After falling out with director Chang Cheh as his exclusive action choreographer for many years at Shaw Brothers Studio, Lau Kar Leung switched to directing films. In 1978, he directed three films for Shaw, “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” and “Heroes of the East” , both starring Gordon Liu. “Shaolin Mantis” starring David Chiang in the lead was his third, with a welcoming cameo by Liu.
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Set during the Qing Dynasty, a gifted young scholar and martial arts expert, Wai Fung (David Chiang) works as a spy for the Emperor. The Court suspects that members of the Tien family are collaborating with the Ming rebels to overthrow the Qing. Therefore Wai has to infiltrate the Tien family to study their movements and report back within a year. Also, the Emperor will execute his whole family if he fails to return.
Upon arriving at the Tien mansion, Wai comes across Tien Chi Chi (Cecilia Wong Hang Sau), the young granddaughter of Master Tien. After taking a shine to him and since she is looking for a new teacher, she immediately hires Wai as her new tutor. Time passes, the two eventually fall in love and meanwhile the Tiens also discover his secret identity. Instead of killing him which would break poor Tien Chi’s heart, Wai has to marry into the Tien family and he must stay there forever. Nonetheless, Wei manages to get hold of a list of rebel leaders a few months later. But there are many hurdles to pass before he can escape the Tien family.
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Basically, Lau’s film is about a royal Qing spy sent to expose the Ming rebels who want to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. But it also touches heavily on family values, loyalty, drama and a romantic bond that leads to the amazing action that follows. The first half plays like a romantic comedy between the two leads which actually helps in developing the characters and accounts for their behavior later on.
When the relentless action finally explodes in the final half, it is a pure delight to behold, thanks to the fun and amazing choreography of Lar Kar Leung and Wilson Tong. Besides the usual hand-to-hand combat, there is a great variety of weapons on display too, like spears, twin blades, three section staff and so on. No doubt the highlight here is the deadly mantis fist which Wai accidentally learnt from a praying mantis. The training scene is rather peculiar but interesting, since the mantis looks real enough and seems to move on cue. Furthermore, the way Lau uses shadows on the walls to emphasize this fighting style is equally unique.
The production design and decorations of the Tien mansion are worth a mention. Each lavish individual room inside has its own name, like the master’s Flying Dragon hall. The uncles have their Crouching Tiger and Galloping Horse halls while the ladies occupy the Phoenix Dance hall. Under the caring hands of art director Johnson Tsao, these huge rooms look beautiful, furnished with props like paintings, vases, flowers and wall screens. The costumes are equally impressive and they reflect their wearers’ characters.
By 1978, David Chiang was a more matured and less fragile looking married man. Gone are his arrogant and gloomy looks in films, this gradually maturing actor had certainly gone through transition and growth. Here he is both tender and charming as Wai Fung and effortlessly shines in the action department with or without weapons. Though not as intense as Gordon Liu, he looks convincing when displaying the mantis fists. The young and energetic Wong Hang Sau is equally amazing as the playful Tien Chi Chi, who leaps and bounces around the mansion. Furthermore, she handles her emotional and action sequences extremely well.
There is no shortage of talented stars in the supporting cast too and they all shine. Lau Kar Wing is outstanding as the grandfather, Master Tien and his lengthy final fight with Wei is definitely the film’s highlight. Lily Li turns up as Chi Chi’s mother to prove that she is great with a spear and not just a pretty face. The three Tien uncles, played by Wilson Tong, Norman Chui and John Chang are all impressive with their different fighting skills. Shaw’s veteran Ching Miao plays Wai’s father, Gordon Liu and Lee Hoi Seng show up as kung fu masters briefly while Wei Hung plays the Emperor.
Lau’s “Shaolin Mantis” may drag a bit for some viewers in the first half, but the splendid action packed finale is well worth the wait. Furthermore, this is definitely a film that puts David Chiang’s fighting skills into great display. This is indeed a solid and entertaining production with a final twist that is equally shocking.
