Movie review: Wu Tang Collection 7 Grandmasters 1978

This is an Asian vintage martial arts movie from 1978.

A good movie for the fans of martial arts films.

Although there is plenty of martial arts action, there are not as many violent killings as in similar films, which makes it easier and more pleasant to watch.

Plot

Amid celebrations, the king’s nominated champion gets a message that disputes his title.

As a result, he decides to find, challenge, and fight the 7 Grandmasters, who are regional champions from various counties of the kingdom, in order to justify his title.

During his wanderings around the country to face his opponents, he is followed by his students, and by a young stranger who will do anything to become his student, too.

Although the aspiring martial arts student goes at great lengths to persuade the king’s champion to teach him, he is repeatedly beaten, humiliated, and literally treated like a dog.

However, he doesn’t quit, and makes the champion admit that, even though he is a fool, he has guts.

Finally, the champion accepts the young man to be his student, and trains him to become the best.

Themes and morals of the movie

A key theme of the movie refers to the martial arts master-student relationship.

Through this relationship, various morals are offered to the viewer, such as perseverance towards a goal.

Moreover, the concept of honor plays an important role throughout the movie, from accepting a challenge to prove one’s worth, to respecting life and refraining from killing when not necessary, and also respecting one’s teacher/master.

Finally, a key lesson is that teachers of martial arts should choose their students carefully, otherwise there is a risk that the latter may turn against them, and even kill them.