The Film ‘Shaolin Temple’, is Jet Li’s debut, Also His Most Classic Work

As we know, 1982’s film ‘Shaolin Temple’ was unarguably one of the most classic kung fu movies in Chinese film history. As the debut showing of Jet Li, who is now one of the most famous Chinese kung fu stars internationally alongside Jackie Chan, It tells a traditional Chinese heroic story: A talented young man’s family gets slaughtered, forcing him to escape to the Shaolin Temple, seeking revenge by studying martial arts. After a series of tests and difficulties, he grows to be a national hero by saving the life of the emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

Actually, to many people’s surprise, this was actually based on a true story. This film broke several records at that time. It was the first Hong Kong-produced film that entered the mainland market and whirled away more than 100 million RMB.

19-year-old Jet Lin in 1982's Shaolin Temple

As Jet Li’s film, the very first film, Shaolin Temple is a moviewith a lot of pretty solid martial arts action! This film is definitely somewhat of a stake in the sand for Jet Li as it has a quality story backed up with some good action.  The fights really show some fancy moves and high flying kicks that make up a good acrobatic performance. The young Jet Li’s first onscreen performance was surprised and he did it well, along with the rest of the cast.

Actually, this film was an effort to help a struggling Shaoloin Temple back in 1980.  By bringing a great story to the big screen they hoped to market Shaolin somewhat and revive it’s dwindling membership. Thanks to the quality of the film, it seems to have worked!