Layout 1977
Step back to 1921 Shanghai, where the air hums with tension as Japanese aggression tightens its grip on China. Into this volatile world strides Hsueh Ao-Lin, a covert government agent tasked with exposing Chinese collaborators who secretly aid the enemy.
Director: Pao Hsueh-Li
Cast
Chen Kuan-Tai
Hsieh Hsiao-Lin
Sha-Li Chen
Lady Boss Shen Chiu-Ku
Han Chiang
Boss Tung Chin-Sheng
Tien Yeh
Boss Tu Chang-Kuei
Ma Chi
Boss Lung Ah-Lu
Hu Chin
Tu Hsueh-Fa
Chen Mu-Chuan
Killer
Chiang Tao
Nien's Bodyguard
Cheng Kang-Yeh
Hsiao Lu
Shih Chung-Tien
Chuang Kun-Shan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Layout (1977) about?
This 1977 martial arts thriller follows Hsueh Ao-Lin, a secret agent sent to Shanghai in 1921 to uncover Chinese collaborators aiding Japanese forces. As he infiltrates enemy networks, Hsueh must confront both foreign aggressors and traitorous countrymen while deciding where his true allegiance lies.
Who directed Layout?
Layout was directed by Pao Hsueh-Li, a filmmaker known for blending historical drama with martial arts action in the 1970s.
Who stars in Layout?
The film stars Chen Kuan-Tai in the lead role, supported by Sha-Li Chen, Han Chiang, and Tien Yeh.
Is Layout (1977) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, *Layout* offers an engaging slice of 1970s martial arts cinema with historical weight and sharp action sequences. Fans of vintage spy thrillers and Chinese revolutionary dramas will find its espionage-driven plot compelling despite its brevity.
How long is Layout?
Layout runs for 87 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Layout (1977) — Espionage and Action in 1920s Shanghai
Step back to 1921 Shanghai, where the air hums with tension as Japanese aggression tightens its grip on China. Into this volatile world strides Hsueh Ao-Lin, a covert government agent tasked with exposing Chinese collaborators who secretly aid the enemy. With every shadow harboring danger and every hand a potential foe, Hsueh must navigate treacherous alliances, brutal confrontations, and moral dilemmas that pit duty against survival. Pao Hsueh-Li's vintage action thriller *Layout* (1977) delivers a gripping tale of espionage and patriotism set against a backdrop of espionage and revolution.
Chen Kuan-Tai stars as Hsueh, leading a cast that brings gritty authenticity to the era's espionage wars. Sha-Li Chen, Han Chiang, and Tien Yeh round out the ensemble in this brisk 87-minute martial arts drama that blends historical urgency with high-stakes combat. The film's themes of loyalty, resistance, and sacrifice resonate as strongly today as they did over a century ago.
