Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow

Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow

Year: 1979

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Cheung Sum

DramaAction

A young peasant, tormented by the local nobility, travels to the head of a martial‑arts school to master drunken boxing. After he defeats his former bullies, the nobles' patriarch challenges the drunken master, who easily overpowers the aristocrats. In the end, humiliated, the nobles hire two snake‑style assassins, who slaughter everyone—except the peasant boy.

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Timeline & Setting – Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s-1940s

The story is set during a period resembling early 20th-century China, a time when traditional martial arts flourished and were often depicted in martial arts cinema. This era was marked by regional martial arts styles and local conflicts, reflecting the cultural and social environment of that time.

Location

Jungle, Local village, Koo's training ground

The jungle setting plays a crucial role in the movie, serving as the backdrop for the climactic fight and symbolizing the natural, primal aspects of kung-fu. The local village is depicted as a modest area where Lung, the protagonist, lives and strives to learn martial arts. Koo's training ground is a dedicated space for martial arts practice, representing discipline and skill development in traditional kung-fu.

🌳 Jungle 🏘️ Village 🥋 Training ground

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

Main Characters – Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow (1979)

Meet the key characters of Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lung

A humble fishmonger with a strong sense of justice, Lung aspires to learn kung-fu and demonstrates courage and resilience. His journey from an outsider to a skilled martial artist symbolizes growth and the pursuit of honor.

🦁 Courage 🥢 Determination 🐍 Vengeance

Koo Ting-sang

A martial arts expert skilled in Monkey-style kung-fu, Koo is kind-hearted yet formidable. He shows mercy in defeat and acts as Lung's mentor, embodying wisdom and compassion.

🧠 Wisdom 🐒 Agile 🤝 Mentorship

Teacher Ho

The kung-fu master who initially rejects Lung, but later recognizes his courage. Teacher Ho is dedicated to traditional martial arts and plays a pivotal role in Lung’s development.

👨‍🏫 Mentor 🥋 Traditionalist 💥 Protector

Hsia Sa

A vicious Snake-style martial artist with a desire for power, Hsia Sa is the antagonist driven by ambition and violence. His aggressive nature leads to confrontations with other martial artists.

🐍 Vicious 💀 Antagonist 🥊 Aggressive

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

Major Themes – Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow (1979)

Explore the central themes of Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🥋 Martial Arts

The movie emphasizes traditional kung-fu styles like Snake, Monkey, and Drunken boxing. It explores the mastery, discipline, and cultural significance of martial arts, portraying them as a way of life and a method to honor honor and revenge.

⚔️ Vengeance

Vengeance is a central theme, illustrated through Lung’s quest to avenge Teacher Ho and Koo Ting-sang. It highlights the moral conflicts and sacrifices involved in seeking justice through martial arts.

🌿 Nature and Primal Instinct

The film draws parallels between nature and martial arts, especially through the depiction of animal styles like Snake and Monkey. It underscores the connection between human combat and natural, primal instincts.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

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Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow Summary

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Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow Summary

Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow Timeline

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Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow Timeline

Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow Spoiler-Free Summary

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Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow

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