Original subtitles

My lad, have you thought it through? It's four thousand yuan!

How can I go compete in Thailand with just the bit of kungfu I know?

Eh? What does that matter?

You'll be paid whether you win or lose, and the trip is free!

My teacher won't agree to that.

Brother Hu, have a seat inside.

Business hasn't been good these last two days. Could you...

Damn it, it they were all like you, I'd have nothing to eat.

You...

Brother Hu, don't get angry. I'll think of a way to send it to you right away.

>From this month onwards, the price has risen. 50 per day.

Huh? The price is raised?

Don't you know everything is going up in price?

Yes...

You haven't paid in half a month now.

50 per day, 5 and 5 is 250- all together 750...

Plus interest - 375, that's 1,125 altogether.

That... that's so much money, how could I pay it?

There's more - the boss says to pay the next 1,500 in advance.

In total you owe 2,625.

You're worse than robbers.

Don't give it to them. What can they do if we don't pay?

- Take her away. - Go...

Dad...

Listen up. You have 3 days. Bring they money if you want your daughter back.

Understand?

Dad...

What sort of a world is this?

I'll go get the police.

The police? Do you want to die?

Hey! I'm ready to pay.

'Promote the spirit of the Chinese martial art.'

Where can I go to get so much money so soon!

Master, let me go to compete in Thailand!

With the little you know; how can you compete with them?

Over there they're all professional fighters, fighting in the ring every day.

You have no experience at all, how can I let you go?

If we can't raise the money, my sister is finished.

Please let me go, master.

I must get that money.

Is there only money? Isn't honor important to you too?

Don't worry; I won't say who my master is.

Dummy, they are running a business too.

If they don't promote it, how will they get an audience?

Please expel me from your school.

You...

Hold it!

They want two men.

If you go alone, will they accept you?

I'll go with him.

Brother, you...

This isn't fun and games.

According to rules of Thai boxing, fighters aren't legally responsible

if they beat someone to death.

I... I'm not afraid of death.

This is the only way I can help my brother.

Alright. Go tell the agent.

Tell him at this competition, you're fighting entirely under your own name.

Unrelated to any martial arts school here.

OK. Thank you master!

Dad, you need to inform the Martial Arts Association.

Yes, I'll go right now.

'The Tournament between the Thai and the Chinese'

Odds are 4 to 1 against the Chinese, who's buying?

I'll buy one thousand.

The Chinese will lose...

4 to 1 against the Chinese.

I'll buy five hundred.

Five hundred. Who else? I'll bet the Chinese lose.

Hit him...

Hit him! Hit him hard! Go Thailand!

Break it up, break it up!

Break it up.

Fight...

Begin.

Go! Go!

Hit him! Yeah!

1,2,3,4,5..

6,7,8,9, 10..

Good.. fight...

Pay attention, when Thais fight, they love to use kicks.

Okay.

Hit him, hit him!

Damn it.

Sorry...

1,2,3,4,5..

6,7,8,9, 10..

Good...

He lost.

Get lost... Quick... Good-for-nothing...

Losing face for the Chinese people.

Yes, this is the Martial Arts Association.

Well? How did it go?

He lost?

Yeah... I didn't imagine he would lose so badly.

Mr. Liang, my dad, is he...?

Master Liu is fine,

but your brother is hurt, and the other man was killed.

Hmm. Chinese martial artists let us lose all our face.

He had no right to represent the martial arts community.

Do we have people like him in the martial arts community?

Mr. Fan, did they get your approval to go to this competition?

Why didn't you stop him?

This was a private participation. How would I have the power to stop him?

The newspapers there clearly stated they were sent there by the Martial Arts Association!

It's really an embarrassment for the martial arts community.

We don't want this kind of selfish people in the martial arts community!

- Cancel his membership!... - Expel him!

Expel him!... Cancel his membership...

Dad...

Brother...

- How are things at home? - Fine.

What do the newspapers say here?

They say that you lost, and lost very badly.

There will always be defeats.

As long as we learn the reason for it,

are determined to improve, and practice hard, next time we'll win for sure!

There won't be a next time. We can't beat them.

Are Thais really that tough?

Our physical strength and experience are both worse than theirs,

of course we would lose, but I never thought we would lose so badly!

After less than a minute in the ring, we were knocked out.

Dad, where are you going?

To the Martial Arts Association,

to tell them the lesson of this defeat.

You just got back, there's no hurry.

Wait a couple days first. Go upstairs and rest a while, go a little later!

Xiaofeng, are they planning to...

It's nothing...

It's just that a few people don't understand the facts,

and have some misunderstandings about you.

Then I really must go explain things to them!

What is there to explain?!

We've been disgraced by you,

you still have the nerve to come and make explanations!

-You... - Master Liu.

Alright. You went to Thailand and got both fame and fortune. What more can you say?

Yeah! You made a name for yourself, and got some money, you're still not satisfied?!

What do you mean, I...

You went to Thailand carrying the Martial Arts Association's sign on your shoulders,

and disgraced yourself. What else do you have to say?

I didn't say that I represented the Martial Arts Association!

Here's a newspaper as proof: it's clearly written here, can it be false?

If you still have any integrity as a Chinese person,

you should accept responsibility and Kill yourself.

I never thought you'd have the nerve to come here and 'explain'!

Control yourself, gentlemen.

Everyone please listen calmly

to the reason why Master Liu was defeated this time in Thailand.

If you want to listen go ahead. I'm not going to waste effort listening to his nonsense.

Sitting next to this kind of degenerate is already humiliating.

You shouldn't talk like this...

Secretary Fan, if the Association doesn't take action,

I'll be the first to withdraw.

Everyone, if you have something to say just say it, there's no need...

'The Martial Arts Association'

Don't worry; I'll get them to come around eventually.

Thanks, I don't blame them.

In truth it is my fault, I shouldn't have gone to Thailand.

I advised against you going from the beginning.

Yet you still went on your own.

Oy! I wasn't thinking clearly!

They are saying you went for money, is that true?

How much?

Four thousand yuan!

But I didn't take a single yuan for myself!

Didn't they pay?

They did.

Then you...

It's a long story, I'll tell it to you later.

Cancel the marriage if you want!

Take it!

Don't get me wrong, it's not me that wants this!

Who then?

My dad.

I was marrying you, not marrying your dad.

If he objects, what is there for me to do?

Why didn't he object to it earlier?

It's because...

Because my dad was defeated in Thailand.

He feels disgraced, right?

Err..

Don't humiliate yourself here, run back to your dad.

Keep it, I'll try to convince dad.

Get out! I won't marry a coward like you.

Dad!

Did your father send you here?

Go, I'll ask your dad myself.

You must always remember:

Martial arts are a form of exercise to strengthen your body and mind.

It's not meant for picking fights and showing off.

Therefore, when practicing, you must focus your attention.

You can't do it half-heartedly.

As the proverb says "Only when it is needed do we regret our lack of knowledge".

If you go abroad,

run into a few thugs, and can't handle them,

not only will you lose face for me, your master,

you will also lose face for the Chinese people.

Dad.

Now Chinese kungfu is famous the world over, which is an honor for us as Chinese.

We, who practice martial arts, should treasure this honor even more.

If your kungfu isn't good enough, don't go fight others in competitions.

At best you'll lose your honor, at worst your life.

Dad, Mr. Liu is here.

Master Liu.

Do you still have more to say?

These young lads don't know what this world is really like.

If they aren't warned from time to time they will get into trouble.

- I have a question to ask you. - What is it?

What wrong has my daughter done?

Your daughter has done nothing wrong.

Then why did you call off the marriage?

Ah! So it's this you want to talk about.

I think they're still young, it isn't necessary.

Cai Lifu, don't forget it was you who in persistently asked me

to allow Xiaofeng to become your daughter in law, it wasn't my idea.

That's right, but now I don't think they're a good match.

So I want to cancel the marriage.

In what way aren't they a good match, tell me?

Master Liu, we are old friends.

I don't want to sound too cold-hearted...

Everyone feels their honor has been damaged.

This marriage is off for sure.

If you want to leave then leave, what makes you so good anyway?

You've studied diligently. Why do you suddenly want to withdraw?

Miss, everyone in town is laughing at us.

They say we are studying 'toufu' kungfu.

In the ring for only a minute and we're knocked down.

Tell me, how can we still look other people in the eyes?

No one is all powerful. One must have defeats before one can have successes.

There were many reasons for this defeat in Thailand.

Like what?

This school's kungfu is useless, don't try to make yourselves look better.

What did you say?

Nothing. I can always stop studying, can't 1?

You...

OK. If you don't want to study, we won't try to make you stay.

>From today onwards, we may not be part of the same school, but we are still friends.

Brother, go get their applications to return to them.

What are you doing, brother?

I'm practicing.

Practicing what?

Receiving a beating.

You're mental.

Really! I failed because my stomach couldn't take it.

What, you still want to fight in Thailand?

Of course. He who doesn't avenge a humiliation is not a gentleman.

You're wrong. This isn't some deeply hated enemy.

It's just that you're skill wasn't as good.

What you're doing is trying to fix what's already happened, it's a mistake.

Kungfu is stiff, you yourself must use it flexibly.

It's easy for you to say,

but as soon as I got in the ring, it was like I had entered a trap.

My heart beat rapidly, and I forgot everything.

Everything went foggy, and I just fell down.

That was your inexperience, you couldn't stay calm.

Yes! A martial artist must stay calm, even in the face of death.

Why are only you two practicing, what about the others?

They...

They've gone to the countryside on a trip.

And you let them go?

You're really foolish!

As the proverb says "if a tune can't leave your mouth, a punch can't leave your hand".

Go, get them to come back and practice.

Go drink morning tea. Have brother find them and bring them back!

You're the one who did it. Who am I supposed to bring back to practice?

You can't let father know about them leaving the school.

It's too much for him to absorb.

Then... what can we do?

I've got an idea! Let's go!

Good morning, Mr. Chen!

- What kind of tea would you like? - Shoumei tea.

Here... Please eat.

Ah Zai, did you go on a trip?

A trip? We are not so fortunate as that.

Why aren't you practicing then?

Practice? Practice what?

Practice 'toufu' kungfu!

Right, practice, and we can get beaten up!

What did you say?

I can say whatever I like, I'm free to do so.

Nonsense, go to the school with me!

What school?

-You... - Alright, Master Liu.

Don't put on airs of a 'master'.

They are no longer your students!

You're so fierce, why weren't you fierce in Thailand? Bill please!

Go..

'National Voice Casting Company'

Are you two here to register?

We are looking for extras.

Which movie company are you from?

How much do your extras cost per day?

At minimum 10 yuan, the better ones are 20 yuan.

30 yuan for ones wearing a suit.

If they must speak then it's 40.

I want ten of the 10 yuan type.

Only ten people?

All male, relatively young.

How many days is the show?

One day.

Only one day? I'm afraid that's quite difficult.

Please, can you do us a favor?

Alright. Leave an address, I'll let you know.

Dad, get some sleep! We have to keep practicing tomorrow!

Practice!

Yes, we've already found ten people to come back tomorrow and practice.

Found ten people?

Brother has notified ten of your students,

tomorrow morning they will come practice.

The students who are off on a trip will be back soon too.

You two go to bed first.

You...?

I still have two letters to write.

You've disgraced the Martial Artists Association.

You went to Thailand carrying the Martial Arts Association's sign on your shoulders,

and disgraced yourself. What else do you have to say?

You're a loser.

If you still have any integrity as a Chinese person, you should kill yourself.

Sitting next to this kind of degenerate is humiliating for a martial artist.

Cancel the marriage? Is it because my father went to Thailand and was defeated?

He has disgraced you.

Chinese kungfu is world famous.

This is our honor to us as Chinese.

Why do you want to destroy this honor?

Why didn't you use this ferocity in Thailand?

I don't want to hear it... I don't want to hear it!

Get away, get away... get away all of you!

Die, die, why don't you go and die, die...

It's not my fault... This isn't my fault...

Dad!

Ridiculous! This idea is simply ridiculous!

Not only is it ridiculous, it's shameless too.

Her father must be avenged,

but she is actually honoring her enemy and wants to practice Thai boxing.

Secretary Fan, I have not come to be lectured.

Out of respect for the Martial Artists Association, I'm withdrawing.

As for my studying Thai boxing, I am free to do so, and no one can stop me.

Have you forgotten how your dad died?

He died because of the pressure you put on him.

Ms. Feng, you can't put it that way.

Why not?

Because your father disgraced himself.

Yes, my father disgraced himself.

Then you can only fault him for neglecting an amateur boxing coach.

How could he compete with a professional boxing master!

But you obstinate old men... think Chinese kungfu is invincible.

You don't take a moment to consider the lessons from failure.

You just blindly blamed my father.

Tell me, whose fault was it?

So we should share our knowledge for mutual benefit,

to study how to defeat the Thai boxing style.

Share knowledge for mutual benefit?!

Have you forgotten Chinese kungfu is only taught behind locked doors?

Fathers won't even teach their daughters or sons-in-law.

Who would let others study their kungfu?

I heard that master Liu passed everything on to you?

Because my father was too open minded, he deserved to die.

Everyone please consider, Chinese martial arts have thousands of years of history.

Yet how much has been passed down to our generation?

All the really good movements have been forgotten.

If we maintain our prejudices against the other schools...

how can we compete with others?

So I want to study Thai boxing.

Then you are looking down on Chinese kungfu.

That's right, I look down on it.

I'm going to master Thai boxing, and use it to take care of you stubborn old fools.

Hold on!

Master Hong, we can't keep making the same mistakes.

She is blathering nonsense, disrespecting her elders, it's infuriating.

There's no need to lower yourself to her level.

I can't stand it, she looks down upon Chinese kungfu.

I'll show her how strong it really is.

Yeah, she needs to be taught a lesson.

We can't let her go to Thailand and humiliate us.

When will Chinese martial arts finally be able to work together?

Impossible.

This would be good for you.

No.

Our school master likes this place. We must have it.

What is it, brother?

They want our school for teaching karate.

What are you doing here?

This here is the head of Japan's South East Asian Karate League...

Iroue Ichiro.

Quit wasting my time, I asked what you are doing here?!

I hear this school is closing down.

So Master Iroue wants to change it into a Karate school.

I won't let you borrow it.

We don't want to borrow it, we'll rent it from you.

You can have 20% of each student's tuition.

Miss, this is good for you as well.

You can learn Great Japan's Karate for free.

It's much better than your Chinese kungfu.

Brother, make them leave!

Go! Get out!

Chinese kungfu is useless.

Get out!

Miss Feng, that's really good kungfu!

Thank you for your flattery.

With such good kungfu, you don't need to go study Thai boxing.

It wasn't because my kungfu is good, it's because he is weak.

Miss Feng, I think you don't need to go to Thailand.

Let's study how to improve life for the Chinese people.

No, I must go.

Why must you boost other people's spirits?

I'm not yielding to them,

but a person must acknowledge failure, and face the facts.

Chinese kungfu is no match for Thai boxing.

Rubbish... have you forgotten who your ancestors were?

This is not the Martial Arts Association,

you'd better watch your words.

To a wet-behind-the-ears silly little girl like you?

Why should I be polite?

Get out, all of you!

Whom are you talking to?

All of you!

Let me teach them a lesson.

So you want to crush the small with the large, have the many bully the few?

You're joking, one-on-one.

OK! Come and show me your kungfu that you think is unrivalled.

Miss Feng, you...

Don't worry, we're just comparing skills, we'll fight to the touch.

Please.

Thank you for being lenient, goodbye.

Miss Feng.

Brother, this isn't your business. Have a rest inside.

Please, Miss Feng.

OK, let's leave it at this.

We've all seen Miss Feng's kungfu.

She really must go to study Thai boxing.

Everyone has their ambition, no need to stop her. Lets go back!

'Thai boxer defeated Shandong Tiger'

'Thai boxer won and we Chinese lost.'

Is this why you want to learn Thai boxing?

Mister Fan, I'm not going to Bangkok in order to learn Thai boxing.

We have to face reality,

we can't deny that Thai boxing has its merits.

So my aim in going is to really understand where Thai boxing's strengths lie.

Use the strengths of others to cover one's own weaknesses.

This is the only way we can defeat others.

Oh, so you're playing weak to gain their confidence...

No, I'm not playing weak either, I want to crush their pride.

When are you going?

Is there anything I can help with?

I've never been to Bangkok before.

I hope you can introduce me to some friends!

That's easy!

A friend of mine runs a school there.

I'll have him meet you at the airport.

No one is here to meet us.

Maybe Mr. Li didn't get the letter.

Then what can we do?

Don't worry; I've got an address here.

Let's take a taxi there, then.

Strange, why haven't they arrived?

Maybe they weren't on this flight.

No, the letter stated it very clearly.

I'll go check the passenger list.

Good idea!

Their names are on the list, maybe they left.

Left? Strange, where could they have gone?!

Not enough.

Not enough. Ten US dollars.

What? 10 US dollars?

Right, 10 US dollars.

Are you sure? 10 US dollars?

Why didn't you turn the meter on?

The meter wasn't on all the way from the airport.

Then what can we do, if you don't use the meter I don't pay.

- Who are you looking for? - I'm looking for Mr. Li.

I'm Liu Xiaofeng, from Hong Kong.

Oh, it's you.

I won't pay.

What, you want to fight? I won't pay.

What's the matter? What's wrong?

He wants 10 US dollars!

Wow, so expensive!

Where did you come from?

The airport.

Then why did you arrive after me?

Have you been to any other places?

No, we came straight here.

He took you for tourists, made a big loop around town.

Actually, from the airport to here, 20 baht would be enough.

Why didn't he use the meter?

The meters here are just for appearances, they never use them.

>From now on if you take a taxi, determine the price before you get in.

Then why do they have fake meters?

Forget it, let's go inside and talk!

I know all about your situation.

I'll arrange for you to visit some schools.

Look, these two are training partners.

This man will be your opponent in the future.

You must keep an eye on him.

These are Thailand's top level boxers, they train every day.

This is in slow motion.

Brother, look at his legs.

Pay attention to this movement, look at how he kicks.

They often practice sparring.

He is very quick.

Pay attention.

This is a very important match, all of Thailand is watching.

No wonder the tickets are sold out.

They are two of the most famous boxers.

It's a handicapped match too.

Watch how they fight, brother.

You filmed it really well.

I think you must have gained a deeper understanding of Thai boxing.

This whole month I've been continuously investigating the strengths of Thai boxing.

I've discovered that Thai boxing rules are derived from western boxing rules.

When your opponent is down you can't continue attacking.

This is disadvantageous for Chinese kungfu,

SO we must remember-

It would be better to be knocked down by an opponent, but you mustn't be stunned.

You must stun your opponent, not try to knock him down.

The Thai boxing ring is advantageous to Thai boxers...

They often take advantage of the ropes' elasticity to keep attacking a retreating enemy.

If Chinese boxers don't understand the ring, they will often be at a disadvantage.

Furthermore, Chinese kungfu is meant for defense, not competitions.

But Thai boxing is meant only for competing.

This is what differentiates professionals and amateurs.

For this reason, the training methods are also different.

Have you come up with a method to beat Thai boxing?

Mr. Li, could you please find a Thai boxer for me,

to practice sparring with my brother?

I've already found one. You'll start tomorrow!

At this time when you feel you can't hold on,

grab onto this rope.

The referee will come and separate you.

These are Thailand's rules.

Remember this sneaky trick.

Ms. Liu, a telegram for you.

What is it?

Secretary Fan is coming to Bangkok tomorrow.

Oh, then he'll be just in time for the press meeting.

Gentlemen from the press. I must first make it clear,

our visit to Thailand is completely private in nature.

We do not represent any organization or school.

I hope you won't overly sensationalize it.

So, do you think a miracle will happen this time?

Martial arts are about skill, there won't be any miracles.

How many rounds do you think your people can last?

I can only tell you all, we will try our best.

Your Chinese kungfu is all fancy footwork and showing off.

Why do you want to come here to disgrace yourself?

We have come to learn from Thai boxing,

and we don't feel this is shameful.

Outside the odds are five to one against you.

They bet you can't stand even one round, did you know?

That has nothing to do with the boxing match.

If you lose this time, will you come back again?

That depends on how we lose.

I admire your bravery for not fearing defeat.

A martial artist must have this kind of bravery.

How many rounds do you think your people will last before falling?

For that you'll have to wait until the match is over.

OK.

OK, have a draw!

Have you been bribed by someone else?

Tell me!

Boss, don't blame Sabbah.

I think he's tried his best.

I don't believe you couldn't beat him.

Actually we didn't lose either!

It's worse than losing, I'm about to go bankrupt.

Don't worry; we'll have him fight another match.

Just win back the money you've lost, OK?

Fine, I'll have them fight another match.

Another match? No.

Why not?

We need to rest.

Besides, it was a draw, so no one's feelings are hurt.

Isn't that even better?

Yes, this kind of ending is best.

You're afraid of losing, so you don't dare compete, right?

Then what's the point of coming here to disgrace yourselves?

We didn't lose.

If you have guts, let's decide who wins and loses.

Mr. Wang Bashan, martial artists the world over are brothers.

Relations between Thailand and China are deep, why must we strive for victory or defeat?

I know your Chinese kungfu has been defeated in Thailand several times.

This time you were lucky to draw, you don't dare humiliate yourself before leaving.

What do you mean?

Are you sure you can win?

Of course I can win.

What if you don't?

I'll buy a round of drinks, and forever retire from the boxing ring.

Fine, I will fight.

-You?! - A handicapped fight.

Boxing isn't child's play, it's life or death!

Fine. If I am beaten to death by you, then my skill wasn't sufficient,

no one else is to blame.

OK, proceed with the match.

You are not qualified to fight.

Why?

Thai boxing rules, women are not allowed into the ring.

Really? Is there such a rule?

This is tradition.

That's not fair.

OK, I'll think of a way, let you die with no complaints.

1,2,3,4,5,6..

1,2,3,4..

56,7,8,9..

1,2,3,4,5,6,7...

1,2,3,4,5..

6,7,8,9, 10..

1,2,3,4..

56,7,8,9..

1,2,3,4..

56,7,8,9..

1,2,3,4,5,6,7...

1,2,3,4,5..

6,7,8,9, 10..

- Have you seen Lang Ying? - No...

Strange, where could she have gone?

Has she gone home?

- Let's go back and check. - OK.

Hello? Yes, it's me.

If there's a problem, let's talk over it.

You mustn't be tough on my daughter!

Fine, I'll be right over.

Where have they taken your daughter?

Old town.

Hurry.

This place is too big. Let's spread out and search.

We'll meet here afterwards.

Where is Li Qihong?

What do you want?

Tell Li Qihong to come, half a million.

This is extortion?

- Dad... Dad... - Child...

Brother, what about those men?

Are you alright, child?

What about them?

I beat them off.

Thank you. This is a troublesome situation.

You should hurry back.

'Karate School'

Go away!

Oh, I see.

No, no, no... Chinese kung fu is very good, very good.

I hope you'll turn a new leaf, don't use your skill to bully people.

Go...

- Congratulations, Ms Feng. - Thank you.

You've let the Martial Arts Association hold its head high.

Thank you, please have a seat inside.

Hang this up.

'The heroine of Chinese Martial Arts'

Today is a great day of celebration for our Martial Arts Association.

Where are those stubborn old men?

Master Chen.