SHAOLIN TEMPLE STRIKES BACK is a yet another Shaolin-themed movie and one directed by the hard-working Joseph Kuo, a man who seemed to be preoccupied with Buddhist themes and monk characters. However, there are no trap-filled temples in this one, no bronze or wooden men, just a straightforward adventure storyline about ruthless Ching invaders, Ming rebels, and a Ming princess who seeks refuge in the Shaolin temple.
The plot is quite simplistic and almost writes itself at times. Despite the deadly seriousness of the set up, there's time for hijinks and low brow humour, although none of the characters are particularly likable or interesting. The mega villain in his outlandish 'warlord' garb is more fun. The film suffers from the usual awful dubbing, particularly for the princess character, although there's a ton of action to keep you watching. Most of it is quite routine but certainly watchable.
Where SHAOLIN TEMPLE STRIKES BACK excels is in the massive, fight-filled climax which takes place in the Shaolin courtyard. This is a sprawling and gory battle which includes such bizarre elements as an iron-skinned giant who is impervious to sword strikes and our monk hero incorporating drunken boxing style to battle his opponent. Blood and limbs fly freely into the air and there's a ton of kicking, beating, and breaking. The final one on one is crazy as neither side will give in and the opponents just go on and on with beating each other into submission.
The plot is quite simplistic and almost writes itself at times. Despite the deadly seriousness of the set up, there's time for hijinks and low brow humour, although none of the characters are particularly likable or interesting. The mega villain in his outlandish 'warlord' garb is more fun. The film suffers from the usual awful dubbing, particularly for the princess character, although there's a ton of action to keep you watching. Most of it is quite routine but certainly watchable.
Where SHAOLIN TEMPLE STRIKES BACK excels is in the massive, fight-filled climax which takes place in the Shaolin courtyard. This is a sprawling and gory battle which includes such bizarre elements as an iron-skinned giant who is impervious to sword strikes and our monk hero incorporating drunken boxing style to battle his opponent. Blood and limbs fly freely into the air and there's a ton of kicking, beating, and breaking. The final one on one is crazy as neither side will give in and the opponents just go on and on with beating each other into submission.
