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!

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Timeline – Duel of Fists (1971)

Trace every key event in Duel of Fists (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Father's revelation and a distant brother

Fan Ko is summoned to his dying father's bedside, where the man confesses an old affair and hints at a son in Thailand. He shows an old photo and asks Fan Ko to find the young man. The task hints at a dangerous family link that will drive the journey.

Fan Ko's father's bedside (Hong Kong)
2

To Bangkok: a flight and a new quest

Fan Ko boards a Cathay Pacific flight bound for Bangkok after the revelation. He leaves his suit-and-tie life behind for a more rugged mission. The search for a brother begins in a foreign city.

Cathay Pacific flight to Bangkok
3

Songkran in Bangkok and a new life

Upon arrival, the city is in Songkran revelry as water fights erupt in the streets. Fan Ko checks into the Dusit Thani Hotel. He adopts colorful attire, shedding his corporate disguise.

Bangkok during Songkran, Dusit Thani Hotel
4

Lumphini Stadium: Miller's silhouette

Fan Ko sneaks around Lumpini Stadium and spots a fighter named Miller; a large plywood cutout and tattoo hint at a link to his supposed brother. He asks an old fighter-turned-alcoholic for the name, who cryptically calls the next rival 'dead man'. The atmosphere is tense as spectators drift toward the next brutal match.

Lumphini Boxing Stadium
5

The brutal fight and a false lead

Miller faces Cannon and is overwhelmed; Fan Ko tries to intervene but cannot stop the brutal outcome. Miller is killed in the ring, and Fan Ko confirms the tattoo matches but the bird is a swallow, not an eagle. The supposed brother remains elusive.

Lumphini Boxing Stadium
6

Mei-dai and Bangkok's sights

Fan Ko befriends Mei-dai, a Thai woman who guides him through Bangkok's sights, including the Grand Palace. Their companionship broadens Fan Ko's understanding of the city. The search continues beyond the stadium's ring.

Bangkok; Grand Palace
7

Wenlie: the tattoo clue

Through his investigations, Fan Ko meets Wenlie but has not yet seen Wenlie's tattooed left arm. The pieces of the mystery begin to align as martial skill and loyalty emerge. The possibility of a familial bond fuels his urgency.

Lumpini Stadium area
8

Wenlie vs Cannon: revelation of kin

Wenlie enters the ring against Cannon and endures a savage beating before rallying to win. Fan Ko realizes the tattoo on Wenlie's arm matches the father's clues. Overcome with relief, he tells Wenlie that they are brothers.

Lumphini Stadium
9

Misao's vengeance and the kidnapping

Miller's brother Misao assassins Cannon after the bout, drawing the wrath of the villains. They storm Wenlie's place and kidnap Misao, escalating the danger for Fan Ko and Wenlie. The brothers vow to rescue him.

Lumphini Stadium (fight) / Wenlie's home (kidnapping)
10

Ambush and resolve

The brothers are ambushed by henchmen as they search for Misao; they fight back with skill and fury, knocking the goons aside. The villain's men reveal the plan and confirm Misao's kidnapping. The brothers decide to go to Misao's location to rescue him.

The brothers' hideout
11

The house siege: Misao's fate

At the house where Misao is held, Misao is beaten and killed in front of the brothers. They confront a large gang of weapon-wielding henchmen and press the attackers back. Fan Ko fights the henchmen while Wenlie squares off with Qiang-ren, inching toward justice.

Misao's location / the house holding him
12

Climactic end: leg broken and arrest

Fan Ko defeats Qiang-ren by breaking his leg during the final encounter. The police arrive as the villain falls, and the criminals are arrested. The brothers survive the chaos, their bond sealed by blood and battle.

The house; police arrival

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:05

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Duel of Fists Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Duel of Fists

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