Shaolin Mantis (1978): cast, story & where to watch
1978 · Film · ★ 6.5
Released in 1978, Shaolin Mantis is an action, drama and history film directed by Lau Kar-leung, running about 96 minutes. “Now that he learned the secret... he was ready to kill!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. When scholar Wei Fung is forcibly hired by the Manchu Emperor to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming Loyalists, his mission goes adrift when he falls in love with the clan's leader's granddaughter. Wei Fung must choose between his new love and his family, who will be put to death if he doesn't return to the palace successfully.
Who’s in it. Shaolin Mantis stars David Chiang as Wai Fung, Cecilia Wong Hang-Sau as Tien Gi-Gi, Lau Kar-Wing as Master Tien / Gi-Gi's Grandfather and Lily Li as Gi Gi's mother, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Shaolin Mantis has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Shaolin Mantis page.
If you liked it. Fans of Shaolin Mantis tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Shaolin Mantis (1978)?
- In US, Shaolin Mantis is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Shaolin Mantis worth watching?
- Shaolin Mantis holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action, drama and history. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Shaolin Mantis?
- Shaolin Mantis stars David Chiang, Cecilia Wong Hang-Sau, Lau Kar-Wing, Lily Li and Wilson Tong.
- When was Shaolin Mantis released?
- Shaolin Mantis was released in 1978, with a runtime of about 96 minutes.