Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin (1978) User Reviews

more fun than a barrel of snakes and cranes

[winner55 · 7/10 · 27 July 2006]

having just about butchered more old Hong Kong action films than i care to mention, Columbia-Tristar actually did something right with the DVD re-release of this film - they restored a brief snippet towards the end that had long been lost to the standard American video release of it. The snippet is only about a minute of film, but it explains the emotional upheaval shown by one of the characters, and why he decides to aid Jackie in the final battle.

This is one of the better pure chop-socky 'fu films of Chan's early period, while still under contract to Lo Wei. Chen Chi Hua is really only directing a typical chop-socky, but he does allow Jackie to try out some mugging for the camera as well as some shtick. most of the actors are quite up for their supporting roles, and although the script is pretty standard fair, Chen and Chan rarely let it get beyond their capacity to have a good time, and to share this with the audience.

By no means a classic, but a thoroughly entertaining 'fu film.

Ol' skool kung fu.

[Fella_shibby · 7/10 · 1 July 2016]

Saw this first on a VHS in mid 80s. The fighting really never stops, and we see Jackie fight groups of people numerous times. This is also one of the few Jackie movies where he fights women. In this film, Jackie has attitude and confidence and he kicks butt from scene one. This is easily one of the best old style Kung Fu movies. It has bad editing, bad cinematography and bad audio quality. Watch out Jackie showing of his skills with various weapons - absolutely amazing. There is an epic fight involving the Snake and Crane style in the end. Fans may recognize the opening credit's music as the same piece that graced the credit sequence from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

You fools, you must be tired of living.

[SamuraiNixon · 6/10 · 3 May 2005]

Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin is mostly known for being a transitional movie for Jackie. He did not play the grim Bruce Lee archetype that Lo Wei tried to mold in him, but was the start of a comedic and lighter hero for Chan. Snake and Crane was a box office failure in Hong Kong, but it got Jackie recognition in Hong Kong. It also showcased his increased intricate and atypical fight choreography with an increase of humor and props.

There is really much to like in this film. Chen Chi-hwa (Half a Loaf of Kung Fu) did an excellent job of direction with beautiful wide-screen shots of gorgeous scenery and elaborate placement of camera position. I wish he directed more films. Jackie's choreographed fight scenes are also very good. Like many of the martial art films of this time, the plot is the rub. Though I did like the first half of the plot.

The film starts with Jackie displaying his various knowledge of weapons including the spear (I cannot believe they lifted music from Monty Python and the Holy Grail for this scene.) The aerobatic display that Chan does (along with others) is far superior to any martial art action done later in the film.

Jackie stars as Su Yin Fong, a sarcastic and most excellent Kung Fu practitioner who has possession of the book "The Eight Steps of the Snake and Crane." A manual of techniques that was thought, along with the Dragon Spear, to be in the possession of Master Lin. It was created and collaborated by eight masters of Shaolin who mysteriously vanished. Or did they? Being in possession of such a prize and openly flaunting it, Su finds himself the target of many ruffians. He is jumped by the Ting Brothers while fishing. He is attacked by the Wu Tang Clan while eating. Later he is attacked by various members of the Black Dragon Clan, Beggar Clan and the Flying Tiger Clan. His only ally is Fong Sie Pin of the Ere May Clan who killed Lady Suon and her minion after Jackie Chan had already defeated them.

Su is also looking for a shoulder-scarred man. He will not let anything stop him from this goal. This includes advances from Tang Pin Nhur (Nora Miao) and her offering of a treasured golden peacock! Now that is a lot of fortitude (or else he is eunuch.) Nora actually has some decent fight scenes in this film. But the plot winds down with too many obvious turns (like who the shoulder-scarred man is and what happened to the Shaolin monks.)

I do feel like this film is worth watching. In addition to the beautiful photography and the actors I have mentioned there are great characters like Lu Lo Qui (with his cursing match against Su), Hong Tu (Gam Ching Lan) who is a pretty petite female pretending to be a male, and Chien Tse (Kam Kong.) If only the plot was stronger (and possibly Lo Wei had less influence on the story) then this film would be mentioned more often and I could create a more cohesive critique. But for historical purposes it will always have its place as a transitional movie in Jackie Chan's illustrious career.

Jackie Chan is pigtailed wanderer

[abentenjo · 4 June 2002]

When the Eight Steps of the Snake and Crane manual disappears along with the Shaolin masters who devised it, the martial arts world is said to be in disarray. Hsu (Jackie), a pigtailed wanderer (you know the sort), claims he possesses the coveted book and summarily every goddamn scoundrel wants a piece of it, and a piece of Hsu. That's more than enough to go on in this rather tame yet fulfilling chopsocky. The most redeeming factor: a straight Chan performance that's convincing and barely pretentious, featuring some of his best traditional choreography ever put on celluloid. Back in reality, though, the movie proved yet another major flop for the Lo Wei Motion Picture Co.

Mandatory for fans, above average, not one of the best

[ckormos1 · 6/10 · 14 March 2016]

1978 was one of the most, if not the most, prolific years in the history of martial arts movies. By my count about three of these movies were made every day. If you make a list of the best martial arts movies of all times then these movies from 1978 must appear on that list or you know nothing - The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Crippled Avengers, Heroes of the East, Five Deadly Venoms, Drunken Master, Warriors Two, and Dirty Kung Fu.

So where does Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin fall in among this plethora? We must pretend, to be objective, that Jackie Chan was just another of the hundreds of capable would be star material stunt men of the era. Is there anything about this movie that makes it worth mentioning along with the other seven named? Short answer, yes.

There are two fight sequences. First is a sword fight sequence at about the 45 minute mark. (I'm pretty sure Jackie took many of these same moves and improved the overall sequence in another of his movies. I'll get back and edit this once confirmed.) Second is the spear fighting sequence in the final fight. Those two fights are on the level of Liu Chia-Liang greatness (the Grandmaster of all martial arts movies). The only problem is the rest of the movie is "meh". I will not be adding this movie to the best of 1978 list but it is certainly rated above average and mandatory viewing for fans of the genre.

Since I mentioned it - I will add my list (up until 1978)

1967 One Armed Swordsman, Dragon Gate Inn, Rape of the Sword

1968 Killer Darts, King of All Swordsmen

1969 Killers Five

1970 The Chinese Boxer

1971 The Eunuch, Lady with a Sword, The Brave and the Evil

1972 The Black Tavern, Five Fingers of Death

1973 Enter the Dragon, Win Them All, One By One

1974 The Savage Five, Shaolin Martial Arts

1975 The Flying Guillotine, The Female Chivalry, The Man from Hong Kong

1976 Challenge of the Masters, Master of the Flying Guillotine, Killer Clans, The Secret Rivals, Dance of Death

1977 The Iron Monkey, Broken Oath, Invincible Armour, Shaolin Plot, Executioners from Shaolin, The Lost Swordship, Judgement of an Assassin, Pursuit of Vengeance

1978 The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Crippled Avengers, Heroes of the East, Five Deadly Venoms, Drunken Master, Warriors Two, Dirty Kung Fu

Chan is awesome!!

[nhlgumby · 6/10 · 5 July 2002]

I watched this movie immediately after watching "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow," another terrific Jackie Chan movie, and it was nice to see a change in the way Chan was written into the story. I felt bad for Jackie Chan in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" because he was always being bullied around, however, in this movie, Chan is clearly the one with the advantage. It was a lot more fun to watch Jackie Chan whup up on some bad guys, than watch the bad guys whup up on him.

I love any fight scene where they use the rattan bo with a knife at the end (long wooden stick with a knife at the end). I've been hooked on using a long staff as a weapon ever since I watched Donatello from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles use his staff, and use it effectively. In this movie, watching Jackie Chan use a bo to kick butt only heightened the viewing experience for me. The beginning sequence against the red background while two guys attacked with the staffs and Jackie defended himself with the modern police baton and a sword, WOOO!! that was great! I noticed though, as I watched that, the music they played was that from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's the music that is played during the opening credits of the movie and it was really weird to hear that music being played in a kung fu movie. My only question is: to which movie does the music really belong? Which movie was made first? It turns out Monty Python was made first, so I guess the music was stolen.

I really like the plot of this movie. It's so much better than "revenge on a guy who killed someone's family." The use of an ancient text to lure out the killer of seven masters of snake and crane style, leaving one master to teach a student the two styles in order to eventually... get revenge. So you see, while the plot is nothing TOO new, it's still better than other plots of other kung fu movies.

What really sets this movie apart from other Jackie Chan movies, is that it doesn't have goofy, and gratuitous dumb humor. This movie sticks to the point, and is serious all the way through. I like that in my kung fu movies. I gave it a 6/10.

**Final Decision: * With his abilities, Jackie Chan deserves to be in control**

Lots of fighting; not much plot.

[BA_Harrison · 6/10 · 31 August 2008]

An old-school Jackie Chan chop socky flick from prolific producer Lo Wei, Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin sees the star playing Hsu Yin-Fung, a skillful martial artist (what else?) who attracts the attention of several clans when he reveals that he is in possession of 'Art of the Snake and Crane', a rare book written by the eight Shaolin Masters.

After lots of not particularly memorable bouts of fighting between Hsu Yin-Fung and various clan leaders (JC is both athletic and acrobatic, but the choreography lacks the inventiveness and attention to detail that can be found in his later HK work), it is revealed that our hero is deliberately flaunting his book in order to try and discover the identity of a man with a scarred shoulder who was responsible for killing all but one of the eight masters.

After much mayhem, and some rubbish about a dirty faced ragamuffin who turns out to be the daughter of one of the clan leaders, the villain's identity is finally revealed, and Hsu Yin-Fung does battle against the bad guy and his hired killers—a trio of tough nuts wielding a variety of weapons. The action in these closing fight scenes is terrific, and makes ploughing through the earlier rather repetitive action and weak comedy worthwhile.

Give me that book!!!

[coltras35 · 7/10 · 6 November 2021]

A martial arts book, which Hsu Yin-Fung (Jackie Chan) carries, is being highly sought by various clans and gangs, but he is in pursuit of someone himself, and that someone has a mark on his shoulder.

A lively early Chan starrer replete with awesome acrobatic fights, even some good swordplay, and the storyline makes a change from "you killed my master" and it's well-told, though the rambling between the characters can be repetitive. There's some humour, and it is a lighthearted fun film. The pretty Nora Maio costars and glides beautifully with her moves.

"Your technique; it's very strange."

[KillMe666 · 10/10 · 27 March 2001]

The very best old school kung fu movie, period.

Never a dull moment in this film with the action happening right from the beginning. The fight sequences are probably the best I have ever seen - and I've seen a fair few! Chan is completely convincing as a kung-fu master, he is incredible.

Take the opening sequence alone for example - Jackie showing of his skills with various weapons - absolutely amazing, it surely must have taken ages to produce, and more than a dozen band-aids.

As for the rest of the film, see it for yourself, the characters may be strange, the dubbing hilarious (adds to the charm) but if you like a good kung fu flick with action on overload, starring the greatest (in my opinion) martial artist movie-star of all time, then this simply must not be missed.

A Hybrid of Snake & Crane!

[Guardia · 7/10 · 5 November 2006]

This Kung Fu film has some really good ingredients. The thing that doesn't quite come through for it are the production values. The action sequences, the plot, the characters, the settings are all interesting and worth filming, but the actual cinematography and audio quality are quite poor, and so I found it unusually difficult to watch.

If you can put these issues aside, the film is great for it's time. Jackie Chan really begins to show his immense talents for what is probably the first respectable time. His acrobatics are great, as are the Snake & Crane styles he employs further on in the film.

Interestingly, his character is a little bit cocky, and his body language is a little unusual for him, as if he was told to act a little more American or something. Also, his back-hand strikes seem a little odd and over-used. One of the other great things is the appearance of all the different clans in the film. Th Black Dragons, the Flying Tigers etc really add some colour and interesting rivalry - not to mention the opportunities for various back-stabbings and double-dealings.

I would give everything in this movie an A, but the production values a C.

Dabbling in the Arts- A Splarshy Review

[jacobstaggs · 4/10 · 31 January 2020]

Another 70s flick starring Jackie Chan. The film has very well choreographed fights but there are way too many. Jackie's fight against the spear fighters is fantastic. The costumes are good too. Everything else about the movie is crap. Watch the fights and fast forward past the rest.

A must-see for Tekken fans!!!

[jfrahman · 10/10 · 7 January 2005]

If you've ever played Lei in any version of Tekken, Hsu Yin Fong is the character he has to be based on. Just look at the crazy 'Snake and Crane' stuff he does in this flick...the greatest Lei player, ever! This movie also contains the immortal line, "We're from the Wu-Tang Clan! If you know what's good for you you'll hand over that book!", right before Hsu Yin Fong unleashes the fury of the snake and crane on a whole restaurant-full of opponents, stopping every once in a while to relax on a chair for a bit or grab a bite to eat as he takes all these guys to school. This really is a classic movie that should be in the collection of anyone who likes gongfu movies. Peace -Jameel

Good Kung Fu Flick

[sarthakjaiswaloo · 6/10 · 30 August 2021]

A very good movie for Kung Fu Fan. Action of Jackie Chan is Very Good.

Pre-stardom Chan vehicle is one of his better early efforts

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 23 December 2016]

Jackie Chan's early, pre-1980s movies aren't really to my liking, mainly because their choreography is poor compared to later Chan outings, the film stock is typically cheap, giving the movies a grainy, amateurish look, and they also tend to be rather boring. Of course, there are exceptions; Yuen Woo-ping's work on DRUNKEN MASTER and SNAKE IN THE EAGLE'S SHADOW is great, but for the most part you'll watch these movies once and never again. The same is true of SNAKE & CRANE ARTS OF SHAOLIN, which is a little better than Chan's films made with director Lo Wei, but still very average and only of real appeal to the most ardent martial arts fan, I reckon.

The good thing about this flick is the fighting: Jackie is an absolute kick-ass master of martial arts here, right from beginning to end. Forget that initial period of weakness followed by tons of training that we see in his other early period flicks; he's fighting all the way through this movie, and his moves are great. Sure, there aren't any stunts here, so viewers looking for that kind of excitement should go elsewhere; instead, it's just old-school kung fu, hand to hand or with weapons, Jackie doesn't mind. The bad thing about the film is the plot, which is very threadbare, has far too many supporting characters in it, and is extraordinarily clichéd. The only bit I liked about it was the flashback scene in which the masters are poisoned.

Jackie is supported by a variety of fighters, generally older than himself and quite distinguished. Nora Miao pops up and fights as well as you'd expect, whilst comic relief goes to the stock characters like the wacky beggar and the cursing guy with the brain of a child. The bad guy is quite tough and the last, extended fight sequence is by far the best moment in the film; not only does Jackie have to battle a guy whose horse stance is impenetrable, but he also takes on three Japanese assassins armed with staffs with knives at the end! A great showdown follows, with some hilarious moments to enjoy – I especially love the bit where Jackie uses a couple of metal stress balls on the bad guy.

All in all, SNAKE & CRANE ARTS OF SHAOLIN isn't bad. It isn't that good, but it does have a lot of kung fu, even if said martial arts is kind of repetitive. Still, these guys were working with limited budgets, and it's easy to forget the hard work that went into these productions. Give this one a try if you really love Jackie or are a kung fu addict in general (I guess the two go together…).

A Lot More Fun Than It Looked

[Edwin_Bailey · 21 February 2000]

This movie's actually really good, especially considering how old it is... There's a wonderful cast of characters, each with their own particular weapon/style, and it doesn't dwell too much on plot like some earlier pics. Jackie Chan refers to this in his book as his "First Dream Project", and it shows, because it really looks like he's in control with the action and story. Not bad at all.

Top 3 best Jackie movies ever

[mrfenfen · 10/10 · 11 November 2005]

This is easily one of the best old style Kung Fu movies ever, on a par with Drunken Master and Snake in the Eagles shadow. The plot is in the traditional style. Having watched almost every Jackie Chan film I can honestly say watch it! Do it justice and watch it with subtitles I hate dubbed films. Jackie is at his best and for once he is not playing for laughs, from the start he is playing a fully trained fighter not a cheeky young lad who suddenly Masters his art. Whenever he uses Snake style its always going to be an awesome treat for the true fan, this time he mixes it up with several styles, right from the start with his sword display I knew I was going to love it. If you think that Jackie Chan would never have matched the greats due to his comedy style then watch and learn. I wish he made more films like this.

One of the best from this era

[discostu-14 · 9/10 · 2 March 2000]

This is definitely one of Jackie's best movies from this era. A lot of his films from this time are sub-par, and a lot of the "Jackie Chan" movies in the video stores aren't even Jackie movies. However, be assured that this is probably the most butt-kicking Jackie movie from the late 70's. I have it about tied with Fearless Hyena. The fighting really never stops, and we see Jackie fight groups of people numerous times. This is also one of the few Jackie movies where he fights women. Overall, definitely worth at least a rental, I liked it enough to buy it.

COOL!!!!!!!!!

[Nick_Vorobyov · 26 June 2001]

This film is one of Jackie's best old movies!! People say "Jackie Chan's" old films suck, well they are wrong about this one!!! In this film Jackie kicks people from left to right till the end!!! This film has the usual story were everyone want's to find the stolen book with some style in it!! When I brought the film I wasn't expecting much, but I got too much after all. This film has like 11 action scenes!!!! I haven't seen any old Jackie film with soo much action!! I like how Jackie uses the thing around him as props. Also there are no real stunt's in this film but the action is good. The action is sometimes slow and sometimes fast. Like for example when there was a sword fight, you can call that a fast action scene. But when there was hand to hand action that's slow but not alway's. And the story itself is pretty good. Because in other Jackie film the story is the same and it just get's boring after a while. So I think I sad enough about this great action packed film. So go rent or buy it today!!!!!

Who can stand against the Snake & Crane Arts of Shaolin?

[cloudhands_1 · 10/10 · 25 March 2005]

To start with, this is one of the best old skool Kung Fu movies out there! and now to the nitty gritty...

Every year, the Masters of all the Shaolin divisions gather for combining and developing the best technique based on their supreme kung fu knowledge & experience, now they have formed the ultimate kung fu technique making "The Book of the Eight Steps of Snake & Crane".

but mysteriously hereafter, the 8 Masters of Shaolin disappear along with the most valuable book, and chaos reigns in South China Until one day, when a young stranger comes to town named Hsu Yin Fung, or better known to us as Jackie Chan, carrying the precious book. Now this definitely means action, and in big quantities - all the kung fu clans want this book for themselves, but Hsu Yin Fung has mastered the art which is written there! even more, not only that Hsu Yin Fung does not keep the fact that he has the book very secret as you would expect him to do, he also has a bad habit: he likes fighting people who fight well, as he puts it in the movie.

yes ladies & gentlemen, this movie is loaded with fighting scenes! there are heaps of them to surely satisfy any kung fu movies fan, while the plot itself is also interesting, it is not the usual formula of kung fu movies, a lot of colorful characters appear in this film, and there are no dull moments, the story keeps it's rhythm fluently.

There is also some humor weaved in the story although not exactly the kind of humor you might be used to from other Jackie Chan's movies, note this - Jackie does not do any slapstick like humor by himself, here he is the toughest guy around and he has no problem showing it. most of his films, Jackie is not reluctant to kick ass, nor to straight forward declare that he can, but here it's a whole different tale...

one last thing, in the opening scenes of the movie (and later on) The Dragon Spear is mentioned: a weapon which is given to The ShaoLin Master Lin who was given the book at first to assist him in this, but we never get to see this spear in the movies it is only mentioned so don't build up expectations.

Here's one for ya!

[Machine-3 · 10/10 · 20 September 1998]

This is one of very few early Jackie Chan movies that Jackie is totally in control. Normally, his character is played as either a bumbling fool or the underdog that rises. Not in this film. Jackie has attitude and confidence and he kicks butt from scene one. See this for sure!

pretty good

[Zargo · 20 June 2003]

At first glance this movie is just another one of those old chan movies with the slightly irritating, forgettable title, and equally forgettable movie, but this one's content is pretty good.

It only drags occasionally, and the action (and even plot!) is very good, great to see jackie in control! It does make a change seeing him play someone other then the lovable underdog as well, but although this movies isn't humerous as far as i could tell, it's not deadly serious either.

Snake & Crane is horribly edited, and critisising the dubbing of a jackie chan movie is hardly an original notion, but it is very watchable, and while not a 'must-see' it is definatly one of Jackie's old ones that fans shouldn't be afraid to take a look at!

Eight steps of the Snake and Crane

[ebiros2 · 12 November 2011]

Nora Miao and Jackie Chan stars again since New Fist of Fury (1976) in this classic martial arts movie.

Eight masters of snake and crane combined their skills and wrote the book containing all their secrets. They entrusted it to master Lin along with the Dragon Spear, and disappeared. Hsu (Jackie Chan) is carrying that book. Everyone seems to know that and wants the book. Unfortunately Hsu turns out to be very well learned in the techniques, and nobody is able to take the book away from him. He's letting everyone know he has the book, because he's looking for a man.

Three different clans, Tang, Black Dragon, and Flying Tiger are after his book. Leader of the Tang clan Tang Sei-Chun (Nora Miao) is looking to get the book to find her father. It turns out that man Hsu is looking for is Chan, the leader of the Black Dragon clan and he's after the book also. Wong, head of Flying Tiger clan who's daughter Un-Chu has been stalking Hsu is interested in the book. They feel that with that book, they can rule the kung fu world.

Sei Chun, and Un Chu has feelings for Hsu, and sides with him. When Hsu gets caught by Wong, Sei Chun gathers her troops to free Hsu. But Hsu escapes on his own, and Chan hearing about this, goes after Hsu. The end result is all three clans converging on location where Hsu shows up. Chan wants to wipe out the other two clans, and full battle between the clans including Hsu ensues. Then surprising secret about the Shaolin masters and Chan is revealed.

Surprisingly entertaining movie featuring Jackie Chan. This movie has real plot to the story.

Few months after this movie was shot, Jackie will be filming his crowning achievement from the '70s, the Drunken Master. The two characters he played couldn't have been more apart. In this, he plays dead strait character, and there's no comic element in this story.

This is one of the better Jackie Chan movie from the '70s, and also a very decent kung fu movie.

One of the most coolest Kung-Fu movie ever made. I...

[sal-29 · 23 February 1999]

One of the most coolest Kung-Fu movie ever made. I saw this one on the Japanese movie theatre when I was a kid and I thought it's cool, and I saw it again today on video and it's still cool!! This is definitely one of Jackie's best movie. It was shot mostly outdoors so you'll enjoy beautiful winter landscapes of somewhere in Asia as well. If you like Jackie Chan or Kung-Fu movies, you MUST see this!!

You'll love this!!!

[blackman · 22 January 1999]

His character is arrogant but likeable. This is Jackie Chan at his early best. From the opening credits you know that there is something very special about him... and the film! The Kung-Fu is superb and at the odd occasion very funny. This is a must see for all Jackie Chan fans.

5 out of 10

[dragon ma young · 7 August 2001]

Not a typical Jackie movie. Jackie is always a nice, doesnt quite know whats goin on kinda guy, but in this movie he is one bad-ass dude. All these people want a book he has, but Jackie aint giving that thing up, so you can bet he will fight a whole lot to keep it. this movie just didnt do it for me. I like the Jackie we know and love(or serious Jackie when he does it well), and this wasnt him. From what I hear, a lot of other fans like this movie for the same reason I dont like it, so you might want to check this one out.