When you get deep into martial arts movies, you start to argue which fighting style is the best. This goes argument goes deeper than Karate vs. Kung Fu vs. Judo. You start going into various sub-classifications that are inspired by nature such as Crane, Monkey, Scorpion, Dragon or Tiger. The fighter mimics the attacks of the various animals. Which creature reigns supreme? Under normal circumstance, it’s difficult to imagine a fighter trained in Praying Mantis style could be that dangerous. It’s a bug. But it’s a dangerous bug. Remember that after mating, the female praying mantis will rip the head off their lover. They can be very vicious insects. Before you scoff this style of fighting off as some made for cinema creation, Shandong Praying Mantis is real. After watching Shaolin Mantis, you might duplicate the moves.
Wei Fung (Boxer from Shantung‘s David Chiang) is a both a scholar and a fighter. His skills are so worthy that the emperor gives him an important assignment. Wei must go undercover to get tight with the Tien Clan. They are suspected of wanting to overthrow the emperor. In order to make sure Wei carries out his assignment properly, the Emperor promises to kill his family if he disappoints. Wei gets deep undercover with the Tiens as he gets deeply involved with the granddaughter (Dirty Kung Fu‘s Cecilia Wong) of the clan. He’s supposed to be her tutor, but the two get physical practicing martial arts skills. Will his tender moments with her cloud his loyalty to the Emperor? Can he rat out his girlfriend’s family?
There are three things that need to be noted about the film. Gordon Liu (Kill Bill) has a rather small part. This movie was made right before Liu would become a major star with The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. The original Chinese poster makes it look like Gordon is a co-star. The sequence where David Chiang learns the Mantis style comes deep in the film. The training techniques are compelling as he mimics a praying mantis. By the time he’s mastered the moves, you’ll believe he can beat up a mob with Deadly Mantis blows. Even though the Mantis element is held back, the action is exciting through out. The fight between Chiang and Liu is all out. The biggest thing to note is that there’s no Shaolin action in the film. There’s no visit or even talk about the Temple. So why is it in the title? This was during the time when Shaolin was the buzz word to sell a martial arts movie. A few years before this, a distributor would alter an actor’s name to be a variation of Bruce Lee. Oddly enough, in America the film would be put into theaters as Deadly Mantis which is more honest title.
Shaolin Mantis is a fine mix of action, intrigue and romance. The relationship between David Chaing and Cecilia Wong keeps the film happening even when they aren’t exchanging blows. When the duo join forces in a fight, you feel a bond between them. She can hold her own in a battle which might mean she would be willing to bite off the head of a lover. Shaolin Mantis is a perfect date film for a couple the like martial arts action and insects.
The video is 2.35:1 anamorphic. You’re getting the full Shawscope experience in the 1080p transfer of the film. David Chiang’s outfit when he embraces the mantis looks so much better in the higher resolution. The audio includes the English dub in 2.0 DTS-HD MA. There is also the Mandarin soundtrack in 2.0 DTS-HD MA. The movie is subtitled in English.
Audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema has to two excitedly talk about the film. They discuss what it was like to visit Shaw Bothers studio. They point out background actors who became bigger stars later.
Audio commentary with Asian cinema experts Frank Djeng. He is part of the New York Asian Film Festival so he knows his Shaw Brothers. He also points out stuntmen who have gone onto to greater roles.
Complicated Families (13:52) has David West giving quite a bit of background on Shaolin Mantis. He talks about how the film is about the different loyalties and families involved in this tale.
Interview with Actor John Cheung (20:35) catches up with the actor who played Uncle Tien Chung. He talks about how Shaw wanted to sign him to a three year contact that paid $500 a month. He chose to freelance instead. He ended up in a film with Jackie Chan. He also popped u,p in Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold. He became close to director Lau Kar-leung. He talks about the lack of first aid on the movie sets.
US Trailer (3:38) is when the movie was renamed The Deadly Mantis. The opening of the trailer does its best to get us to believe Mantis style is dangerous.
Hong Kong Trailer (3:49) has the same demo of mantis style.
Double-sided poster has the original artwork and the new cover.
Four reproduction lobby cards that are suitable for framing.
88 Films presents Shaolin Mantis. Directed by Lau Kar-leung. Screenplay by On Szeto. Starring David Chiang, Cecilia Wong, Lily Li, Chia-Yung Liu, Norman Chu, Hung Wei, Wilson Tong, Hoi-Sang Lee, Gordon Liu and John Cheung. Running Time: 100 minutes. Rated: Not Rated. Release Date: March 22, 2022.
