James Tien in The Shaolin Plot

Casanova Wong, Sammo Hung and Chen Sing also stars. The Shaolin Plot, while not being as well known as a title such as "Hapkido", is certainly up there with them in all departments. The film begins at a good pace, with the evil intent of mastermind baddie Chen Sing put to the fore.

A veteran of hundreds of 70's kung fu films, Chen here displays all of his villainous presence alongside his extremely powerful martial artistry. In the opening scenes Sammo's Lama villain is superbly introduced with his penchant for strange weaponry i.e. flying cymbals that decapitate! The plot moves at a breakneck pace at first, with Chen's Chinese general character Dagalen looking to gain access to all martial arts manuals from around China, at whatever cost.

Cut to our main hero James Tien as a Wu Tang fighter who attempts to save the Wu Tang manual, but fails and escapes to by chance to a wandering Shaolin Monks home. He is trained in the Shaolin style, With which he can counter Dagalen's attacks. Meanwhile Dagalen attempts to raid Shaolin for the ultimate prize; the Shaolin martial arts manual.

 Just as he has reached his goal the Wu Tang fighter discovers him, and Dagalen retreats to his palace. Both the Shaolin Monks and the Wu Tang fighter join forces to crush this most cunning of foes. The production values are pretty decent considering the year. The change of pace in the middle and differing style is a bit jarring, especially to those who like their movies fast and furious.

 However, to those who like their action fast and furious and delivered by the best, this is one to savour.