The Water Margin A.K.A. Seven Blows of the Dragon • 水滸傳 (1972)

The Water Margin, also released as Seven Blows of the Dragon and originally titled Shui Hu Zhuan (水滸傳), is a 1972 Hong Kong historical martial arts film produced by Shaw Brothers Studio and directed by Chang Cheh. Starring David Chiang, Ti Lung, Lily Ho, Yueh Hua, Chin Feng, and Ku Feng, this acclaimed adaptation of one of China's Four Great Classical Novels tells the story of the legendary Liangshan outlaws whose loyalty and courage made them enduring heroes of Chinese literature. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who appreciate authentic Hong Kong martial arts cinema on physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

As corruption spreads throughout the Song Dynasty, honest men are driven from their homes by corrupt officials and abuse of power. Seeking justice where the government has failed, 108 outlaws gather at Liangshan Marsh and form a brotherhood built on loyalty, honor, and a shared determination to protect the innocent.

Led by some of the martial world's greatest warriors, the Liangshan heroes wage daring campaigns against corrupt authorities while defending those who cannot defend themselves. Their struggle becomes a timeless story of sacrifice, brotherhood, and resistance against oppression.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

The Water Margin showcases Chang Cheh's skill for directing large ensemble casts and staging memorable battlefield action. Spears, swords, staffs, and polearms dominate the combat as the film emphasizes teamwork, military strategy, and heroic clashes instead of traditional one-on-one duels. David Chiang and Ti Lung headline one of Shaw Brothers Studio's strongest casts.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate The Water Margin for bringing one of China's greatest literary works to the screen with outstanding performances, large-scale battles, and classic Shaw Brothers production values. Chang Cheh's themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and brotherhood helped make the film one of the studio's defining historical martial arts productions.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1972, The Water Margin became one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most ambitious literary adaptations. Its success led to the companion film All Men Are Brothers (1975) and demonstrated the studio's ability to adapt China's classic literature into memorable martial arts cinema.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Water Margin – International English title
  • Seven Blows of the Dragon – Alternate English title
  • 水滸傳 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 水浒传 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Shuǐ Hǔ Zhuàn – Official Mandarin pinyin
  • Seoi Fu Zyun – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Ni Kuang
• Based on: Water Margin (Shui Hu Zhuan), one of China's Four Great Classical Novels
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: David Chiang, Ti Lung, Lily Ho (Li Li), Yueh Hua, Chin Feng, Ku Feng
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Running Time: 80 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1972

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