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Hand of Death
少林門
1976 97 min Hong Kong R 16+
★6.5
Action
Director: John Woo
Trailers
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Description
A young monk must face the Extended Iron Claw technique of a powerful warlord seeking to destroy Shaolin.
Worldwide:
$102,049
Starring
Tao-Liang Tan
Actor
James Tien
Actor
Jackie Chan
Actor
Key opinion
Hand of Death is a foundational early work by John Woo that showcases the burgeoning talent of its legendary cast, including Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao. While the plot follows a familiar revenge trope, the film is distinguished by its innovative fight choreography and distinct stylistic departures from the era's standard kung fu cinema.
| Acting | The film serves as a high-quality showcase for martial arts legends, featuring memorable performances by Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao. | |
| Direction | The action choreography is technically impressive and varied, moving beyond simple brawls to include complex weapon work and inventive stunts. | |
| Score | The score effectively blends heroic, Ennio Morricone-inspired motifs with traditional Chinese instrumentation to build atmosphere. | |
| Screenplay | Critics are divided on the screenplay; some appreciate its departure from 1970s clichés and philosophical nuances, while others dismiss the revenge plot as thin and predictable. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Jackie Chan's presence are split: fans of his later comedic persona may be disappointed by his serious, atypical role, while others value the opportunity to see his dramatic development. |