In 1901, the allied foreign forces overthrew Beijing.
The Ching court was forced to cede much land,
as well as 400 million taels of silver.
This, along with internal strife, plunged all of China into turmoil.
During this period of great embarrassment,
a child was born with the name Huo Yuan Chia.
"The Huo family estate, West Gate, Tianjin."
"The Huo Mansion"
"No visitors!"
Stop!
Let me demonstrate our family style.
- The three of you watch closely. - Yes, sir.
"Kung fu is passed down through the generations."
- Who are you? - Master...
I'm the new cook, Little Tiger.
What's a cook doing in this school?
I just wanted to know what you'd like to eat.
Hasn't anyone informed you of our custom?
Only family is allowed to watch us practice.
Those caught peeking must tear out their own eyes!
I wasn't peeking, sir.
- Can you fight? - No, I can't.
- Then get out of here. - Yes, sir.
Watch out!
So, the tiger reacts?
- The tiger's pretending to be a pig? - I am a tiger!
And I've come to eat the pigs!
- You've got guts. - Hold it!
- What's your real name? - The Yellow Tiger of Shantung!
You've got a good reputation...
so go in peace.
Go? You want me to go?
I came all the way from Shantung to see the famous Huo family style.
If I leave now, even my wife will laugh at me!
- Are you that determined? - Absolutely!
Then I won't disappoint you.
Watch carefully, Mr. Cook.
Now you've seen it, so on your way!
Dad.
Yuan Chia, what are you doing here?
Dad, I want to learn kung fu.
- Learn kung fu? - Yes.
OK... fine.
If you can move my hand, I'll teach you.
Come on.
"We never teach strangers, cheats or weak men."
You're too weak to amount to anything.
Work hard academically if you want to succeed.
Your brothers can carry on our family style.
If I studied kung fu, I wouldn't be so weak.
If you don't succeed, it won't be just you who loses face
but our whole family!
- Dad! - Enough! Go to your room!
"We never teach strangers, cheats or weak men."
Why can't I learn kung fu? Why?
What's wrong with me?
The Huo family's style is so good, his hands are covered in blisters!
Bulondo, it's none of your business.
What's wrong with all you kung fu experts?
Can none of you match this hero from the famous Huo family?
His father is all talk - he couldn't kick through a wet tissue!
- Don't insult my father! - I'll not only insult him,
but I'll beat you to a pulp!
100 Yen for the one who beats him up!
I win 100 Yen!
I win 100 Yen as well!
Me, too!
Pay up, come on!
He's still standing, so that doesn't count.
Hey, kid, Huo fighting is only a waste of energy.
And old Huo is a bag of wind.
Our style is the best, but I never learnt it.
It's a load of rubbish!
If you eat your words, I'll let you go.
No way!
Enough! Let him go, or you'll kill him!
Let's go!
Are you a Huo?
None of your damned business!
Teacher, what's your name?
My name is Chiang Ho Shan.
- Chiang Ho Shan? - Yes.
Mr. Chiang...
I've asked you here to teach my son.
Custom dictates, no-one may watch us practice.
In the kung fu world, that's a big offence.
I understand.
I'm a fighter by profession and you're a teacher by profession.
Can you fight?
I can't stand the sight of blood. Kung fu is a complete mystery to me.
Yuan Chia, come here.
This is my fourth son - Yuan Chia.
- Meet your new teacher. - Glad to meet you, sir.
Yuan Chia? That's a fine name. A fine name...
This boy never liked studying.
- You'll have to watch him closely. - Of course.
I just met him in the village.
So, you're making trouble again?
No, no. I was just attacked by a group of hooligans.
Fortunately your son helped me out.
He can't fight.
Sometimes it's not necessary to use violence.
He just mentioned your name and fighting school...
He what?
And they all began to tremble with fear.
- That's nothing new. - Yes, of course.
- Take your teacher to his room. - Yes.
- Excuse me. - After you, teacher.
He really can't fight!
My glasses! Where are my glasses?
Lucky they didn't break.
Ah, my glasses! My glasses...
What were you trying to do?
I just wanted you to see my spear.
- Master Huo! - Beautiful, huh?
Didn't I just say I can't stand the sight of blood?
- Teacher... - Scared me to death.
- He really can't fight. - We'll employ him.
Teacher, thanks for not telling my father about today.
Everyone has their secrets.
- What about you? - Me, too.
Maybe you'll have to protect mine some day.
We'll keep each other's secrets, then.
Teacher, if my father teaches me, I'll teach you too.
Why don't I learn first, then teach you?
Impossible! They won't teach strangers.
"The Huo Mansion"
"Martial Arts Grandmaster"
Now, show me the six bold striking techniques!
Yes, sir!
Angry and embarrassed, I lean on this fence.
- The rain stops. - The rain stops.
- I look upwards into the distance. - I look upwards into the distance.
- And sigh deeply. - And sigh deeply.
- I'm overflowing with emotion. - I'm overflowing with emotion.
- 30 years' patriotism is all lost. - 30 years' patriotism is all lost.
- 8,000 miles of moon in the clouds. - 8,000 miles of moon in the clouds.
I'm wasting my years... waiting for old age.
I'm wasting my years, waiting for old age.
- Feeling the sorrow... - Feeling the sorrow...
- What are you doing? - What are you doing?
If you play with dolls, you'll become a doll.
If no-one holds the strings, you'll collapse.
Stand over there and think about what I've said.
Teacher!
- What's the matter? - You're not strict enough.
You animal! I told you so many times you're not to study fighting.
In one ear and out the other!
You're too weak to learn kung fu.
- Dad, I... - Hold your tongue!
I may be too weak to learn the family style, but I'm also your son.
- Is that my fault as well? - I'll beat you to death, you animal!
- Master, Master! - Keep back!
Animal!
- Forget it, Master. - Don't stop me! Get up!
Don't hit him, I wasn't paying attention. It wasn't his fault.
Fine! If you leave don't come back! I don't care anymore!
What are you doing here?
- Yuan Chia. - Go away! Leave me alone!
You young people give up at the first sign of trouble.
How do you expect to handle anything serious?
Teacher, you don't know how much I've suffered!
I am a son of Huo, and I can't even fight!
Everyone laughs at me and says I am a loser.
How can I handle anything serious?
Hold it!
Without confidence and willpower, no matter where you go,
people will make fun of you.
In my village, there was this boy who was known as "the wheezer".
He suffered far more than you.
Through confidence and willpower, he learned to fight.
He practiced hard until finally, he became a champion fighter.
I don't believe it.
Catch!
Confidence?
Catch!
That kid...
was me.
Teacher, can you teach me kung fu?
I won't teach you!
But, I can give you some tips.
Really?
Don't tell anyone else I can fight, OK?
OK!
Yuan Chia.
My students should walk tall
and keep their feet firmly planted on the ground.
Keep your head up, your ass in and your back straight!
Hold the brush vertical...
don't spill a drop!
Yuan Chia!
- Who is it? - It's me, Yuan Chia.
- Teacher. - Why are you here so late?
I brought some bird's nest soup for you.
- Why didn't you eat it yourself? - People say it's good for coughs.
So I brought it for you. Eat it while it's hot.
Come on!
Yuan Chia, good calligraphy is not achieved in one day.
You use arm, wrist and fingers, and let the power flow smoothly.
Arm, wrist, fingers and the power flows smoothly.
- Don't tear the paper. - I wouldn't dare.
- How do you hold the brush? - It's easy... like this?
Don't apply all your power.
Hold the brush tightly and drive it deep.
Keep your arm relaxed.
Dot, slash, tick, slope.
Hold it steady.
There are no fixed rules.
Dash...
drop, curve and twist.
Like this!
Since when does calligraphy sound like kung fu?
Master... can I be of help?
No, it's all right.
Master, didn't you say that while teaching, you don't allow spectators?
That's correct.
I don't like people watching me teach either.
It may interfere with a student's progress.
I suppose so.
Yuan Chia!
Always look a man in the eye.
A wandering eye is a sign of deception.
Yes, teacher.
- Yuan Chia, write a letter for me. - About what, teacher?
Ask your father to teach you kung fu.
Yes, teacher.
Dear Father...
- My dearest... - My dearest father...
Your son fights so badly, his ass gets kicked.
If I don't fight well, it's your fault,
because your name and fame is widespread.
Because I can't fight, your name is dirt.
I was beaten today, so our family style looks bad.
All this shame and pain is because you refuse to teach me.
Our family are renowned fighters.
You're still a young man with the strength of an ox.
If you don't teach me now and one day you fall ill,
with failing eyesight and stiff legs,
you'll never have the chance to teach me.
If this happens, I'll be very sad but I won't be able to change it.
I know you're too kind to reprimand me for what I've said.
Best regards, your son, Huo Yuan Chia.
Dear Master Sanaka,
Since my arrival in China,
I've discovered that the Huo style is the most renowned form of kung fu
It employs silent, evasive technique
with a hard and soft fluctuating form of power.
I've learned most of their theory.
When I return to Japan, we'll discuss it further.
Signed, Chiang Ho Shan.
Yuan Chia.
I'd like you to understand a theory.
Water is both the strongest and the weakest element.
The ultimate kung fu is like the ocean, both infinite and flexible.
For example, you cannot control the movements of the waves...
because each change includes both unlimited power and speed.
The same happens with kung fu, all styles flow into each other.
If that is so, then why are there so many kung fu styles?
Because the concept of style is so deeply rooted,
it is the greatest obstacle to development.
If you really wish to advocate something special in Chinese kung fu,
then relinquish all ideas of style and don't refuse to teach strangers.
I'll remember that.
What's the almighty kung fu king up to now?
It's that rich idiot, Bulondo.
His father's a general and he's a troublemaker.
What's up? Do you want to fight some more?
When facing an opponent, be cool, confident and think of victory.
If you don't fight back, I'll still hit you!
And what if I fight back?
Well?
- Do you want to fight back? - Enough!
Kill him!
Why are you attacking a young boy so viciously?
I'll kill you as well.
Teacher, why did you kill him?
Not killing an enemy is like committing suicide.
You should always remember this in the future.
Teacher, then we...
Go back and tell your father.
I must leave on business. Thank him for his hospitality.
Teacher, where are you going?
I'm going to go... back to where I came from.
I'll go with you.
Yuan Chia, don't be silly.
This was a present from my master. I'll give it to you as a keepsake.
There's a secret kung fu manual hidden in the closet.
Study it carefully
and afterwards your ability will exceed your father's. Goodbye.
Teacher!
This is for you.
When will I see you again?
If it's our destiny, we'll meet again.
Take care of yourself.
Teacher!
"Chiang Ho Shan, Martial Arts' Grandmaster."
"Martial Arts"
"Martial Arts' Grandmaster"
Avoid orthodox patterns.
Be observant and cautious, then make it your own.
As per your instructions,
I've studied my father's style in secret and I've progressed.
I've studied for 12 years and I've absorbed everything.
Now, I'm waiting to put my skills to use. Yuan Chia.
Who dares to make trouble here?
I'm the Eagle Claw School's representative.
Tell old man Huo to get out here!
He's ill, so you can talk to me instead.
You're not qualified!
Stop!
- You must be old Huo! - How dare you!
I don't like your sign proclaiming you as martial arts' grandmaster.
I came here to tear this sign down and burn it in my family fireplace.
I see you're trembling with fear.
First let me take care of this, and then I'll get you!
Who are you?
I'm the fourth son, Huo Yuan Chia.
Yuan Chia!
You're the useless one?
That's right, I'm the useless one.
If I don't leave with this sign, I'll break my own leg!
Do you want a short life?
Don't worry, Dad. When I'm finished, I'll go back to my room.
Well done, leg! You escaped being broken.
You can't even beat the weakest member of the family.
How could you expect to beat my father?
You're something else!
Hold on a minute!
Didn't you say if you lost, you'd break your own leg?
Winning and losing are both parts of life.
Why take it so seriously? Let's be friends.
Huo Yuan Chia, you're something else.
Good luck.
Yuan Chia.
Come with me.
Yuan Chia, kneel down.
When did you start learning our style?
- Speak! - 12 years ago.
I never knew.
Let's burn some incense!
My dear ancestors, I've been an embarrassment.
It's lucky there's one to carry on our family name.
As of this day, Yuan Chia is my successor.
Place your blessing on Yuan Chia, and in the future of our kung fu.
Yuan Chia, burn incense for your ancestors.
The incense.
Tea?
Tea for anyone?
Hey, what did you say? That's my wife!
You're mistaken, I just said she's beautiful.
Come here, I want to discuss something with you.
- What's to discuss? - I want to make you an offer.
Tell your wife to make my boss more comfortable.
Save that sort of offer for your mother!
So you want me to take off my trousers, too?
You'll pay for that!
I'll give you a taste of boxing!
A hot Chinese cheek meets a cold Western cheek!
So much passion in public! It's embarrassing.
You want him to come with me? Sorry, I'm not interested.
So you want to kill me now? Come on, then!
Ticklish ass, huh?
I'll beat you with Western-style boxing!
On your ass again!
Back for more?
- I told you you couldn't do it! - Impossible!
I'm using Western techniques.
Chinese kung fu uses waist and posture.
Waist and posture, waist and posture.
- I'm going to get you! - Go on, try!
Are you comfortable?
You've got a nice muzzle!
In we go!
- Don't touch that! - Don't worry, I'll be gentle.
You're too hot, so I'll let you cool down.
Now, I'm really finished!
Round and round and round we go.
I'm behind you.
You're in Chinese territory.
Off you go!
You too!
Go and join your boss!
The Westerner can't swim!
He should be able to swim, he does everything else so well!
I'm not smiling!
"Russian Boxing Champion Takes Northern China by Storm."
- Yuan Chia. - Dad.
- Do something for me. - What's that?
I saw in today's newspaper
that there's a Russian boxing champion called Molotov
who has a boxing ring here.
He claims he's never met his match -
I want you to change that.
Show him we Chinese can fight as well!
"Russian Boxing Arena"
You'll win!
Here's Huo Yuan Chia.
This is the Russian champion Molotov.
I'm not trying to scare you, but he's never lost.
Once you've been his punchbag, you'll end up a real basket case.
Traitor!
Now, the rules for today's competition...
Both men will wear boxing gloves, like so...
You won't be able to fight that way.
Can we kick?
No kicking, elbows or using your knees.
And there's no hitting below the belt.
Really! I suppose you'll tie his hands up as well.
We don't play unfairly.
With so many limitations, you'll lose for sure.
No problem!
The gloves!
Remember - no kicking and no elbows, no blows below the belt and no knees.
Make sure you observe the rules.
Round one!
Look, he's won! He's the winner!
Count, come on! The countdown!
One...
two...
Come on! Three, four,
five, six,
seven, eight, nine, ten!
Hooray!
He just looks good!
Our Huo Yuan Chia's never met his match!
He'll be the basket case, if he recovers!
I'll get the doctor.
"School of Martial Arts"
Learning only part of this Eagle's Claw style
is enough to beat any opponent.
I promise you you'll win, no-one ever loses!
Teacher, there's this Japanese guy called Sanaka
who has closed three schools already, maybe we'll be next!
I hope he comes, I'll give him a taste of my Eagle's Claw!
He'll be begging for mercy!
It's him!
Stay calm.
Are you Sanaka?
You've come to challenge our school?
You're as strong as a horse - you'd make a great coolie!
Hold on a second! My fist is powerful.
I've killed at least 80 men. I wonder what you can do.
Let's see you cope with my Five Dragon Claws.
With just one blow...
Are you serious?
This is Stealing Plums Beneath the Leaves.
With just one more blow...
- One strike... - One punch...
If you're so good, go challenge Huo Yuan Chia.
Huo Yuan Chia?
Teacher, teacher...
Are you all right, teacher?
Stylistically, I was the winner. He's all brawn and no brains.
"The Huo Mansion"
"Happy Birthday"
Long life and happiness to you, Father.
Stand up... thank you... stand up.
- Congratulations! - Thank you.
Enjoy the celebrations. Have a drink!
Mr. Chang, good to see you. Enjoy the show!
Please, go on through!
There are so many kung fu masters here to celebrate!
People have always respected your father.
- Congratulations! - Thank you.
- You're so strong for your age! - Thanks.
- Ginger grows spicier in time. - You're too kind!
That's not true!
He's old and weak. Such men should die!
We didn't invite any Japanese!
He's here now, so he can be my guest.
This is one of Japan's best karate 7th degree black-belt experts -
Sanaka-san.
Who is that red-faced fool?
He's China's legendary military hero, Guan-gong.
You Chinese have military heroes?
I wonder who is more powerful, our Japanese heroes or your Guan-gong?
The Japanese are more powerful, of course!
That's right!
Who said that?
Our boss said it, you rabbit-toothed idiot!
Sanaka-san, please come in and have a drink.
- Who are you? - I'm Huo Yuan Chia.
Let's drink and discuss heroism together.
This way.
- Congratulations, Mr. Huo! - Thank you.
Please...
This wine isn't strong enough!
Wow, amazing!
Chiao Te, don't treat our guests like that, please leave.
Look! A nasty, stinking fly!
A useless insect!
How come the Huo family is full of vermin?
They're all good people, really.
Here comes the Japanese champion!
Look more closely.
Here comes Guan-gong!
I've got him!
It's me, boss!
Father...
to your health!
"To the Japanese School of Martial Arts."
Chiang Ho Shan! Huo Yuan Chia killed my son.
You are our best fighter. Sanaka was your student.
I want you to avenge this insult for us.
Mr. Sanaka, I'm afraid your son was too fond of insulting others.
He opposed all my teachings
and lacked the spirit of a true samurai.
Mr. Sanaka, I suggest we forget about it, put this behind us.
Nonsense! How can you let this Sick Man of Asia kill one of our samurai?
It's a slap in the face for Japan and the honor of our samurai.
It insults our lineage! You must go, you must!
The Japanese karate grandmaster - 9th degree black belt,
Chiang Ho Shan - has come for a duel with Huo Yuan Chia.
It will be held in the Japanese quarter
and will be an open challenge to the death!
He must be their best...
so we'd better get ready!
I really want to meet this champion!
Young Master, old Mr. Chiang is here to see you.
He claims to have been your teacher.
Teacher!
- Where have you been all this time? - Japan.
Japan?
The Japanese want Ho Shan to challenge you. So I am here.
- Do you know him? - Yes.
He's a close friend of mine.
He's the Japanese fighting champion.
I think that they are exaggerating.
How are you, Master Huo?
Chiang Ho Shan... It's you!
Correct.
I must represent the Japanese code of Bushido.
But here, I only represent myself.
Dad! Dad!
Can you fight in our style?
That's right.
I know the best of Huo-style fighting -
Spreading Flowers in the Sky.
Yuan Chia, I must warn you -
if you use your family's style of fighting,
you'll die for sure.
Don't worry about me, teacher - life and death is our destiny.
I shall be representing Chinese kung fu
and that's how I'll meet your challenge.
How noble!
Why did it have to be you, teacher?
My teacher knows my every move. How can I possibly defeat him?
"We never teach strangers, cheats or weak men.
"This sort of narrow thinking is the greatest obstacle to kung fu.
"Because of this, our kung fu will never progress."
We don't teach weak men...
Why?
Use your internal power to become a better fighter -
the entire body becomes a multiple attack!
Multiple attack?
"Karate Club"
Victory to the Japanese! Victory!
Thank you... Thank you.
- Young Master, we're behind you! - Thank you.
Huo Yuan Chia! Beat him to a pulp!
We're all behind you!
- Young Master. - Master Chiu.
The five northern provinces of kung fu fighters support you.
You must win!
Thank you.
Victory to Huo Yuan Chia!
Today our Chiang Ho Shan will fight Huo Yuan Chia to the death!
The winner will come out through this door.
Any of you here not involved, move aside.
Yuan Chia, only you must come out through this door.
Even if the Huo family can afford to lose, Chinese kung fu can't.
Don't worry, Dad!
This way.
Huo Yuan Chia, today you must die, so take care!
That's incredible! You play so well!
An old Chinese musician taught me long ago.
Teacher,
I'll always respect you, I bow down before you.
I'll always have something to learn from you.
Huo Yuan Chia has come to take up your challenge. Please.
The broken string foreshadows the death of one of us.
Why aren't you using your full strength?
Don't think of me as your teacher.
Our relationship is represented by this jade.
"Confidence"
You dare to challenge all of Japan!
And boost the glory of China!
Not hitting back proves that the Chinese are the dregs of humanity.
You fight well.
The Chinese are not the dregs of humanity.
The Chinese are not cowards.
I won't lose. You sick man!
Come on!
Why?
Yuan Chia.
Yuan Chia won! Yuan Chia won!
Even though the fighting finally ended and the competition was won,
Huo Yuan Chia knew that in order to absolve the 'Sick Man of Asia' image
and to instill pride in his people again,
the Chinese needed to develop their physical strength.
He began by dissolving the concept of styles,
then he established the Jin Mo School of kung fu
with branches throughout China to bring kung fu to all Chinese people.
Huo Yuan Chia's memory will live on forever.
DVD Subtitles by European Captioning Institute