Martial Arts of Shaolin

Martial Arts of Shaolin

Directed by Lau Kar-leung

Produced by Shaw Brothers

198694 min6.4 / 10

A classic 1980s kung fu revenge tale that balances martial arts spectacle with comedic moments, grounded in Shaolin training and spiritual discipline.

In ancient China, Zhi Ming trains at the legendary Northern Shaolin temple to avenge the death of his father at the hands of a nefarious magistrate.

Questions people ask

  • Is Martial Arts of Shaolin violent? Yes. More violent than 85% of films.

  • Does Martial Arts of Shaolin end with hope? Somewhat. More hopeful than 62% of films.

  • Is Martial Arts of Shaolin sad? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is Martial Arts of Shaolin scary? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is Martial Arts of Shaolin easy watching? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

56/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity77

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise53

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love40

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Martial Arts of Shaolin

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Martial Arts of Shaolin

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Martial Arts of Shaolin, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Martial Arts of Shaolin, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Martial Arts of Shaolin, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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