1976 • Hong Kong • Directed by Cheh Chang

Returning to Hong Kong filmmaking after a spell in Taiwan, director Chang Cheh closed out his ‘Shaolin Temple Cycle’ with arguably the most star-filled and action-packed instalment yet in Shaolin Temple. Ostensibly (though not strictly) a prequel to Five Shaolin Masters, it reunites many of the stars of that film with up-and-coming talents in a range of unforgettable set pieces and a fiery climax that has to be seen to be believed!

The monks of the Shaolin Temple realise that an attack from the ruthless Qing authorities is imminent and decide to admit new pupils to bolster their ranks, including the plucky Fang Shiyu (Alexander Fu Sheng), who wishes to avenge his father’s death. Two older disciples, Hu Dedi (David Chiang) and Cai Dezhong (Ti Lung) share what they’ve learnt with the newer pupils, but a final, deadly face-off is being set up from within by traitors inside the temple.