of early-1970s Shaw Brothers martial arts cinema.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate The Master of Kung Fu for its unusual take on Wong Fei Hung and Ku Feng's mature performance in the title role. The film mixes tournament action with criminal intrigue and traditional martial arts, giving it a different feel from many of the later Wong Fei Hung films that became better known.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in Hong Kong on September 12, 1973, The Master of Kung Fu was part of Shaw Brothers Studio's strong run of martial arts productions during the early-1970s kung fu boom. Its original Chinese title is 黃飛鴻, with Death Kick, Shaolin Death Kicks, and The Master of Kung Fu among its established English release titles.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Master of Kung Fu – English release title
  • Death Kick – International English release title
  • Shaolin Death Kicks – Alternate English release title
  • Wong Fei Hung – English/Cantonese title
  • Huang Fei Hong – Mandarin romanization
  • 黃飛鴻 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 黄飞鸿 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Huang Fei Hong Yong Po Lie Huo Zhen – Alternate Mandarin title
  • Wong Fei Hung Yung Poh Lit Feng Chan – Alternate Cantonese romanization
• Director: Ho Meng-hua
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Action Directors: Yuen Hsiang-jen, Yuen Woo-ping
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Ku Feng, Chen Ping, Wang Hsieh, Lam Wai-Tiu, Hui Siu-hung, Chan Shen
• Country: Hong Kong
• Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Drama
• Martial Arts Focus: Traditional Kung Fu, Tournament Fighting, Lion Dance
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Running Time: 93 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Release Year: 1973

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