The Heroes

Former Shaolin man Marshal Kao takes his former classmates prisoner and, instead of executing them, proposes to his Qing commander that he torture them until they're willing to fight on behalf of the Qings. The 'torture' comes to look increasingly like strenuous kung fu training with Kao putting the prisoners through their paces. The Qing governor and his aides become suspicious of Kao's motives, although the beautiful Princess Shao Lung develops her own ideas about him.

Directed by Pao Hsueh-Li, Wu Ma, The Heroes leans on a strong ensemble — Ti Lung, Shih Szu, Danny Lee Sau-Yin — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1980.