THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN is a straightforward Shaw Brothers kung fu outing, well remembered by many fans. It's not one of my favourite of the studio's films - I always prefer the work of director Chang Cheh, who I think it's tough to beat - but it's easy to see why this is such a beloved movie. Much of the running time consists of elaborate training rituals which as any kung fu fan knows are always entertaining to watch.

The film is bookended by a typical revenge storyline which doesn't disappoint and boasts Wilson Tong and Lo Lieh on top form as some hissable villains. Gordon Liu acquits himself very well here as the Yul Brynner lookalike hero and totally convinces throughout his gradual transformation from novice to expert. The early scenes involving water are very funny and the undercurrent of humour which runs throughout the movie makes it likable and an easy watch despite the lengthy running time.

As for the fights, well they're above average for the genre which you'd expect when Liu Chia-Liang is handling the choreography. They tend to bookend the movie whereas the training sequences are the most fun and memorable parts, but every bit of on-screen action is handled slickly and beautifully. As is usual for the Shaw Brothers, a colourful palette and sumptuous production values make this an effortless watch throughout.

The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly set up their base in Canton, disguised as school masters. During a brutal Manchu attack, Lui manages to escape and devotes himself to learning the martial arts in order to seek revenge.

I do not happen to watch a lot of "kung fu" or martial arts films. But from what I understand, the Shaw Brothers made the best and this was among the best of the best. I can believe that, because it really has a sharp look to it while still being full of butt-kicking goodness. Which, you know, is what we want.

I wish I knew more about the genre so I could recognize the names involved. Beyond Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Donnie Yen, I just do not know the martial arts world very well. Perhaps it is something to look into and then re-visit this film.

I found this Cantonese / Mandarin film in the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die book, it was a film I had heard the two titles and seen images of many times, so I hoped it would be a worthy inclusion for the book. Basically young student Liu Yude, later named San Te (Chia-Hui Liu),is drawn into the local rebellion against the Manchu government by his activist teacher, government officials oppose this uprising and liquidate the school, and friends and family members are killed. San Te decides to seek vengeance against these deaths, he flees to the Shaolin temple following wounds from an attack by Manchu henchmen, seeking Kung Fu training, San Te is initially rejected by the Buddhist monks, as an outsider, but the chief abbot allows him to stay, taking mercy. A year passes, martial arts training begins for San Te in the 35 chambers of the temple, he advances more rapidly than any student previously, he is depicted along the way as inventing the three section staff. However as San Te is nearing the end and completion of his training education, he is exiled in a secret way from the temple to go against the oppressors and aid the people. San Te returns to the outside world, specifically his hometown, and assists the people by teaching them his skills in martial arts, but he is forced into conflict with the Manchu governor, before he can complete the political revolution he was inspired to. In the end San Te triumphs in his battle and returns to the Shaolin temple, he establishes the 36th chamber of Shaolin, a special martial arts class for the ordinary people to learn the ways and skills of Kung Fu. Also starring Lieh Lo as General Tien Ta, Yue Wong as Miller Six, Chia Yung Liu as General Yin and John Cheung as Lord Cheng. The leading actor, who later in his career was cast in Kill Bill as The Bride's master Pai Mei, does very well as the dedicated fugitive turned masterful student, the simple revenge story does not stand out highly, this film is all about the inventive training sequences and fight scenes, I can see why it was considered a landmark of the genre, probably more so in its day, an interesting Kung Fu martial arts adventure. Worth watching!