The 7 Grandmasters (1979)

7 Grandmasters deserves to be a legend of martial arts cinema. Nowhere else, either from this period of cinema or the modern era, have I seen so much variety in fighting styles and such a huge number of quality fight sequences. While the fights may adhere to a '70s fight choreography feel to some extent, they're very fast and fluid, with each fight displaying a unique tone. Monkey style, mantis style, weapon fights, fights between the same styles, an unorthodox fight that will be at home to Jackie Chan fans, and several others. Each style is carefully considered and utilized authentically, not just as a gimmick to add superficial differences to samey choreography. And fortunately the fights are filmed at steady, wide angles with long continuous shots whenever possible to allow the viewer to fully appreciate the action.The story may seem unusually briskly paced, but this ends up being refreshing after experiencing countless martial arts films with convoluted melodrama, where good martial artists try and fail to act. What story there is explains the motivation for each of the fights without ever holding back the real goal of the movie.Visually, the film is quite gorgeous, with varied locations and bright, vast environments. The sound effects on the original mandarin audio track utilize wonderful whooshing effects for the fights, as you'd expect.This is a must-see classic for any fan of martial arts film.

This movie is the best. It doesn't have your jackie chan's or bruce lee or any other mainstream superstar actor (sorry bruce) But in my eyes its a classic.It story is about the current kings champion in china (sang kwan chung) about to retire, when his title is put under question by a mysterious note pinned to his banner. Sang kwan chan then sets out to prove he is the rightful owner of the title and defeat the 7 grandmasters. Along the the way he picks up a young student who is neglected by the current 3 other students of the Pi mae Grand master, who wants to learn the style and pledges his loyalty.This movie is not just your average movie. It has Many laughs and great fighting sequences and a climax that is truly awesome.If you see this movie and are a fan of the old school Kung fu movies..then buy it.

I have become something of an expert on kung fu movies lately, and I'm here to tell you that 7 Grandmasters is utterly shock full of the very highest grade kung fu fighting. The story is simple but adequate, the actors are good and the fight sequences are incredibly beautiful and plentiful. This movie probably ought to be the prime example and standard by which the kung fu content of other martial arts movies should be measured. The techniques used here are totally authentic and completely convincing. Although, there are also a very few gratuitous scenes of supernatural moves, which is a pity, because the movie doesn't need it one bit; it is supremely impressive even without that "edge".Another slight flaw about the story is the incredible speed by which the student becomes a master. It's a few weeks at most! That's very silly, but I guess we can just imagine that it's really a longer time-span. The important thing is that the transition from student to master is reflected enormously well in the student's moves; he convincingly acts like a novice at the beginning, with a fumbling and imprecise technique, and later he becomes beautifully adept and fights with obvious power and precision.Also, the structure of the story is excellent and very rewarding, with the master going through a series of great fights, and the student watching and learning as he goes along, eventually excelling beyond anyone's expectations. The end has two masters pitting their students against each other, which also makes for some very cool scenes and a great climax. If you're looking for kung fu movies with great fighting in them, this is about as good as it gets. And there's not even a Jackie Chan or a Jet Li in sight!9 out of 10.

Producer Joseph Kuo scores big with this film. Most true Kung Fu historians feel it is one of the best Martial Arts movies ever made. Great blend of comedy and action. The movie centers around the teacher (San Kwan Chun) and his quest to defeat the 7 Grandmasters. He and his students travel around China fighting one master at a time. Amongst this; pupil Lee Yee Min tries to convince the teacher to take him as a student. His efforts fail several times before the teacher gives in. He then practices his skills against his elder classmates who he eventually surpasses. Lee Ye Min wants to learn Kung Fu badly because of his fathers murder in a friendly duel. Once an expert he then can seek out a duel with the killer of his father. He initially is told that the killer was of all people his own teacher. He swore and took an oath that he would avenge his father's death, so he and the teacher fight using practically the same same style (Pia Ma 7 strikes) After using stolen secret strikes learned from another teacher he badly wounds his teacher but he won't kill him. His secret teacher reappears and tells Lee that he's the actual killer of his father. Now with teacher at his side he can seek revenge. The final battle is epic with Lee's teacher (San Kwan Chun) remembering the last thing his dying teacher told him: that "All Pia Ma Strikes Are Corelated". The teacher then gives his pupil proper advice and he defeats his fathers actual killer. An excellent martial arts film that stays away from too many corny lines that other Kung Fu flicks have. It does have silly humor but it flows well with the flick so it is tolerable. Good plot and story line, with many different fighting styles used (Monkey,Mantis,Tiger, Etc) You can't go wrong here, this film is certainly one of the best.