DVD Review: The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

I originally saw this film on an inferior DVD release under the title of Shaolin Master Killer, while that title may fit, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is much more appropriate. Whatever title you see it under, there is no denying that this is in the upper echelon of martial arts films of all time. It helped bring back the popularity of martial arts films following the death of Bruce Lee and went a long way toward establishing a young Gordon Liu as one of the greatest martial arts stars. The film may have a simplistic plot, it is more about the development and maturity of one man.

The story follows, in rather singular fashion, a young student named San Te (translated in these subtitles as San Ta), played by Gordon Liu. It opens showing the conflict between the Ming followers and the Manchu who were in control. San Te witnesses the murder of an innocent at the hands of the Manchu, and chooses to help the rebellion to return the power to the people. However, he and his fellow students are discovered, leading to more death. San Te and his friend leave the town with the intention of entering the Shaolin temple to learn kung fu to defend himself and others in their efforts. However, they are discovered, and San Te's friend is killed, leaving San Te hurt and alone on his journey. Eventually, he makes it to Shaolin temple, where the heart of the movie takes place.

The center hour of the movie is dedicated to San Te's training at Shaolin temple, this is what really makes this movie and is why Gordon Liu is a star. Training sequences are a staple of the classic martial arts film, but this movie took that concept to the next level, making it the story, making it about the transformation of this impetuous young man into a Shaolin martial arts master with amazing self confidence and discipline, a stark contrast to how we see him early on.

San Te's training covers many years, and we watch as he moves through the 35 different chambers. We watch him early on as he wishes to start all the way at the top, demonstrating his eagerness in the face of logic. Once he is embarrassed out of that chamber, he must start back at the lowest chamber and work his way up. Each chamber offers up a new lesson for him to incorporate into his growing knowledge. It is fascinating in how San Te thinks he is there to learn kung fu, to learn to fight, however the top chamber is one of spiritual awareness, it is not one of physical superiority. It offers up nice contrast to what you watch kung fu flicks for.

Watching Gordon Liu through the training sequences is fantastic, you could tell that he was destined for great things. There was something in his face, a determination that could not be quelled. He just brings this beautiful intensity and charisma to the screen.

There is something else that is special about this movie, it is a martial arts film, and when you watch them, you expect to see a lot of fights, but for a long time we do not get any fights at all. Rather than fights you get the training, and when the fights come, they are jaw dropping. San Te is charged with challenging one of the top masters of the temple in order to take charge of a room, a task which takes a number of attempts.

Now, lest you forget about the evil Manchu, the film does come full circle. San Te does leave the temple and return to have his revenge, resulting in a fantastic one on one fight between Liu's San Te and General Tien (played by Lo Lieh) which has to be one of the best filmed.

Audio/Video. This release looks and sounds great, easily the best quality this film has had since its initial release. Dragon Dynasty has done a fine job delivering the film in such fine quality. We get Cantonese, Mandarin, and English tracks, I believe the original is Cantonese.

Extras. A fine selection of extras accompany the feature.

• Commentary. The track features film critic Andy Klein and The RZA. I was a little leary of RZA on the track, but man does he know his martial arts films. The track is very informative and very entertaining.
• Interviews. The first is with star Gordon Liu, he is very personable and has a lot to offer about how he came to be in the movies and about his character. next is with critics David Chute and Any Klein, also interesting. Finally, The RZA who offers much on how he came to be influenced by the martial arts world.
• "Shaolin: A Hero Birthplace." A featurette that tells of the history of Shaolin temple, and the characters that Gordon Liu has played and their relationships to actual history.
• Stills Gallery
• Trailer Gallery
• Concert Video for Wu-Tang Clan's "Gravel Pit." Probably the most questionable inclusion of the lot.

Bottomline. This is an undeniable classic. It offers up some great fights, possibly the best training sequence, and made Gordon Liu a star. If you are a fan of martial arts films, this is an absolute must see. Dragon Dynasty has delivered a great release for this legendary film.

Highly Recommended.