The Five Deadly Venoms (Chinese: 五毒; pinyin: Wǔ Dú) is a seminal 1978 Hong Kong martial arts film produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio. Directed by Chang Cheh, it is renowned for its intricate fight choreography, distinct character archetypes, and its influence on subsequent martial arts cinema. The film gained significant popularity in the West, particularly during the 1980s, and is often cited as a classic example of the kung fu genre.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around an aging master of the "Five Venoms House," a secret martial arts clan whose members each master a unique, animal-themed kung fu style: Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Lizard, and Toad. Fearing that his former students, who now live in disguise, are using their powerful and dangerous techniques for evil, the master dispatches his final student, Yan Tieh, to identify and neutralize the rogue members.
Yan Tieh is tasked with investigating a series of crimes and uncovering the true identities of the Venoms. However, due to the secretive nature of the clan and the fact that its members wear masks only during training, he does not know who they are. He is only aware of their distinct fighting styles. The plot unfolds as a mystery, with Yan Tieh needing to discern which of the local powerful figures and martial artists are the true Venoms, and then form an alliance with potentially good Venoms to defeat the evil ones. The film culminates in complex, multi-person battles showcasing the unique strengths and weaknesses of each Venom style.
The Five Venoms
Each of the Five Venoms possesses a distinctive martial arts style named after an animal, reflecting its unique characteristics and combat techniques:
- Centipede: Known for extremely fast, multi-strike attacks and agile movements.
- Snake: Characterized by fluid, coiling movements, precise striking, and grappling.
- Scorpion: Employs powerful kicks, quick reflexes, and a deadly "tail" strike or grapple.
- Lizard: Focuses on stealth, wall-climbing, and highly agile, acrobatic combat.
- Toad: Represents a "hard kung fu" style, emphasizing invulnerability to blunt force, powerful strikes, and a strong defensive posture.
Legacy and Influence
- The Venom Mob: The film launched the careers of a group of actors (Kuo Chui, Lo Mang, Philip Kwok, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, and Wei Pai) who became known as the "Venom Mob." This ensemble frequently starred in Chang Cheh's subsequent martial arts films, often portraying different characters or Venoms across various productions.
- Choreography and Innovation: Five Deadly Venoms is praised for its innovative and intricate fight choreography, which highlighted the unique characteristics of each fighting style. This approach influenced many future martial arts films.
- Pop Culture Impact: The film has garnered a cult following and is frequently referenced in popular culture, including in music (e.g., by the Wu-Tang Clan), other films, and video games. Its distinct characters and concept of specialized fighting styles have resonated with audiences worldwide.
- Genre Standard: It is widely considered a benchmark for the Shaw Brothers' kung fu output and a quintessential example of the martial arts "whodunit" subgenre, where the identity of the villains is a key plot element.
See Also
- Shaw Brothers Studio
- Chang Cheh
- Kung Fu
- Wuxia
Categories
- 1978 films
- Hong Kong martial arts films
- Shaw Brothers films
- Films directed by Chang Cheh
- Cult films
- Martial arts film series