Film Masters Release The Controversial Kung Fu Classic, THE CRIPPLED MASTERS, This July
Controversy isn’t really something one might associate with the kung fu cinema genre. The infamous “Cantonese comedy” found in the classics of yesteryear may be a little on the distasteful side, but it’s easy to say “It’s a product of its time” and move on with your day.
However, one martial arts film sticks out like a sore thumb when it comes to distastefulness – 1980’s THE CRIPPLED MASTERS. Over the years, this one’s only been accessible on VHS and DVD’s that were basically shoddy VHS rips, but now, for the the first time, it gets a crisp, remastered Blu Ray from Film Masters.
Why the controversy? The Crippled Masters stars Frankie Shum (Shun Chung-Chuen) and Jack Conn (Thomas Hong Chiu-Ming), two disabled martial artists as the titular “masters” and focuses heavily on their impairments. Whether the film celebrates inclusivity or not is purely up to the viewer, but it’s safe to assume that the film was made to cash in on the exploitation cinema of the 70’s and early 80’s.
That isn’t to say it’s a bad film. It’s labeled a cult classic and is coveted by genre fans for a reason. Per Film Masters:
“The Crippled Masters” has become a cult classic, grindhouse era, martial arts film released in 1979 under the original title of, “Tiān cán dì quē.” It would later be released in the United States in 1982. Directed by Joe Law, the film tells the story of two martial artists (one without arms and the other without legs) who overcome physical disabilities to become skilled fighters. The two masters then seek revenge on their old master who disabled both of the men. The two protagonists in this film are played by Jackie Conn and Frankie Shum, two genuinely handicapped martial artists. This restoration debuted on Turner Classic Movies for their “Disability in the Movies” programming in July of 2023. This print was sourced from the collection of author and film curator, Jack Stevenson in Copenhagen, Denmark, where is what scanned into 2K before extensive restoration was done.
The Blu Ray drops on July 23rd and can be pre-ordered from all good physical media retailers now!
UK born action cinema fanatic. Especially martial arts cinema. Currently residing in Marlyand. Avid physical media supporter. Host of the Fu for Thought podcast.