Snake in the Monkey's Shadow Poster

Snake in the Monkey's Shadow 1979

★ 7.39 votes100 min📅 1979-02-15

In Cheung Sum's gritty 1979 martial arts drama *Snake in the Monkey's Shadow*, a downtrodden young peasant boy turns to the legendary Drunken Master to learn the art of drunken boxing after enduring relentless torment from local nobles.

Director: Cheung Sum

Cast

John Cheung Ng-Long
John Cheung Ng-Long
Liang
Hau Chiu-Sing
Hau Chiu-Sing
Teacher Ho
Tong Tin-Hei
Tong Tin-Hei
Master Yan
Charlie Chan Yiu-Lam
Charlie Chan Yiu-Lam
Hsia Sa
Wilson Tong Wai-Shing
Wilson Tong Wai-Shing
Snake Style Assassin
Pomson Shi
Pomson Shi
Koo Ting Sang
Cheng Kang-Yeh
Cheng Kang-Yeh
Yan #2
Wan Fat
Wan Fat
Yan #1
Ho Kei-Cheong
Ho Kei-Cheong
Student
San Sin
San Sin
Student

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Snake in the Monkey's Shadow (1979) about?

A young peasant boy, relentlessly harassed by wealthy nobles, seeks training in drunken boxing under a master known for his unorthodox style. After he fights back, the nobles hire deadly assassins, forcing the boy's protector into a desperate battle to survive.

Who directed Snake in the Monkey's Shadow?

Cheung Sum directed this 1979 martial arts drama, blending action with emotional depth.

Who stars in Snake in the Monkey's Shadow?

The film features John Cheung Ng-Long as the peasant boy, alongside Hau Chiu-Sing, Tong Tin-Hei, and Charlie Chan Yiu-Lam.

Is Snake in the Monkey's Shadow (1979) worth watching?

For fans of classic martial arts films, *Snake in the Monkey's Shadow* delivers a compelling mix of action and drama with strong performances. While it's unrated on IMDb, its themes of perseverance and justice make it a standout in the genre.

How long is Snake in the Monkey's Shadow?

The film runs for 100 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Snake in the Monkey's Shadow (1979) — A gritty martial arts tale of revenge and survival

In Cheung Sum's gritty 1979 martial arts drama *Snake in the Monkey's Shadow*, a downtrodden young peasant boy turns to the legendary Drunken Master to learn the art of drunken boxing after enduring relentless torment from local nobles. His newfound skills bring swift justice as he dismantles his oppressors with fluid, unpredictable strikes, igniting a brutal feud. But when the nobles strike back by hiring two deadly snake-style assassins, the boy's mentor must step in to protect him—only for the battle to escalate into a fight for survival that leaves no one unscathed.

This classic action-drama weaves themes of resilience, retribution, and the clash between tradition and corruption, all set against the backdrop of 19th-century China. With John Cheung Ng-Long delivering a standout performance as the determined pupil and Cheung Sum's masterful direction, *Snake in the Monkey's Shadow* blends raw aggression with the artistry of martial arts choreography, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.