House of Traps A.K.A. Chong Xiao Lou • 沖霄樓 (1982)

House of Traps (1982), also released as Chong Xiao Lou, is a Shaw Brothers martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh. Inspired by episodes from the classic Chinese novel The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants, the film stars Chin Siu-Ho, Lung Tien-Hsiang, Phillip Kwok Chun-Fung, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, and Ricky Cheng Tien-Chi. Combining suspense, ingenious mechanical traps, and fast-paced martial arts choreography, it remains one of the most distinctive productions released during the final years of Shaw Brothers Studio. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who appreciate authentic Hong Kong martial arts cinema on physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

A notorious outlaw takes refuge inside the legendary Chong Xiao Tower, a heavily fortified stronghold designed with hidden passageways, collapsing floors, concealed weapons, and elaborate mechanical traps capable of killing even the most skilled fighters. Determined to end his reign of terror, a group of martial artists enters the fortress knowing that every room may become a deadly battlefield.

What begins as a mission to capture a wanted criminal quickly becomes a desperate fight for survival. As companions fall victim to increasingly dangerous traps, the remaining heroes must rely on courage, quick thinking, and absolute trust in one another if they hope to escape the tower alive and bring their enemy to justice.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Unlike traditional kung fu films that focus primarily on one-on-one combat, House of Traps blends martial arts with suspense as the heroes battle both human opponents and an endless series of ingenious mechanical hazards. Chang Cheh balances swordplay, acrobatics, and teamwork with trap-filled set pieces that keep the action unpredictable from beginning to end.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

House of Traps is best remembered as the final film to feature the classic Venom Mob ensemble under Chang Cheh's direction. Phillip Kwok, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, and their longtime collaborators deliver the athletic performances that made the group famous, while the film's unusual emphasis on elaborate death traps gives it a style unlike any other Shaw Brothers production. Its place at the close of the Venom Mob era makes it an essential title for serious collectors.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1982, House of Traps marked the end of an important chapter in Hong Kong martial arts cinema. It was the last Chang Cheh film to unite the core members of the original Venom Mob, whose collaborations helped define Shaw Brothers action films during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today, the movie is valued not only for its inventive action sequences but also for its significance in the history of one of martial arts cinema's most celebrated ensembles.

• Verified AKAs:
  • House of Traps – International English title
  • Chong Xiao Lou – Alternate romanized title
  • 沖霄樓 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 冲霄楼 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Chōng Xiāo Lóu – Mandarin pinyin
  • Cung Siu Lau – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Source Material: The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants
• Action Director: Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Phillip Kwok, Sun Chien
• Cinematography: Tsao Hui-Chi
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Chin Siu-Ho, Lung Tien-Hsiang, Phillip Kwok Chun-Fung, Chiang Sheng, Ricky Cheng Tien-Chi, Sun Chien
• Format: DVD
• Language: Mandarin (1.0 Mono)
• Subtitles: English, Traditional Chinese
• Running Time: 91 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1982

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