Action No Retreat, No Surrender Collection

American Shaolin

Name: American Shaolin
Director: Lo Yuen-Ming
Genre: Action
Released: 1991-01-01
Duration: 106 min
Rating: 5.6
Cast: Reese Madigan, Daniel Dae Kim, Cliff Lenderman, Henry O, Kim Chan

1991Dir. Lo Yuen-Ming1h 46m

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Runtime1h 46m

Released1991

DirectorLo Yuen-Ming

About This Movie

American Shaolin is a curious mix of martial arts and coming-of-age tropes. Lo Yuen-Ming directs this 1991 action flick with a kind of earnestness that feels pretty refreshing. The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, but the training montages really capture the grind of learning Kung Fu, and there’s a rough charm to the practical effects. The fight choreography has its ups and downs, but there's a certain authenticity in the way the American protagonist interacts with the Shaolin monks. The humor is light, sometimes awkward, but adds a unique layer to the experience. It's not your typical tournament film, which makes it stand out in the genre. Overall, a solid watch for anyone interested in the evolution of martial arts cinema.

Released on VHS and DVD in various regions.Contains some original martial arts choreography.Filmed on location in China, adds authenticity.Features a mix of English and Mandarin dialogue.