The Five Deadly Venoms [Blu-ray]

The Five Deadly Venoms (1978), directed by Chang Cheh, is one of the most iconic kung fu films from the Shaw Brothers Studio, known for its intricate fight choreography and suspenseful storyline. The film is notable for featuring the Venom Mob, a group of martial artists who became famous for their unique fighting styles and on-screen chemistry.

Plot Summary:

The story centers around the last disciple of a dying martial arts master, who sends him on a secret mission to track down five former students of the master’s deadly Poison Clan. Each of these five students has been taught a distinct and lethal martial arts style based on different venomous creatures: Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Lizard, and Toad. However, the master fears that some of his former students may have turned to evil and are using their deadly skills for criminal purposes.

The disciple, Yang Tieh (played by Chiang Sheng), is tasked with identifying the five venoms and uncovering which among them remain loyal to the master’s principles and which have strayed into corruption. With only limited training in all five styles, Yang Tieh is not strong enough to defeat any of the venoms on his own, so he must rely on his wits and form alliances to survive. He must find trustworthy allies among the venoms to take down the corrupt members.

As Yang Tieh delves deeper into the lives of the former students, the film unfolds as a mystery and a martial arts showdown. Betrayal, loyalty, and revenge play out as each venom’s true nature is revealed. The film culminates in an explosive finale, where the fates of the venoms are decided in an epic martial arts showdown.

Key Themes:

• Loyalty and betrayal within martial arts brotherhoods.
• The dangers of unchecked power and corruption.
• Mystery and intrigue surrounding hidden identities.
• A blend of martial arts mastery with moral lessons about justice and righteousness.

The Five Deadly Venoms is celebrated for its unique character-driven plot, where each venom’s distinct fighting style plays a key role in the story’s progression. The film’s influence extends far beyond martial arts cinema, becoming a cult classic and inspiring countless homages in popular culture. Its combination of thrilling action and a mystery element makes it one of the Shaw Brothers’ most beloved and enduring films.