Original subtitles

Good luck, General Yin.

A man must do or die.

Mr. Ho, before I left, Lord Zheng was concerned about you.

If he can strike back with his army

and defeat the Tartars

credit for Guangzhou will be yours.

One must sacrifice for one's country.

The six brothers arrested by Tartars were tortured

but have so far refused to make a confession.

This is most admirable.

If I failed...

I wouldn't even get arrested.

General Yin.

Mr. Ho, please.

NORTH GATE

Sir.

When Inspector General and General Tien Ta arrive,

please say a word for me.

Don't worry, Mr. Magistrate.

General Tien Ta ordered us

to capture the six traitors.

The Inspector General is specially invited to supervise the execution.

Yes, yes...

- Tang San-yao, it's almost 12:30. - Yes.

Don't forget the general's command.

Yes.

The Inspector General is here.

Make way.

We're trapped.

General Yin, I knew you'd be here to welcome the Inspector General.

But he has not reached Guangzhou.

Stop.

Your skill is comparable to a general.

Let's have a fair fight.

A general to a general.

Let me try you out.

Good, I need a substitute.

Let me fight you in single hand.

Be quiet.

The teacher's here. The teacher's here!

The teacher's here, hurry up...

Mr. Ho.

Mr. Ho.

Mr. Ho.

THE WISE IS NOT PERPLEXED

THE VIRTUOUS IS NOT WORRIED, THE BOLD IS NOT FEARFUL.

What's it? What's happened to Mr. Ho?

Mr. Ho.

Please have some tea, Mr. Ho.

Mr. Ho, why are you so late? Did you go to see the execution?

Leave me!

Executions should be interesting.

Lin Zhen, it depends on who it is.

If it is the Tartars who invaded us...

it'll be interesting.

But today's convicts are patriots

they are all Han's martyrs.

Do you still think it is interesting?

I...

Yesterday, I taught you about sacrifice

for the sake of a righteous cause.

Do you all understand?

Yes.

Hurry up.

It's here.

Is he dead or alive?

He's so stiff, of course he's dead.

He's a hero.

What did you say?

I...

- Capture him. - Yes.

You're an accomplice.

Lord Tang, Lord Tang... Listen to me.

This student is not a bad guy.

He's the son of a seafood shop owner.

Son of a shop owner?

Yes, exactly.

These are his classmates.

Yes, we're his classmates.

Where are you studying?

They all study in Chong Wen College.

Are you vouching for them, Mr. Wang?

Yes, yes. Apologize to Lord Tang.

I...

You're too young and gauche. Always causing trouble.

Do you know who I am?

I do. I do. Tang San-yao, Lord Tang.

Yes, yes.

Let's go, quickly.

Uncle Wang, we didn't do anything wrong.

Yes, I know. But Tang San-yao is notorious

for his craze after money, lives and women.

You mustn't antagonize him.

As the saying goes...

"One must submit to those who rule."

Mr. Ho, please open the door.

Who is it?

Mr. Ho.

Open the door, Mr. Ho.

Mr. Ho...

Mr. Ho...

What's the matter?

I...

There's something we can't understand...

so we've come here at this hour.

"One must submit to those who rule."

Must we and our children

yield and conform forever?

I say, we'd be beheaded if we don't.

If we fear not death, we don't have to.

Well said, well said.

One brave man alone is not enough.

But unity is strength.

Mr. Ho, the Tartars are well armed. We don't...

Every citizen is responsible for the rise and fall of his country.

Lord Zheng is recruiting in Taiwan

and becoming the Tartar's biggest trouble.

The Manchu emperor has ordered coastal residents to move away

and to be on their guard.

Mr. Ho, I wish Lord Zheng could use us.

The day will come soon.

Do you all want to lend a hand?

Yes.

Good. Come here.

Yes.

Secret documents will arrive by sea in the next few days.

I need a way to bypass customs.

Liu Yu-te.

- Your family runs a seafood shop, right? - Yep.

Open sesame.

Open says me.

- Mr. Ho sent us. - Good.

Young man, you're a brave fellow.

Lock it up...

Yes.

- Hurry... - Dad, has San Li's abalone arrived?

The abalone... Go, go now

Last time, the sea cucumbers have been...

Te, what are you up to again?

A big order for abalone was placed.

I am showing them some samples.

You're learning to do business now?

Te, you don't need to take the whole case.

I'm in a hurry to deliver it.

Hurry? Do you know the market price?

The quality is high. Remember to raise the price.

- Open it. - Yes.

Excellent kung fu.

Not really. You'll find the best at Shaolin Temple.

- Mr. Ho, we can invite them to join us. - Yes.

Shaolin monks don't interfere in worldly matters.

If Shaolin could teach kung fu to laymen

people could fight the Tartars.

That would be great!

South Gate, Mount Yue.

Here... it's here.

General Tien.

Arise.

Come over.

Recenty, we've suppressed rebels

and found this on their leaders.

Zheng Cheng-gong's edict.

ORDER

Look, what have you been doing?

There must be many of Zheng's men

hiding in Guangzhou city!

We must capture the rebels by all means

and kill them.

Only death can scare them!

Who's that?

No idea. He's secretive, maybe a spy

I'm innocent. I'm a delivery boy, I've brought dried fish. Look!

Shut up.

"Lord Zheng, patriotic rebels."

Who told you to bring this here?

No... Why ask?

Kid, we'll make you talk.

We'll take you back

and torture you with Manchu ways

one after another.

Will see if you can talk or not.

I'll talk. Don't torture me.

I... I'll tell you.

There is someone...

Tang San-yao...

take your time to torture...

if you like...

Mr. Ho, I saw a squadron of Manchu troops, over 100 men, blockading our alley.

Mr. Ho, what shall we do?

We must keep calm and be alert.

Yien-pin, let them hide in your home.

Mr. Ho, what about you...

Come on...

Mr. Ho, Mr. Ho...

- Go quickly, go. - What about you?

Hurry up, quick.

Master, look.

Please have mercy and tell them to stop.

- Please ask them to stop... - Quiet!

General's order, no dried fishes can be kept.

Then...

What's your relationship to Liu Yu-te?

He's my son.

Bring him here.

He's not home. Why do you want him?

We've uncovered many spies recently.

One's a teacher; another's his pupil.

Liu Yu-te's a pupil of that school.

We'll capture him and torture him.

Sir, our young master won't do such thing...

Yes! Please have mercy.

How do you know he wouldn't?

Let's talk it over...

Dad...

Yu-te, run quickly...

Young master, run, run quickly...

Run quickly, young master.

You want to rebel?

Yu-te, run quickly, run.

He's innocent... My son.

Liu Yu-te, come up quickly.

My son is innocent! My son.

Change your clothes at once.

Everyone in school uniform will be arrested.

I wonder what's happened to my home.

You two try to find a hiding place first,

we can find it out later.

Right, let's go now.

What has happened to my home?

Your home... your...

Tell me!

All the houses on the street near your home

were cordoned by the troops.

What about my father?

Dad!

Don't be sad. It's the same with my home.

It sucks that I don't know kung fu.

If I had known such a day, I wouldn't have gone to school.

I could have fought with them if I had learned kung fu before.

Education teaches us right from wrong.

What's the use of that?

We can't talk sense with the Tartars.

We can't stay in this town anymore.

I heard that the headquarters of martial arts is...

Shaolin Temple!

We're lucky that we made it.

Let's go straight on.

Hey! Did you see a group of men riding by?

Why don't you answer me?

Go.

- Dismount and chase them. - OK.

These two must be traitors.

One man guards the horses. The rest of you, go after them!

Yes.

Hurry up.

Go!

Hurry up.

Liu Yu-te, mount it.

Liu Yu-te?

Liu Yu-te, escape now. Go!

Don't let him get away.

Liu Yu-te, good luck.

Please give me some water.

Thank you, sir.

How far is it to Shaolin Temple?

It's not far, only up the mountain.

But you look like you can't make it.

I can... even if I have to crawl there

Sit down.

I don't think you can.

Shaolin monks buy food here everyday.

Their cart is over there.

Hurry up, be quick.

Come on, let's go.

Why is it so heavy?

Yes, I don't know why.

Come on. You'll be punished if you're late.

Let's go, quick.

Push harder, harder.

SOUTH COURT

Hurry up. Park the cart there.

Come and lend a hand, everybody.

Why are you standing there? Come here to help, hurry.

Take this to the kitchen. Be quick.

Why are you so slow? Hurry up, hurry.

What's wrong? What's the matter?

What's that man doing here?

Stay calm, he can still be saved.

Bring him inside. I'll tell the abbot.

Sir, the abbot would like to see you.

Thank you.

This temple is a place for Buddists to better themselves, not for a shelter.

I noticed that you're spiteful and emotional,

you're definitely not a Buddist.

You're recovering, please leave soon.

I made a huge effort coming here,

I would rather die than to leave.

Don't be rude in the temple.

Splendid. Splendid.

Since you are here... it means you've affinity with Buddha.

Brother Abbot, you shouldn't give exceptions.

He arrived here in a coma

but woke up after 10 days.

Perseverance to Buddhism warrants his admittance.

Dharma also came to the east

with such perseverance

and laid the foundation of Shaolin.

What are your opinions, brothers?

You're right, Brother Abbot.

Thank you, Abbot.

Morning, sir.

- Morning, sir. - Morning.

- Morning, sir. - Morning.

San Te. San Te.

Morning, Abbot.

How long has it been since your tonsure?

Over a year.

Are you unable to endure destitution?

No, not that, but...

Don't hide anything from the Buddha.

Before I came here, I heard

Shaolin's the headquarters of kung fu.

But for the past year, I only cleaned,

I haven't seen any kung fu

You can learn kung fu if you want to.

Any monk here can learn among the 35 chambers

as long as they want to.

If you don't tell us, who would know that you want to learn?

Why do you want to learn kung fu?

Honestly, Abbot.

Before I came here, I saw the people

oppressed by tyrannical rule.

If they are able to learn kung fu

they could defend themselves

and combat enemies. Therefore...

Have mercy.

San Te.

Buddhists shouldn't bear such thought.

Don't mention it again.

I won't be shaken

and I won't mention it again no matter right or wrong.

Abbot.

Does such thought forbid me from learning kung fu?

There are 35 chambers of Shaolin. Which chamber do you want to start from?

Which is the most advanced?

The top chamber, of course.

Then I'll start from the top.

TOP CHAMBER

Abbot.

Behold, the Buddha says

"In emptiness there is no form,

no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind.

No color, sound, smell, taste, touch and thought.

No vision, nor the realm of consciousness.

No ignorance,

nor the end of ignorance.

No old age and death.

There's no truth in suffering,

nor the cause and cessation of it.

No wisdom, no..."

Leave

"No wisdom, no gain.

There's nothing to be gained,

the mind is without hindrance

And without hindrance

there is no fear.

Away from all distorted views...

One dwells in Nirvana

where peace and happiness lie.

The heart is calm. We hear nothing."

How often do you recite the sutras?

I... I...

Go away.

Abbot, I came to learn martial arts.

Get out!

Big Brother, no one learns martial arts at the top chamber.

This is the most advanced realm.

You won't understand.

Big Brother, I'm willing to start from the 35th chamber.

35TH CHAMBER CANTEEN

San Te, cross the pond to enter the dining hall

Yes.

Brother, this is the 35th chamber?

Shut up. You starve if you're late.

THE UNCLEAN IS PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS HALL

You shall be clean and your steps shall be steady.

Don't enter the hall if you're unclean

How dare you enter this dining hall?

Abbot, I want to...

Have congee?

Come with me.

Stand on the wood.

Jump.

Turn around.

Eat.

Get up, you're hopeless.

Clean all the pottery and cutlery.

The wall may be low but Buddha's power is great.

He's fallen into it.

Don't laugh, he's only a novice.

- Enter the dining hall. - Yes.

TAKE REFUGE IN BUDDHA

San Te, you're terrific.

Concentrate. You'll find a way.

Keep practicing day and night. Go.

Stop.

Wood drifts, its buoyancy is limited,

harder you step,

faster it sinks.

- San Te. - Yes.

Throw the plate hard into the water.

The plate sinks down in water.

Just as you step on the wood, you will sink.

I keep my plate in motion with power, balance and speed.

Power helps speed, while banlance keeps your body stable.

Uniformity of mind,

brings uniformity of maneuver.

You must keep this point in mind.

Power, balance, speed.

Power, balance, speed. Right.

Abbot, I...

Go.

I beg you to teach me, Master.

34th chamber specializes in training the arms.

Fist, palm, knife, sword, stick, spear.

All depend on arm strength. Look...

This is the basic process

Carry water up the slope

Pour it down to keep it flowing

Remember...

keep your arms straight.

You should carry water everyday

to build up arm strength. Go now.

Yes.

I didn't think you'd make it so soon.

San Te, don't help others when they practice.

It'll only ruin them.

Yes.

You've violated our rule. Leave!

- Abbot... - Go!

Go to the 33rd Chamber

Thank you, Abbot

This chamber is comparatively easier.

Simply listen to the sound of the temple block.

Each time I sound it, strike the gong.

Abbot, I'm here to learn kung fu, not...

Don't misjudge the bamboo poles. Wisdom.

Yes.

The hammer weighs 10 catties,

it is fitted into a 12 feet pole.

The weight increases 10 catties with every feet's extension.

A 12 feet pole makes it weigh 120 catties.

How much can your wrists bear?

I'm willing to try.

Now it's 10 feet, make it 2 feet shorter.

Let's go.

Keep practicing.

My respect to the Abbot.

You've left the Wrist Room?

Yes, the abbot said I could leave.

Good. You've been working very hard since you joined.

From today on, you are waived of misc daily work.

You're promoted to be in charge of Sutra Room.

Thank you, Abbot.

Brother Abbot, San Te is ambitious.

He's not like our Buddhist brothers.

Well, it's peaceful here in this temple

but outside it's turbulent.

We may need someone like him.

Please guide me, Abbot.

Stand between the two burning incense.

Yes.

Anyone practicing martial arts

must be sharp-eyed. Watch the lamp.

When the lamp oscillates...

your eyes should follow.

But remember

your head must not move.

Start.

Told you not to move your head. Again.

That's right, the target has disappeared.

But still, the eyes shouldn't move.

Eyes be bright, limbs be nimble.

This is called "Stay alert and react fast".

Yes.

Turn around.

San Te, hit the reflecting blocks.

I've been an abbot here for 6 years, and you're my most outstanding pupil.

Thank you, Abbot.

HEAD CHAMBER

- Continue. - OK.

Don't lower your head.

Stand up.

Hands on your waist.

Use your head to hit the sand bags.

Then burn incense before the Buddha.

Yes.

Again.

Get up.

Abbot, I...

Collapsing so quickly? Get up now.

Continue. Go on.

Abbot.

San Te, if not for the two years of arduous training

you wouldn't have passed this alley.

San Te, the head is the most important part

also the last phase of strength training.

After head training, you can learn to fight and use weapons.

Offer the incense.

Use your strength. Harder. Get up.

Come on, get up.

You've set a new record. You've completed 10 chambers

and learned the basic skills in 25 months' time.

This is a first in Shaolin's history.

I couldn't have done it without the teachers.

From now on, you can select any chamber to learn various skills

such as the fist, sword and stick.

Yes.

Justice Abbot.

I'll make him head of Dharma House.

San Te, meet the two Head Abbots.

Yes.

BENT WRIST PUNCH

Stop.

Continue.

San Te.

LEG CHAMBER

Abbot.

San Te, very good.

SWORD CHAMBER

Turn around faster.

Good job.

BUDDHA

San Te.

THE POWER OF BUDDHA IS BOUNDLESS

San Te, it's commendable of you

to master all 35 chambers' kung fu

in just 5 years.

Now I'll make you deputy abbot

of any of the 35 chambers.

Brother Abbot, San Te's post is high enough

as he's been promoted 8 times in 5 years.

With his present skill

he's qualified to be deputy abbot.

Brother Abbot, Shaolin kung fu has existed for thousands of years,

we mustn't make hasty decisions.

In your opinion...

let him pick any weapon to fight with me,

if he succeeds, he can be an abbot.

You heard what he said,

Justice Abbot wants to compete with you.

What do you think?

I dare not.

It's my idea. If you win

you can take charge of any chamber.

Excuse me then, Justice Abbot.

Watch out.

Thank you, Justice Abbot. I've lost.

You may challenge me any time.

San Te, how many times have I tapped you?

Seventeen times.

I could've hurt you with the blade.

You're right.

I'll continue with my practice.

Brother Abbot, I think he'll never win.

You'll never know.

What weapon is San Te using?

A three-stick nunchuck he made himself.

Good, that move was not bad.

Go on.

Abbot, are you all right?

San Te, I still have my weapon.

Excuse me.

Brother Abbot, San Te can take charge of any chamber.

San Te, choose to take charge

of any of the 35 chambers

except the Top Chamber.

Your Buddhism attainment is not advanced enough.

Abbot, I've not yet made up my mind.

Never mind. I'll give you three days.

Thank you, Abbot.

There are only 35 chambers in Shaolin.

There isn't a 36th chamber.

I know. I'd like to create it

This 36th chamber is...

It's a pity Shaolin martial arts

is confined solely to the temple.

It should be taught widely to all.

That's my idea for the new chamber,

to teach martial arts to laymen.

We don't involve in worldly affairs

nor do we admit secular pupils.

Forget it.

Abbot, this affects the handing down of Shaolin martial arts to posterity.

Please let me enrol promising youths and train them in the 36th chamber.

Nonsense, how dare you talk back?

I don't mean to hurt you.

- Shut up! - I must ask you to reconsider, Abbot.

Justice Abbot

Yes

Our pupil San Te should be punished.

Yes.

San Te, you've violated our rule,

you have to collect contributions.

Don't return unless the book is full. Do you agree?

Yes. Abbot, I deserve punishment.

Leave tomorrow morning.

CHIANG TAI

Master, you want to pray for Chiang Tai?

They all died.

And they're buried in the east cemetery.

Go there and pray for them.

Uncle Wei, may you rest in peace.

We will fulfil your mission to overthrow the Machus

Hung Hsi-kuan. Hung Hsi-kuan, I knew you'd be here

to bury your accomplice

Run.

Let's see if you can escape.

Bring it on. One kill covers my cost, two kills brings me profit. Come on.

Ok, go ahead and kill.

Tang San-yao, you're so malicious.

Goodness will be rewarded, but vice will be punished.

Scram, bloody monk.

Master, please stay out of this.

So you're an accomplice.

Tang San-yao, remember 7 years ago

how you seized my school and shop

and killed my whole family?

You're Liu Yu-te, a fugitive! Get him.

- Go help your brothers. - OK!

You're a Buddhist, show mercy.

Even Buddha defeats the evil.

A monk should not kill.

A monk cannot, but I can.

Tang San-yao, you've killed my men.

These thousand stabs are for them.

Merciful Buddha.

Tang San-yao, let our martyrs

see you dead here.

Master, I want to learn martial arts.

Please accept me as your disciple.

Good. I've come from Shaolin

to enrol promising youths.

Hsi-kuan, is Tien Ta still in Guangzhou?

Yes.

His hands are stained with blood of the Han people.

If he is not eliminated, thousands of martyrs won't rest in peace.

We must plan well.

Let's find a hideout first.

Don't act rushly.

Do you know of other ambitious youth?

Yes, Tung Chien-chin is another.

Tung Chien-chin, Commander orders you

to make a batch of wheels.

Hey, deliver them within one month.

I can't, it'll take one year

One year? Are you turning me down?

Do you want to join the dead?

Want my help?

I'll teach you to be smarter.

Beat him up.

Are you going to do it or not?

Over my dead body.

Yes, it is better to use the haft.

Help...

Do you still want the wheels made?

No, no.

Damn you!

Good! Good!

Master. Master!

Master... Let me follow you.

Why?

I admire you. Please teach me.

Please take me as your disciple

Tung Chien-chin, what's wrong with you?

You said you won't bow down to anyone

and would challenge even the Gods.

Why are you bowing to a monk now?

What do you know? He's not a monk.

He's Bodhisattva.

His few words

helped me to scare the Tartars away.

So, he's a living Bodhisattva now?

I'm only a monk from Shaolin Temple.

I taught you to focus on your strength.

They've learned kung fu and you haven't.

Using a heavy weapon slows you down

and puts you at a disadvantage.

That's right.

Lu Ah-tsai, are you convinced now?

Master, it makes sense.

Lu Ah-tsai, can't move now, can you?

Lu Ah-tsai, don't act hastily.

Master, I'm convinced.

Master, I'm convinced.

Are you sure now?

I am, I'm convinced.

Master, please come in for some tea.

Master, I'm really convinced.

How did Tang San-yao die?

You still haven't found out yet?

He was chopped by a knife.

I only want the man who chopped him.

Yes, we're investigating.

Kill all suspects.

Yes.

Be on the alert and don't follow the footsteps of Tang San-yao.

Yes.

This is General Tien Ta's residence.

He patrols the city every day.

And he must pass through this street

to go to the city gates.

There are shops on both sides of the street

which made it difficult for us to get him.

Any households on this street?

Yes.

There is a rice mill.

Its back faces the General's residence

- How many people are living there? - There seems to be only one person.

MILLER SIX

Sir.

Merciful Buddha.

Sir, I...

Master, no one come for offerings this late.

Master, why are you acting like a bandit? Go away. Go away!

What do you mean by that?

Sir, please excuse me.

What do you want?

May I know your name, sir?

My father died...

without telling me my name,

so I have no name.

I started milling rice when I was six.

So they call me Miller Six

I'm San Te from Shaolin Temple.

People say that monks from Shaolin

are excellent at kung fu. No wonder.

I've practiced for several years.

Having milled rice for many years...

I also have a pair of strong feet.

Do you want to try them?

I've drunk a bit too much today.

But your footwork's not bad.

Let's go in for a drink. Let's go.

Miller, you can't stay here much longer.

Why not?

Very soon, something big will happen

in the general's residence.

What is it?

General Tien Ta's going to die here.

How can you say something like that?

You aren't afraid of being executed?

Leave here at once, will you?

I don't care whether you come from Shaolin or Linshao Temple.

Please just leave. I beg you.

The Tartars killed so many people.

Don't you want to fight back?

I'm only a rice miller. Even if it's sad to see this...

What can I do? I'd rather drink.

People continue to suffer because

too many people have that attitude.

Watch what you're saying!

I want to borrow your place to deal with Tien Ta.

No, no. If you do, I won't be able to stay here anymore.

Don't worry. I'll take you to Shaolin.

Go. Hurry. Go...

Come here, on your knees.

Commander Cheng, we caught them near the cemetery.

- Kill them all! - Yes!

Stop!

Commander Cheng, I killed Tang San-yao.

Not them.

You? A monk?

How did you kill him?

With this.

- Take him! - Yes!

Where did you learn this kung fu?

In Shaolin Temple.

Report to the general.

Yes.

Master, we're outnumbered.

Yes, there are so many of them.

They wake me up every morning, it's so annoying

Miller Six, could you please keep quiet?

No, I can't. I'm Miller Six.

This is flour.

General Tien, Chief Tang and Commander Cheng are famous

of their kung fu in Guangzhou. Their failure this time is because...

If more monks are here...

there will be a rebellion in Guangzhou?

Yes...

Tomorrow morning, I'll bring some men to capture him.

Even if I have to go to Shaolin.

GENERAL'S RESIDENCE

Go, go at once... Run.

Give me a sword.

I can't believe that as a monk you joined the rebels.

Buddhist has to resist evil.

How many lives have you taken?

Yes, I've killed many, but never a monk.

THE 36TH CHAMBER

Stop!

Twist and turn around.