Mad Monkey Kung Fu

Vicious gangster Tuan orchestrates a scheme to defame Chen as a master of Kung Fu. He and his wife threaten Miss Chen and push her toward the brothel to secure Chen's death and humiliation. To seal Chen's downfall, Tuan cripples Chen's hands, destroying his reputation and his ability to fight.

Years pass after the tragedy as Chen confronts his alcoholism and gives up opera and his monkey style. He becomes a street performer, still beloved by locals for his kindness, and works with his trained monkey, Ah Mao. The once-feared master now lives as a humbled entertainer haunted by guilt.

A young thief named Monkey watches Chen's act with a crowd of children. When extortionists arrive and wreck Chen's setup, Monkey helps Chen gather his scattered candies and possessions. He then hatches a plan to steal back the extortionists' prize money to repay Chen.

Monkey returns later with an expensive meal and wine, claiming the money was stolen from the extortionists. Chen initially resists the temptation but eventually shares the meal after learning Monkey's situation. The two men bond over food and Ah Mao’s memory, beginning a wary friendship.

Over the following days, Monkey seeks Chen's guidance but keeps stealing to survive. Chen admonishes him that crime won't build a future, yet acknowledges the cruel world that forced him into such choices. The unlikely pair begin to trust each other, with Monkey staying at Chen's side.

Extortionists strike again, robbing Chen of his earnings and brutally murdering Ah Mao. Monkey pleads for revenge, but Chen insists on restraint and warns of the consequences. The tragedy deepens the bond between master and student and sets Monkey on the path toward vengeance.

With Chen guiding him, Monkey becomes a stand-in for Ah Mao, performing in his place while Chen teaches him to use Monkey Kung Fu. The act helps the pair survive but also marks a turning point in Monkey's education and his respect for true martial arts. Tensions rise as the extortionists still threaten their livelihood.

One night the extortionists raid again; Monkey tries to intervene but is quickly overpowered. Chen restrains him from acting rashly, muttering that Monkey should 'LIVE' rather than seek revenge. Monkey lashes out, claiming Chen hides his true Kung Fu; their relationship strains.

Months later, Chen agrees to train Monkey fully in Monkey style Kung Fu in the mountains outside town. The young student trains hard, showing rapid progress and a growing mastery of the style while still retaining his fiery temper. The bond between master and student deepens as discipline grows.

Armed with new skills, Monkey returns to town and defeats the extortionists, guiding them to their boss, Tuan. A reeling Miss Chen recognizes Monkey's style as her brother's and steps in to assist, but she is brutally killed by Tuan.

Back at Chen's side, Monkey reveals Miss Chen's death to his master and asks to become his hands to finish the fight. Chen agrees, and they begin a grueling training montage to prepare for a final confrontation. The vow binds master and student to a shared mission of vengeance.

Monkey's training reaches a peak as he finally earns a chance to stand in for his master in a final duel against Tuan. They join forces in the brothel, fighting through Tuan's henchmen, and Monkey's speed and precision overwhelm the veteran boss. The clash tests their bond and resolve.

Monkey defeats Tuan in combat and cripples his hands by sending them through a thick glass lantern, exacting vengeance for Ah Mao and Miss Chen. Tuan staggers toward escape, but ultimately falls to the concrete floor from a balcony, his defeat leaving Chen to witness the price of vengeance.

Chen catches Monkey's rising fury just as revenge would consume them both. He calms his student and the two leave the brothel behind, choosing to forge a quieter path forward instead of a cycle of violence. Their bond remains, but their future becomes uncertain beyond the immediate triumph.