The Shadow Boxing A.K.A. Spiritual Boxer II • 茅山殭屍拳 (1979)

The Shadow Boxing (1979), Also Known As: Spiritual Boxer II · The Spiritual Boxer, Part II · 茅山殭屍拳, is a Shaw Brothers kung fu horror-comedy directed by Lau Kar-leung. Starring Wong Yue, Gordon Liu, Lau Kar-wing, and Lee Hoi-sang, the film mixes martial arts, Taoist corpse rituals, supernatural trickery, and the hopping corpses of Chinese folklore.

The Story

Fan Chun-yuen makes a living by pretending to perform ghost exorcisms, using tricks and deception to fool unsuspecting villagers. His fortunes change when he becomes involved with Taoist corpse herders transporting jiangshi, the hopping corpses of Chinese folklore. What begins as an easy opportunity quickly turns dangerous when genuine supernatural events and criminal activity become impossible to ignore.

Forced to confront enemies he cannot deceive, Fan must rely on real martial arts and the guidance of experienced fighters. As corrupt criminals, Taoist magic, and undead opponents collide, the unlikely heroes face a series of unusual battles leading to an entertaining finale packed with kung fu, comedy, and supernatural action.

The Martial Arts

The Shadow Boxing features the disciplined choreography of Lau Kar-leung, combining traditional kung fu techniques with the unusual movements associated with Taoist folklore. The film's mixture of martial arts, comedy, acrobatics, and jiangshi action makes it a distinctive entry in the Shaw Brothers catalog.

Why Collectors Pick It

Collectors value The Shadow Boxing for its unusual combination of classic Kung Fu Movies action and supernatural comedy. Wong Yue, Gordon Liu, and Lau Kar-wing bring memorable martial arts performances to a film that stands apart from more traditional Shaw Brothers productions.

Historical Significance

Released in 1979, The Shadow Boxing was produced by Shaw Brothers Studio and became an important early example of Hong Kong cinema combining jiangshi folklore with martial arts and comedy. It is also recognized as the thematic sequel to The Spiritual Boxer, helping establish supernatural elements that became increasingly popular in Hong Kong martial arts cinema.

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