The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin DVD Review

Among important kung-fu films The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a certainly expected film to come up. Filled with great action and one of the most engaging training programs in the many chambers leading to the 36th, which doesn’t actually exist at the beginning of the film, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is remarkably fun to watch. The action sequences alone are fabulously choreographed, but there is so much more to make this film a great addition to a collection for any kung-fu fan.

When Manchu invaders come into a defenseless village and begin ruling over them, a select few begin a resistance, which is quickly discovered. Only a lone student survives as the Manchu warriors kill or arrest all students in the village. Injured and determined to seek revenge, the student travels at great peril to the secretive monastery of Shaolin. After convincing them to allow him to stay, he begins to learn the art of kung-fu. This intense martial arts training is mystifying to the naïve villager, especially as he tries to start at the most advanced class rather than the first. Once this fails he struggles even in the first class as well, causing him slight humiliation and a few missed meals, but he remains determined for revenge.

After his embarrassing attempt in the first and last stages, he quickly becomes the fastest and the best in each stage following. Each of these levels consist of seemingly basic tasks, each serving a greater purpose. Whether carrying water, banging a gong, or banging his head against sandbags, there is always a greater purpose. Finally after reaching a chamber in which he is able to practice kung-fu, he has built up the strength to control it. Eventually he is so great at everything that he is offered the chance to run any chamber except the most advanced. His choice is the 36th Chamber, one he will create. With hopes of creating a place to teach ordinary people kung-fu to stand up for themselves quickly crushed by denial of this request our hero asks a second time persistently which causes his dismissal from the temple. On the outside the kung-fu is remarkable handy and he can finally get revenge.

The DVD is filled with help from the Wu-Tang Clan, who have their concert video in the DVD special features as well as a commentary track with The RZA along with film critic Andy Klein and interviews with The RZA, Andy Klein and David Chute. Other special features include an interview with star Gordon Liu and a featurette about Shaolin. There are also stills galleries and a trailer gallery.