When the ruling dynasty of China sends soldiers to destroy the Shaolin Temple during a turbulent historical period, they never count on the students of the smaller encampments to defend their school. Alexander Fu Sheng, Gordon Liu, Chi Kuan Chun and Lau Kar Wing are four of their number who must face off with Johnny Wang and Beardy, so-called invincible fighters. Well, education usually gets you pretty far in the martial world, so perhaps learning a new style will help them. But how do you defend against someone with steel skin who can block any attack?

Wing Chun and eagle claw may fail, but the legendary one-inch punch and the fierce tiger and crane techniques remind us of martial arts mastery. Directed by Cheng Cheh and choreographed by Lau Kar-Leung, this film celebrates heroic sacrifices that resonate deeply with fans of classic martial arts cinema.

By the way, if you want to learn the eagle claw, you must sit on the edge of a river and punch your way into the water to knock out fish. The ways of the Shaolin are impenetrable, my friend.

This Eureka release has a commentary track by East Asian film expert Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival) and martial artist and filmmaker Michael Worth. You can get it from MVD.