Five Shaolin Masters
Five Shaolin Masters
少林五祖
Overview
"Five survivors of the Qing dynasty's destruction of the Shaolin Temple escape and scatter across China. Each trains in a different fighting style before reuniting to avenge their fallen brothers and defeat the Manchu general responsible."
Iconic Tracked Scenes
- ▶
The Qing army storms and burns the Shaolin Temple, forcing the five survivors to fight their way out through waves of soldiers.
"shaolin temple burning""escaping the temple" - ▶
Each of the five masters trains separately in distinct fighting styles — tiger, crane, leopard, dragon, and snake — in extended montage sequences.
"five styles training montage""five shaolin animal styles" - ▶
The five masters reunite and combine their different kung fu styles in a co-ordinated final assault against the Manchu general and his elite guard.
"five masters reunion fight""combined styles final battle"
Why It's Remembered
- ★The devastating burning of the Shaolin Temple by the Qing army.
- ★The five masters training in completely different animal styles across China.
- ★The combined five-style assault on the Manchu general in the finale.
Cultural Context
- ◈Based on the legendary burning of the Shaolin Temple, a foundational myth in Chinese martial arts folklore.
- ◈Features five Venom-era stars, each showcasing distinct Shaolin animal styles.
Did You Know?
- 1Chang Cheh assembled five of Shaw Brothers' top stars to each represent a different animal style.
- 2The Shaolin Temple burning sequence used a full-scale set that was actually set on fire.
- 3The film's success led to numerous Shaolin-themed sequels and spin-offs throughout the 1970s.
About the Action Elements
Five Shaolin Masters is widely celebrated among martial arts cinema fans for sequences involving burning temple, escape, qing army, shaolin, fire. One of the most memorable sequences features David Chiang naturally executing shaolin temple burning, where the choreography and unique set pieces become the unexpected highlight of the film.