King Boxer review (also known as Five Fingers of Death) is a Shaw Brothers martial arts kung fu movie from 1972 starring Lo Lieh and directed by Chang-hwa Jeong which was recently released as part of the ShawScope Volume 1 Collection on Blu-ray.
“King Boxer” emerged as a pivotal film in the early years of the kung fu cinema genre, capturing significant attention and contributing to its rise in popularity. The story revolved around rival martial arts schools and their participation in an upcoming tournament, readying the audience for intense rivalries, personal ambitions, and thrilling fight sequences.
While “King Boxer” held a place in the annals of martial arts cinema, I discussed that the film fell within the realm of average offerings from the Shaw Brothers studio. However, there were standout elements that warranted discussion. The glowing red ‘iron fist’ gag added a unique visual flair and stood out as a memorable feature. Additionally, the inclusion of a kung fu expert with a half-shaved head left a lasting impression, showcasing the film’s commitment to distinctive character design.