The gripping finale of Legendary Weapons of China serves as an essential showcase of the prominent weaponry central to the kung fu genre. While traditional hand-to-hand combat remains a core element, martial arts films, especially those set in historical contexts, often place a strong emphasis on weapon-based fighting. Throughout classic kung fu cinema, weapons such as Chinese swords, spears, nunchucks, and bo staffs have made frequent appearances, enriching the fight narratives.
Weapon fighting has been a pivotal aspect of these films, particularly those produced by Shaw Brothers in the 1970s and 1980s. Each fight sequence was meticulously choreographed, highlighting a range of weaponry interspersed with various kung fu styles.Legendary Weapons of China exemplifies this ethos, but it elevates the genre by featuring a comprehensive demonstration of all weapons associated with traditional kung fu.
Legendary Weapons of China and the 18 Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Weapons
Each Weapon Plays a Vital Role in the Action
Chinese martial arts traditionally recognize a set of 18 distinct weapons, each serving its specific function in combat scenarios. Often referred to as “The 18 Arms of Wushu, ”these weapons appear selectively in traditional kung fu films; however, Legendary Weapons of China sets itself apart by integrating all 18 weapons into a continuously engaging action sequence. This ambitious feat is skillfully woven into the narrative by featuring Lau Kar-Leung as Lei Kung, a martial arts master proficient in all these arms.
- Double Hammers
- Bo Staff
- Rope Dart
- Guan Dao (Chinese Pole-arm)
- Three-section Staff
- Double Daggers
- Trident
- Spear
- Tonfa (Stick-like Weapon)
- Axe
- Butterfly Sword (Short-bladed Sword)
- Jian (Long-bladed Double-edged Sword)
- Double Broadswords
- Hook Swords (For Catching Enemy Weapons)
- Halberd
- Shield
- Monk’s Spade (Pole-arm of Shaolin Monks)
- Chain Whip
The film showcases Lei Kung’s diverse arsenal throughout its runtime, with each weapon receiving significant attention. The principal actors, including Lau Kar-Leung, Lau Kar-Wing, and Gordon Liu, engage with these weapons, integrating them into choreographed duels rather than relegating them to background props. In this manner, each weapon takes center stage in the pivotal confrontations.
The Final Showdown: Utilizing 13 of the 18 Weapons
Showcasing Each Weapon’s Unique Strengths and Weaknesses
The film’s choreography stands out, particularly during its climax, which integrates a remarkable array of 13 of the 18 weapons in a single action sequence. In the final duel between characters played by Lau Kar-Leung and Lau Kar-Wing, each fighter chooses one of the weapons. As one competitor begins to dominate, another weapon is introduced, creating a dynamic flow. This continuous exchange allows for an impressive display of martial arts, highlighting the unique strengths and weaknesses of each weapon in real-time combat.
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