Kung Fu Kids - aka "San mao liu lang ji" (1980) VHS Very Rare FREE Priority SHIP

Description: Kung Fu Kids - aka "San mao liu lang ji" (1980) VHS TapeWang Le Yeung (Actor), Au Dai (Actor), Kan Ping Yu (Director) Rated: NR Format: VHS Tape Rare, Hard to Find, Out of Print on any format in the USA. This movie is not currently streaming on any legal, US platform. Tape and Sleeve has normal wear but is good condition for it's age, the playback of the tape is normal again for this hard to find piece of retro media. Free Priority Shipping! We specialize in FlashBack Fun, see our other listings for more great deals on unique RetroMedia! The 1980 film "Kung Fu Kids," also known by its Chinese title "San mao liu lang ji" (三毛流浪记), is an intriguing entry in the martial arts genre that blends comedy with action. Here's a comprehensive look at this relatively obscure movie: ## Plot Summary Set in 1930s Shanghai, the film follows the adventures of San Mao, a street-smart orphan boy with a distinctive three-haired appearance. San Mao, along with his ragtag group of friends, navigates the harsh realities of life on the streets while getting into various misadventures. Their world changes when they encounter a kind-hearted martial arts master who takes them under his wing. As the children learn kung fu, they become embroiled in a conflict with local gangsters who are terrorizing the neighborhood. Using their newly acquired skills and street smarts, San Mao and his friends must band together to protect their community and stand up against injustice. ## Production and Cultural Context "Kung Fu Kids" is based on the popular Chinese comic strip character San Mao, created by Zhang Leping in 1935. The San Mao comics were known for their social commentary on the plight of street children in Shanghai, blending humor with poignant observations on poverty and inequality. The film adaptation sought to capture the spirit of the original comics while adding martial arts elements to appeal to the booming kung fu movie market of the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was produced as a co-production between mainland China and Hong Kong, reflecting the growing ties between the two film industries at the time. ## Trivia and Interesting Facts 1. **Comic Origins**: The film's protagonist, San Mao, had been a beloved character in Chinese popular culture for decades before this movie adaptation. 2. **Limited Western Release**: As noted in the query, the film had a limited release in the United States, primarily on VHS, which contributed to its obscurity in Western markets. 3. **Blend of Genres**: The movie uniquely combines elements of children's entertainment, comedy, and martial arts action, setting it apart from more straightforward kung fu films of the era. 4. **Cultural Significance**: The San Mao character has been adapted into various media over the years, including animated series. This 1980 film represents one of the earlier attempts to bring the character to the big screen. 5. **Historical Setting**: The 1930s Shanghai setting provides a backdrop that reflects the original comic strip's era, allowing the film to maintain some of the social commentary present in the source material. 6. **Child Actors**: The film features a cast of young performers trained in martial arts, showcasing the talent of child actors in the kung fu genre. 7. **Franchise Potential**: While not widely known in the West, the film's success in China and Hong Kong led to discussions about potential sequels or spin-offs, though information on these is limited. 8. **Nostalgic Value**: In China, the film holds nostalgic value for those who grew up with the San Mao character, making it a cultural touchstone for a certain generation. ## Legacy While "Kung Fu Kids" may not have achieved the international recognition of some other martial arts films of its era, it remains an interesting artifact of Chinese cinema. The film represents an attempt to blend traditional storytelling with the popular kung fu genre, all while maintaining the social consciousness that made the original San Mao comics so impactful. For martial arts film enthusiasts and those interested in Chinese popular culture, "Kung Fu Kids" offers a unique glimpse into how beloved characters can be adapted across different media. Its limited availability in the West has made it something of a cult curiosity for those who seek out obscure entries in the kung fu film canon.

Price: 175 USD

Location: Mattawamkeag, Maine

End Time: 2024-12-04T19:30:52.000Z

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