Film Martial Arts of Shaolin | Jet Li, Huang Qiuyan, Hu Jianqiang | Kung fu movies

Martial Arts of Shaolin (1986)—also released under the alternative title Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts of Shaolin—stands as a monumental classic in Hong Kong-Mainland Chinese cinema. Directed by the iconic martial arts director Lau Kar-leung, the film serves as a high-octane showcase of real-world wushu champions and cinematic mastery.

Plot Overview

Set during the Qing Dynasty, the narrative centers around Lin Zhi-ming (Jet Li), an orphaned young man raised as a monk at the Northern Shaolin Temple. Driven by a hidden desire for vengeance, Zhi-ming seeks to avenge his parents, who were brutally murdered by the ruthless warlord Lord He Suo (Yu Chenghui).

Zhi-ming sneaks away from the monastery to execute an assassination attempt during Lord He Suo’s extravagant public birthday celebration. There, he crosses paths with two rebels from the Southern Shaolin tradition: Chao Wei (Hu Jianqiang) and Si-ma Yan (Huang Qiuyan). After their initial attempt fails, the three fighters unite to flee the warlord’s army, resulting in a thrilling cross-country chase that forces the Northern and Southern styles to combine forces.

Key Highlights & Cinematic Importance

1. Historic Collaboration

Martial Arts of Shaolin marks the only collaboration between superstar Jet Li and the legendary Shaw Brothers action director Lau Kar-leung. Lau's background in traditional Hong Kong choreography brought a sharper, more practical edge to the film, contrasting with the purely acrobatic wushu displays seen in previous entries.

2. Real Wushu Champions

The film’s incredible action scenes owe their authenticity to an elite cast of elite Chinese martial artists:

• Jet Li as Lin Zhi-ming, demonstrating lightning-fast footwork, Praying Mantis style, and fluid weapon forms.

• Huang Qiuyan as Si-ma Yan, delivering powerful long-fist and sword techniques.

• Hu Jianqiang as Chao Wei, showcasing authentic Southern-style kung fu.

• Yu Chenghui and Yu Hai as the antagonist and master, respectively—both revered real-life martial arts masters.

3. Breathtaking Locations

Unlike many Hong Kong kung fu movies shot exclusively on indoor soundstages, Martial Arts of Shaolin was filmed on location across Mainland China, featuring scenic vistas, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall.

Film Comparison

Aspect	Northern Shaolin Style	Southern Shaolin Style
Focus	High kicks, wide stances, fluid jumps	Low stances, compact punches, close combat
Key Characters	Lin Zhi-ming (Jet Li)	Chao Wei (Hu Jianqiang) & Si-ma Yan (Huang Qiuyan)
Cinematic Role	Long-range agility and dynamic motion	Power-focused defensive counterattacks

Martial Arts of Shaolin remains an essential piece of 1980s martial arts history, bridging traditional Hong Kong filmmaking techniques with the raw athleticism of Mainland China’s finest fighters.