Fight for Shaolin Tamo Mystique

[Lei Kung]

I stumbled across this at a rental place the other day, titled "Lady Wu Tang". It was VHS, fullscreen dubbed, but the picture and sound were still there. Polly Shang Kwan starred as a Shaolin reject who learned kung fu from an old, crippled renegade monk, as Shaolin was males only. The volumes of the Tamo Mystique (a secret form of kung fu that involves extendable limbs and a variety of other magic techniques) had been stolen, and under commission of the abbott, the pair go on a quest for the books. Polly's character started growing a mustache and 'turning into a male' (a result of the kung fu she learned). Her master explained that only Negative Kung Fu could return one to his or her true form. Unfortunately he'd forgotten it, so he feigns dead in order to be taken into the temple and painted gold to relearn the technique. Magic, kung fu and bizarre characters abound as the girl continues her quest for the books, culminating in a wild invasion of the temple by several clan leaders. Overall, it was a pretty good movie. The plot was crazy enough to keep me interested. I haven't seen many Polly Kwan movies, but will definitely see what I can find. She was pretty awesome in this one, all dressed up like a superhero. The fights were nothing special, but still... I'd like to get a copy of this, but can't find much info on it or any place selling it. Anyone else know about this movie?

[Bruce Long]

The "Lady Wu Tang" version is missing the opening sequence, where the book is stolen and divided by the villains. A more complete English version was on VHS as "Fight for Survival".

[gfanikf]

Really now that is interesting as I really liked the film. I was under the impression that LWT was the longest version.

[Robert Ian Teller]

Elsa Yeung played one of the villains and doesn't talk much. I noticed she was also in Bruce Kung Fu Girls (also starring Polly) as one of the heroines and as such doesn't talk much.

[Lei Kung]

Thanks for the info Bruce. I've searched far and wide (from the comfort of my chair here) and cannot find this for sale anywhere, any version. Looks like I'll be making a deal with the video rental guy.

[jfinesse2000]

I have a DVD-R of the CBS/FOX VHS of Fight for Survival. If you would like a copy, let me know.

[the dirty tiger]

I have the Lady Wu Tang tape spare, maybe the CBS tape too, will have to have a look if you are interested :D

EDIT : By the way, the original title is Fight For Shaolin Tamo Systique

[venomsfreak]

Wow, I have been looking for this movie on DVD for YEARS! I still have the Wu-Tang Collection VHS but its worn out and not watchable anymore.

This is an old thread so has anyone found it on DVD yet? Possibly butchered by Videoasia, and put on one of their multi-sets???

If Im not mistaken, doesn't Don Wong Tao make an appearance in this as well? I think as one of the Animal form fighters Polly fights in the temple?


Yes Don Wong Tao is in this. I'm not sure if it's ever been released on DVD in it's entirety, I got a copy on dvdr, but that might be from a VHS source also.