Film of the Week:The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

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Liu Chia-liang directs Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh and Wong Yue in this martial arts training classic.

A young Gordon Liu shines as the eager movie monk who wants to learn the mastery of Kung Fu so as to share it with the downtrodden people. Bookended by some real world battles and bog standard Shaw Brothers plotting that are all grand and dandy, it is the middle hour that sets this out for greatness. An arduous series of ridiculous tests to perfect Liu’s strength and skills. Essentially the wackiest, most colourful, most original and easily the longest training montage ever. A thing of wonder. As is the iconic opening credit sequence of Liu fighting the elements. Brilliant and essential.

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