The Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms

The Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms (also known as Crippled Avengers) is a 1978 martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh and produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio. Though not a direct sequel to The Five Deadly Venoms, it features many of the same actors from the original film, known as the "Venom Mob." The movie is renowned for its inventive fight scenes and emphasis on themes of vengeance and perseverance in the face of disability.

Plot Summary:

The story centers on a cruel warlord named Dao Tian-Du (played by Chen Kuan-Tai) and his son Dao Chang (played by Lu Feng). After their family is attacked and Dao Chang's arms are severed, Dao Tian-Du replaces his son's arms with deadly iron ones, making him a lethal fighter. Consumed by rage and bitterness, Dao Tian-Du and his son terrorize their village, punishing anyone who crosses them.

Their tyranny leaves four men with severe disabilities: a blacksmith (played by Lo Mang) is made deaf and mute, a swordsman (played by Sun Chien) is blinded, a wanderer (played by Chiang Sheng) has his legs amputated, and a kung fu expert (played by Philip Kwok) is left brain-damaged. These men, each with their own affliction, decide to join forces and seek revenge on Dao Tian-Du and his son.

Under the guidance of a skilled martial arts master, they overcome their disabilities by developing unique fighting techniques tailored to their conditions. The blacksmith learns to fight without relying on sound, the blind man uses his heightened senses to battle his opponents, and the others similarly adapt their skills. Together, they transform into a formidable fighting team, determined to bring justice to the warlord and his son.

The film culminates in an epic battle between the four crippled fighters and the tyrannical Dao family, where their newfound abilities are put to the ultimate test.

Key Themes:

• Triumph over physical adversity through perseverance and martial arts.
• The power of teamwork and unity in the face of oppression.
• Revenge as a central motivator, intertwined with themes of justice and redemption.
• The destructive nature of power and cruelty.

The Return of the 5 Deadly Venoms stands out for its portrayal of disabled martial artists who not only adapt to their conditions but turn them into strengths. The film’s action sequences are inventive and highly choreographed, making it a classic in the kung fu genre and a beloved entry from the Shaw Brothers’ rich filmography.