Shaolin Temple (1982)

After his father is killed by a warlord, a young man joins Shaolin Temple. With the aid of twelve fellow monks, he vows to defend Shaolin while seeking revenge.

This is a remarkable film debut for Jet Li that enjoyed great success in China and made an instant star out of the mild-mannered wushu champion.

The film begins with Chueh Yuan (Jet Li) performing a ceremony to become a full-fledged Shaolin monk. The story flashes back to when he and his father are being forced to labor for a warlord named Wang Jen-Tse. Yuan’s father, a famous fighter is killed by Wang and he barely escapes. Although near death, Yuan makes his way to Shaolin Temple where he is cared for by an elder monk played by Yue Hoi. Yue, who returned to play Li’s master in Kids from Shaolin (1984) is a terrific actor and becomes a credible father figure for Li. In the film, he is leader to twelve young monks who all become fast friends with Yuan as he begins to learn kung fu which is limited to a few short scenes. Soon, trouble arises when Yuan attempts to get revenge against Wang and fails. He’s ultimately saved by Li Shi Min, another, more benevolent warlord vying for control of the country. Later, when Yuan helps him in return to escape from Wang’s men, the monks are forced to help. Li Shi Min leaves to assemble his army while Shaolin Temple is threatened once Wang learns that the monks were involved in the killing of his men.

The first half of the film is somewhat slower as characters are established and Li recovers at the temple. The white-haired abbot is your typical generous but aloof old master while his sidekick is the proverbial doubting Thomas who considers Li’s presence to be a danger to the temple. There is a bit of humor involving Ding Laam who plays a mild love interest for Li. The scene involves the mistaken killing of her dog and the not so mistaken consumption of the same animal. This is China after all, where some consider dog meat a delicacy. Animal rights proponents will be further incensed by a scene involving the strangulation of a young sheep. In fact, practically Ding Laam’s entire herd is slaughtered for kicks by the baddies. Shepherding is definitely not what its cracked up to be with vile kung fu masters on the warpath. Even a little frog gets the axe!

The film contains several excellent fights during the second half. The acting is all well done and the story is compelling and easy to follow, unlike many Hong Kong productions that race at breakneck speed, leaving unwary viewers in their dust. The production values are high and filming apparently took place at the site of the real Shaolin Temple. Aside from sparking Jet Li’s film career, Shaolin Temple was also responsible for a renewed interest in the actual temple that was eventually reopened after having been shut down for many years by the government. For Jet Li fans, this is a must-see film. Although new to acting, he was in the prime of his martial arts abilities and it shows.