The Shaolin Temple

1982 kung-fu movie

Rating:

Plot: Chieh Yuan wants revenge on the man who killed his father. Monks help him out which then causes trouble for them.

Jet Li's first film is a strong one. The fight scenes are lively and creative and, at times, very long. They're also very complex with giant melees that fill the screen with action. Definitely very traditional kung-fu, the choreography depending on nothing more than the skills of the participants rather than any special effects or wires. And although Li's skills are as fun to watch as in his later works, he doesn't even come close to overshadowing the work of the others. In fact, they could more than likely have all beaten me up. Add a variety of weapons and a dude who does flips off his head, and you've got the recipe for some quality action. This is a kung-fu movie I'll definitely watch again.