Five Deadly Venoms (1978)

Featured Audience Ratings

• danny d

  
  widely known as one of the great kung fu films, five deadly venoms has a solid story that holds the payoff of a subtle mystery until the end for an epic fighting scene. although the fight choreography is a bit weak through the first part of the film, the payoff is worth it by the… More
  widely known as one of the great kung fu films, five deadly venoms has a solid story that holds the payoff of a subtle mystery until the end for an epic fighting scene. although the fight choreography is a bit weak through the first part of the film, the payoff is worth it by the end. solid martial arts classic.

• Cassandra M

  
  This is one of my favourite kung-fu films and is regarded as one the most popular Shaw Brothers from the late 70's. The plot is interesting and twisty, the characters are cool each with their own style - toad, snake, lizard etc. The action is limited in comparison with other… More
  This is one of my favourite kung-fu films and is regarded as one the most popular Shaw Brothers from the late 70's. The plot is interesting and twisty, the characters are cool each with their own style - toad, snake, lizard etc. The action is limited in comparison with other Chang Cheh / Venoms films but what is there is interesting with different kung-fu styles on display from the various characters. I recommend this film to those who think all Shaw Brothers especially Chang Cheh's films are the same, most of his films usually focus on the 10 tigers and Shaolin vs Manchu conflicts. This film is breath of fresh air in comparison.

• Stella D

  
  the shaw brothers' cult classic, aka wu du or five venoms, has a suspenseful plot as well as plenty of great colorful fight scenes. lots of fun if u don't mind the cheesy sound effects and typically bad dubbing. some would say that's part of it's charm but i… More
  the shaw brothers' cult classic, aka wu du or five venoms, has a suspenseful plot as well as plenty of great colorful fight scenes. lots of fun if u don't mind the cheesy sound effects and typically bad dubbing. some would say that's part of it's charm but i think it deserves a better dvd treatment. currently being remade and not by quentin tarantino!

• Justin Y

  
  This movie is labeled as a kung fu classic and I have no argument with that. With this type of film most people only expect to see the fights with the cheesy dialogue and sound effects. Well, this film actually excels in all departments.<p>First off, this film does NOT have as… More
  This movie is labeled as a kung fu classic and I have no argument with that. With this type of film most people only expect to see the fights with the cheesy dialogue and sound effects. Well, this film actually excels in all departments.<p>First off, this film does NOT have as many fights as others of this genre. That is OK because where this film lacks in fights it makes up for in story. I never thought I would see such an entertaining story for this type of movie. Instead of having a single lead, there are actually 6 characters with an equal amount of screen time. This is not your usual "training for revenge" flick either. It is also not the 5 deadly venoms working together to take out the bad guy as some people will come to think. Watch this film if you want to know.</p><p>The start of this film is great. There is a quick introduction of the 5 deadly venoms; centipede, snake, scorpion, lizard, and toad. It shows some quick training exercises, but what makes it interesting is that their identities are kept a secret because of the masks they wear. As the movie moves on you begin to figure out who is who.</p><p>As mentioned earlier, the fights are minimal. There are only a few short sequences for the first 2/3 of this 90 minute flick while the longest fight comes at the end. Although the fights may be few, they are well choreographed. It is all hand-to-hand combat as well. If you like sword fights and weapons, then I am truly sorry.</p><p>What is really surprising is that the acting is pretty good. Philip Kwok not only can fight, but he shows that he can act as well. All 6 of the main characters put on good performances.</p><p>This is a must see for kung fu fanatics and this is no joke. Good story, acting, and fights. What more could you ask for? Oh, also listen for some background sounds used in <i>Kill Bill</i>.

• Tsubaki S

  
  From the characters to the colorfull technicks the film deserves the cult status it has. Not only the actors became a trademark of Shaw Bros and Chang Cheh, they managed to break the usual "one good looking hero against many" template in which kung fu films operated of those… More
  From the characters to the colorfull technicks the film deserves the cult status it has. Not only the actors became a trademark of Shaw Bros and Chang Cheh, they managed to break the usual "one good looking hero against many" template in which kung fu films operated of those days. With an actual plot full of intrigues and that manages to keep you interested. If anything, the attempt of trying to keep the identities of the venoms was not very thinked, maybe just with the Scorpion. Script flaws aside, this is pure crazy fun. Let's see if the future asian remake lives up to the name of the venoms.

• Fascade F

  
  Instant insane yet, fairly well paced classic kung-fu flick that is a must have in every martial arts enthusiast's home. A dying master of martial arts assigns his final student an assignment to find and unite his 5 most mysterious yet dangerous disciples, that are trained in… More
  Instant insane yet, fairly well paced classic kung-fu flick that is a must have in every martial arts enthusiast's home. A dying master of martial arts assigns his final student an assignment to find and unite his 5 most mysterious yet dangerous disciples, that are trained in different styles of self defense. As the final student looks for the disciples, a crime is committed...someone is guilty and they must pay! See this it is incredible!

• Lesley N

  
  Five kung-fu ex-students each want to find the hidden treasure but which Venom is which, and which fighting style - centipede (wriggly), snake (Finger fangs), scorpion (kicky), gecko (gravity defying) or toad (tough) - is best. Lots of Venom-on-Venom action as the loyalties shift… More
  Five kung-fu ex-students each want to find the hidden treasure but which Venom is which, and which fighting style - centipede (wriggly), snake (Finger fangs), scorpion (kicky), gecko (gravity defying) or toad (tough) - is best. Lots of Venom-on-Venom action as the loyalties shift between the five makes this a lively cult film,.

• Christopher B

  
  I?m ashamed to say I hadn?t seen this until just this viewing.  I?m glad I blind bought it, since I?ll be revisiting this one often.  Incredibly fun.

• Wu C

  
  I prefer Super Ninjas, but this is a pretty decent kung fu flick. Hardly any weapons used, so it's mostly hand to hand combat.

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