The 36th Chamber of Shaolin Poster
Action
Adventure
Martial Arts

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) Review in 2025

8.5/10
Blockbuster

A young man seeks to avenge his master's death by mastering the 36 chambers of Shaolin Kung Fu.

2 hours 15 minutes
Cantonese (Dubbed: Mandarin)
Age group: 13-25, Interests: Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
Director:
Lau Kar-leung
Budget: 1 million USD
Gross: 10 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

This movie is not suitable for young children due to its violent content and some mature themes.

CineReview Recommendation

This movie is a must-watch for fans of martial arts and action films. It's a classic that has stood the test of time, and its influence can still be seen in many modern films.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The movie follows the journey of San Te, a young man who seeks to avenge his master's death by mastering the 36 chambers of Shaolin Kung Fu. He faces various challenges and opponents along the way, but ultimately emerges victorious.

Review Details

story9.00/10

The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear goal for the protagonist to achieve. However, some parts feel a bit predictable.

acting9.00/10

The acting is superb, with Gordon Liu delivering a standout performance as San Te. The supporting actors are also great, but could be given more to do.

characters8.00/10

The characters are well-developed and relatable, but some feel a bit one-dimensional. San Te is a great protagonist, but his supporting characters could be fleshed out more.

direction9.00/10

The direction is excellent, with a clear vision and a great sense of pacing. The fight choreography is some of the best I've ever seen.

cinematography8.00/10

The cinematography is good, but not outstanding. Some scenes feel a bit dark and grainy, but overall it's well-done.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a classic martial arts film with a great story, excellent direction, and superb acting. The fight choreography is some of the best I've ever seen, and the cinematography is well-done.

Cons

Some parts of the story feel a bit predictable, and the supporting characters could be fleshed out more. However, these are minor complaints in an otherwise excellent film.

Notable Quotes

"A true warrior must be willing to face his fears and push himself to the limit."
"The 36 chambers of Shaolin Kung Fu are not just a set of physical movements, but a way of life."

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