The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter

1984 • 93 minutes
4.4
139 reviews
86%
Tomatometer
PG-13
Rating
Eligible
Watch in a web browser or on supported devices Learn More

About this movie

What started as masterful kung-fu filmmaker Liu Chia-liang’s homage to the heroic Sung Dynasty Yang family became an angry, even savage, rumination on heroic sacrifice when international idol Alexander Fu Sheng died in a car accident midway through production. Fu’s death was not only tragic because he was such a close friend, but because the role he was playing was one of only two survivors of an ignominious betrayal by a jealous General. Knowing that he had to immortalize Fu’s final, unfinished performance, Liu carried on, having co-star Hui Ying-hung step into the action. The finished film is unique in the director’s extraordinary filmography for the intensity and power of its emotions and kung-fu. There are heartbreaking references to the tragedy throughout, but the climax is truly unforgettable as the other family survivor, now a Shaolin-trained warrior faces his betrayers amid a pyramid of coffins. What he, and his Shaolin masters, do then has to be seen to be believed…
Rating
PG-13

Ratings and reviews

4.4
139 reviews
Heidi Duncan
February 22, 2015
I couldn't watch more than a minute or so.... I watch so many Asian dramas with subtitles. If it is put as an option for Chinese audio with English sub's, I would change my rating.
3 people found this review helpful
Did you find this helpful?
Brian Fawkes
May 5, 2015
Really enjoyed this movie. Glad the produces followed through and completed the movie. This was the first time that I saw Alexander Fu Sheng in action. Due to this movie it has re inspired me to watch Kung-Fu movies.
Did you find this helpful?
Joshua M
February 23, 2015
The story is gripping and those fight scenes r just gritty, top 5 without a doubt
Did you find this helpful?

Rate this movie

Tell us what you think.