Treasure Hunt A.K.A. American Shaolin • 花旗少林 (1994)

Treasure Hunt (1994), also known as National Treasure, American Shaolin, and Full Blood, is a Hong Kong action comedy directed by Jeffrey Lau. Starring Chow Yun-Fat, Wu Chien-Lien, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Chin Han, Michael Wong, and Philip Kwok, this unusual blend of kung fu, comedy, romance, fantasy, and espionage follows a CIA agent whose mission brings him to a Shaolin temple and into the path of a mysterious woman with supernatural powers. Produced by Eastern Renaissance Pictures, the film offers a distinctive look at 1990s Hong Kong action cinema. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

Chinese-American CIA operative Chang Ching is sent to mainland China to escort a mysterious national treasure back to the United States. While waiting at the Shaolin Temple, he encounters Abbott Hung Chi and a young monk, but soon discovers that the treasure he has been ordered to protect is not an object at all.

The true treasure is Siu-ching, a young woman possessing extraordinary paranormal abilities who has been kept hidden from those who would exploit her powers. As Chang Ching becomes determined to protect her, he finds himself caught between powerful forces searching for Siu-ching and the peaceful Shaolin monks who have sworn to keep her safe. The mission quickly becomes a dangerous mixture of romance, comedy, martial arts, espionage, and supernatural adventure.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Treasure Hunt features action choreography by Philip Kwok, combining Hong Kong-style fight action with the film's unusual supernatural and comedic elements. Gordon Liu brings his martial arts presence to the role of Abbott Hung Chi, while Philip Kwok adds his own expertise as both an action performer and choreographer.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors appreciate Treasure Hunt for its unusual combination of Chow Yun-Fat's charismatic screen presence, Gordon Liu's Shaolin connection, comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts action. Its 1990s setting also makes it an interesting contrast to the period kung fu films that dominate Hong Kong cinema collections.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1994, Treasure Hunt reunited Hong Kong action filmmaking with a modern-day espionage story built around Shaolin mythology and supernatural powers. Directed by Jeffrey Lau, the film stands as an example of the genre-mixing style that became a recognizable part of Hong Kong cinema during the 1990s.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Treasure Hunt – International English title
  • National Treasure – Alternate English title
  • American Shaolin – Alternate English title
  • Full Blood – Alternate English title
  • Hua Qi Shao Lin – Mandarin Pinyin
  • Fa Kei Siu Lam – Cantonese romanization
  • 花旗少林 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 花旗少林 – Simplified Chinese title
• Director: Jeffrey Lau
• Writers: Jeffrey Lau, Vincent Kok
• Producer: Linda Kuk
• Studio: Eastern Renaissance Pictures
• Distributor: Golden Princess Film Production
• Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Wu Chien-Lien, Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Chin Han, Michael Wong, Philip Kwok, Roy Chiao
• Format: DVD
• Language: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Running Time: Approximately 106–111 Minutes
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1994

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