When Taekwondo Strikes A.K.A. Sting of the Dragon Masters • 跆拳震九州 (1973)

STORY OVERVIEW

During the Japanese occupation of Korea, Korean resistance fighters struggle against an increasingly brutal occupying force. When freedom fighter Kim Chen-cheuh becomes involved in a confrontation with Japanese soldiers, he seeks refuge in a church, drawing the attention of the authorities and placing the people protecting him in danger.

When the resistance leader and Taekwondo master Lee Chung-dong is captured while attempting to secure the release of a French priest, his fellow fighters refuse to abandon him. Chinese martial artist Huang Li-chen, Marie, and other members of the resistance join forces to rescue him and strike back against the Japanese forces responsible for the oppression.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

When Taekwondo Strikes is remembered for its exceptional kicking sequences, led by Taekwondo grandmaster Jhoon Rhee in his only starring film role. Angela Mao, Carter Wong, Hwang In-shik, and Sammo Hung add their own distinctive fighting styles, while Sammo Hung also worked on the film's action. The result is a hard-hitting combination of Taekwondo, kung fu, and fast-paced martial arts combat.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Collectors value When Taekwondo Strikes for its unusual combination of Korean and Hong Kong martial arts talent. Jhoon Rhee's rare screen appearance alone makes the film noteworthy, while Angela Mao, Carter Wong, Hwang In-shik, and a young Sammo Hung provide plenty of familiar faces for fans of 1970s martial arts cinema.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1973, When Taekwondo Strikes arrived during the international kung fu boom and helped bring Taekwondo to a wider movie audience. The production grew from Bruce Lee's encouragement of Golden Harvest to make a film featuring his friend Jhoon Rhee, making it an unusual chapter in the history of Hong Kong martial arts cinema.

• Verified AKAs:
  • When Taekwondo Strikes – Primary English title
  • When Tae Kwon Do Strikes – Alternate English spelling
  • Sting of the Dragon Masters – Alternate English release title
  • Taekwondo Heroes – Alternate English title
  • Kickmaster – Alternate English title
  • Tai Quan Zhen Jiu Zhou – Mandarin pinyin
  • Toi Kuen Jan Gau Chow – Cantonese romanization
  • 跆拳震九州 – Traditional Chinese title
  • 跆拳震九州 – Simplified Chinese title
  • 흑권 – Korean title
  • Heuggwon – Korean romanization
  • Le Tigre Noir du Karaté – French release title
• Director: Huang Feng
• Writer: Huang Feng
• Producers: Raymond Chow, Andre Morgan
• Action Director: Sammo Hung
• Studio: Golden Harvest
• Starring: Angela Mao Ying, Jhoon Rhee, Carter Wong, Hwang In-shik, Anne Winton, Sammo Hung
• Music: Lai Shu-Hua
• Cinematography: Danny Li Yu-Tang
• Editor: Peter Cheung
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin
• Subtitles: English
• Running Time: 95 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong / South Korea
• Release Year: 1973

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