The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

Year: 1978

Runtime: 115 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Lau Kar-Leung

AdventureActionEpic heroesIntense combat and martial artsShow All…

After his father, a humble fishmonger, is executed by the Manchu authorities for aiding rebels during the Qing era, his son flees to the Shaolin Monastery. There he endures grueling training, mastering the temple’s hidden kung‑fu techniques, all with the purpose of avenging his father and striking back at the oppressive regime.

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Timeline & Setting – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Qing Dynasty (17th–18th centuries)

Set in imperial China under Manchu rule, the story unfolds amid political oppression and social unrest. The tension between the authorities and the people drives the protagonist from vengeance to education, culminating in the creation of a new form of martial arts training for ordinary folk.

Location

Shaolin Temple, Local Town

The Shaolin Temple is the cradle of martial arts training that shapes San Te, who studies through the temple's 35 chambers. The nearby local town provides the setting for oppression under the Manchu government and the community's growing demand for self-defense and justice. The temple's sanctuary atmosphere contrasts with the turbulent streets where villagers unite against their rulers.

🏯 Temple 🧭 Spiritual Center

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Main Characters – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Meet the key characters of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

San Te (Liu Yu-de)

A determined young student who survives a brutal crackdown and seeks to empower ordinary people through kung fu. He evolves from outsider to Shaolin master, inventing and teaching a system that anyone can learn. His drive for justice fuels the creation of the 36th chamber and the empowerment of the people.

🥋 Kung Fu 🎯 Justice 🌱 Mentor

General Tien Ta (Lo Lieh)

The ruthless Manchu-era general who orders the suppression of the rebellion and targets San Te. He represents oppressive authority and the clash between martial prowess and power. His confrontation with San Te culminates in a decisive duel.

⚔️ Oppression 🛡️ Authority ⚔️ Duel

Hung Hsi-kuan (Henry Yu Yang)

A student of San Te who joins the rebellion and grows into a loyal supporter of the idea that kung fu should serve the people. He embodies the spread of training beyond the temple walls and the forging of a brotherhood among the fighters.

🎓 Student 🥋 Kung Fu 🤝 Brotherhood

Abbot in Charge of Staff Chamber (Peter Chan Lung)

The compassionate Shaolin abbot who first offers San Te sanctuary, then negotiates the difficult decision of exile to pursue his mission. He embodies wisdom and mercy, while upholding the monastery's rules.

💡 Wisdom 🕊️ Mercy 🏯 Tradition

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Major Themes – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Explore the central themes of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🥋 Kung Fu Empowerment

Kung fu is portrayed as a practical tool for defense and liberation. San Te's relentless training in the temple's 35 chambers culminates in a transformative system that can empower ordinary people to stand up to oppression. The narrative links personal mastery with collective resilience, showing how skill becomes social change.

🌱 Grassroots Uprising

The film centers on a local rebellion that escalates into a wider movement. As San Te teaches a new generation of lay students, the art becomes a means to defend the oppressed and restore dignity. The 36th chamber symbolizes growth from within the community.

💡 Mentorship

The Shaolin abbot's mercy sets the stage for a mentorship that bridges tradition and reform. San Te's path from outsider to master highlights how guidance, discipline, and strategic thinking can transform a disenfranchised individual into a founder of a new martial-arts school. The story emphasizes wisdom passed through generations.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:45

Unlock the Full Story of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

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The 36th Chamber of Shaolin Summary

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The 36th Chamber of Shaolin Summary

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin Timeline

Track the full timeline of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin Timeline

More About The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

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The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow