Paula Hammond - Features EditorThe Miracle Fighters is a delirious, frenetic, and wildly imaginative kung fu movie from the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping.
Released in 1982, The Miracle Fighters is a comedic tale of taoist magic, directed by the martial arts maestro behind Drunken Master, The Magnificent Butcher, and Iron Monkey.
During the Quing dynasty, marriage between Manchu and Han people is outlawed. When it is discovered that high-ranking official Kao Hsiung (Eddy Ko) has taken a Han wife, the Emperor informs him that he will be forgiven – but only if he kills his beloved before the court. When he refuses, Kao Hsiung is marked for death by the powerful Sorcerer (Yuen Shun-yee) and forced to watch as his wife is slain before his eyes.
Kao Hsiung flees, kidnapping the Crown Prince during his escape. When the boy dies, Kao Hsiung is secretly replaces him with another young boy. In adulthood, that innocent child – Shu Gut (Yuen Yat-Chor) – finds himself relentlessly pursued by the Sorcerer, and turns to two quarrelling taoist priests in the hope of protecting himself with their magic.
Made in the same mould as its contemporaries Encounters of the Spooky Kind and The Dead and the Deadly, this riotous kung fu fantasy was followed by two equally entertaining thematic sequels in Shaolin Drunkard and Taoism Drunkard.
The new Eureka Classics edition is presented in lush blu-ray from a brand new 2K restoration and features a host of extras.
If you love 1980s Hong Kong movies, then The Miracle Fighters is a must-have for your collection.
