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Kung Fu 10th Dan

Kung Fu 10th Dan (1974)

Jan 01, 1974 1h 33m Action

Li Tin Ming (Alex Lung) travels the countryside with his sidekick, Hsiao San (Hon Kwok Choi) defeating any martial arts school they come across in an effort to test his Kung Fu 10th Dan. Having become a heroic figure for killing a feared villain named 'The Leopard', Li soon questions his actions of testing his skills and the violence that is born from the never-ending fighting. Upon making a decision to fight no more, a new gang enslaves the town set free from the claws of 'The Leopard' and Li once again must take action to prove that DRAGONS NEVER DIE.

Directed by Chen Chi-Hwa

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Chen Chi-Hwa
Producer
  • Jimmy L. Pascual

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Kung Fu 10th Dan distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Chen Chi-Hwa brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1974, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Kung Fu 10th Dan took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1974, when this film was released:
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Kung Fu 10th Dan shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Wrath of Vajra, which focuses more on action than character development, Kung Fu 10th Dan offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Fist That Kills and Joe Bullet explore similar territory, Kung Fu 10th Dan stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1974
  • Runtime: 1h 33m

Where to Watch

Amazon Prime Video
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