‘The Boxer from Shantung‘ is a 1972 martial arts film from Shaw Brothers directed by Chang Cheh and stars Chen Kuan Tai and David Chiang. ‘The Boxer from Shantung’ was recently released on Blu-ray from Arrow Video as part of their ShawScope Volume One Collection.
‘The Boxer from Shantung’ follows a poor man, played by Chen Kuan Tai, who is an excellent fighter looking for a better life. He is soon wrapped up in a conflict between the local gangs and other shop owners around him.
Chen Kuan Tai is caught up in greed and power with a huge all-out brawl that happens in the final act of the movie. This film is notable for introducing us to the ‘axe-gang’ which has been popularized in other films as well.
Overall, ‘The Boxer from Shantung’ leans in more on the story and drama and less on martial arts and action.