Duel of Fists

Duel of Fists

Year: 1971

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Chang Cheh

ActionCrimeDrama

A business executive trained in Kung Fu and a professional kickboxer learn they are long‑lost brothers. United by blood, they confront a powerful crime syndicate both inside the ring and on the streets, featuring early cinematic use of Muay Thai alongside classic kung‑fu choreography.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Duel of Fists yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Duel of Fists (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Duel of Fists (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Bangkok, Thailand, Lumpini Boxing Stadium, Dusit Thani Hotel, Grand Palace

The action unfolds predominantly in Bangkok, a bustling city where tradition and modern life collide. Key locales include Lumpini Boxing Stadium, the Dusit Thani Hotel, and the Grand Palace, all of which anchor the story in a visible urban landscape. The backdrop is colored by Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, which contrasts the violence of the boxing ring with festive crowds.

🏙️ City 🗺️ Bangkok 🥊 Boxing 🎉 Songkran

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:31

Main Characters – Duel of Fists (1971)

Meet the key characters of Duel of Fists (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fan Ko (David Chiang)

A Hong Kong engineering architect who is also highly skilled in martial arts. He travels to Bangkok after learning of his father’s past affair and a half-brother, hoping to uncover the truth. In Bangkok, he uses both intellect and combat prowess to navigate the underworld and pursue his brother.

🧭 Protagonist 🥋 Martial Artist

Wen Lieh (Ti Lung)

Fan Ko’s brother, a fighter who struggles to raise money for his sick mother. He bears a distinctive anchor-and-swallow tattoo on his left arm that helps Fan Ko determine his identity. He fights Cannon in a brutal match and, despite a savage beating, demonstrates resilience and family loyalty.

🫶 Brother 🥋 Fighter

Cannon (Chung Pao) (Ku Feng)

The current boxing champion, a brutal fighter backed by the local Triad boss and a crooked promoter. He relies on intimidation and a corrupt system to stay undefeated. He meets a violent end when Misao strikes back against the criminals.

💥 Villain 🥊 Champion

Chiang Ren (Qiang-ren) (Chan Sing)

A Triad boss who runs the boxing scene with crooked promoters and compromised officials. He uses fear and control to keep Cannon in place and to profit from the fights. His grip on the ring’s power fuels much of Fan Ko’s danger and pursuit of truth.

🕯️ Crime Boss 🗝️ Corruption

Mei-dai (Mai Dai) (Pawana Chanajit)

A young Thai woman who guides Fan Ko around Bangkok and introduces him to local sights like the Grand Palace. She serves as a supportive ally, helping him navigate the city’s landscapes and the dangers lurking in the boxing world.

🌺 Local Ally 🗺️ Guide

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:31

Major Themes – Duel of Fists (1971)

Explore the central themes of Duel of Fists (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Family

Fan Ko’s quest uncovers a long-buried family connection when he recognizes his brother Wen Lieh’s tattoo as a link to their past. The film centers on kinship, loyalty, and the lengths siblings go to protect one another. The revelation ties the personal saga to the perilous world of Bangkok’s boxing underworld.

🐉 Underworld

The boxing ring doubles as a front for corruption, where a Triad-backed promoter and a brutal champion manipulate fights for money and power. Bribed officials and violent enforcers illustrate how crime runs the sport as a business. The story uses this underworld to critique the costs of criminal influence on sport and life.

🥊 Martial Arts

Martial skill drives the plot, with Fan Ko leveraging his training and cunning to outmaneuver opponents. Fights serve as catalysts for character development and plot progression, revealing loyalty, courage, and strategic thinking. The choreography emphasizes precision and timing, not just brute force.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:31

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Duel of Fists

Don't stop at just watching — explore Duel of Fists in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Duel of Fists is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Duel of Fists Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Duel of Fists, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Duel of Fists Summary

Duel of Fists Timeline

Track the full timeline of Duel of Fists with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Duel of Fists Timeline

More About Duel of Fists

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Duel of Fists: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Duel of Fists

Explore More About Movie Duel of Fists

Duel of Fists (1971) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Duel of Fists (1971) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Duel of Fists (1971) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow