Shaw Brothers’ Five Deadly Venoms Inspires Power Rangers: Jungle Fury’s Five Fingers of Poison

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Apart from the early 1970s, Shaw Brothers productions significantly shaped the trajectory of martial arts cinema. Notable titles like “The One-Armed Swordsman,” “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin,” and “Crippled Avengers” were among their many contributions that redefined martial arts cinema. They laid the groundwork for iconic films within this genre, influencing numerous martial arts legends and artists across various fields. Music enthusiasts often recognize Shaw Brothers productions as they are frequently referenced in Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac, and other hip-hop artists’ records. Despite their influence on popular culture, fans of the genre have consistently valued their films, considering them some of the most iconic Kung Fu classics.

One of their top-rated films from the ’70s is their 1978 masterpiece “Five Deadly Venoms,” which gained a devoted fanbase over time and continues to subtly shape popular culture. For those who know the story, they often reference the broader mythology within the film, as Shaw Brothers films often blend fantastical elements that transform them from mere action movies into something more. With entertaining sci-fi and fantasy aspects, “Five Deadly Venoms” fits seamlessly alongside superhero cinema. There have been numerous films and shows that have drawn inspiration directly from “Five Deadly Venoms” and its concept to create modern adaptations of the same mythology. This influence can be seen in various ways, making it no surprise to fans of the genre.

Five Deadly Venoms Features a Lot of Interesting Fantasy Elements

From the outset of “Five Deadly Venoms,” it’s evident that the movie is set in a fantastical, exaggerated depiction of Hong Kong, where gangs and corruption hold minimal sway. As Yang Tieh listens to his master’s dying words, the film swiftly adopts a unique aesthetic and sets a broader stage. I am Yang Tieh, the last disciple of the Venom Mob’s master, entrusted with seeking out the five most accomplished students of the clan scattered across the world. My master has urged me to keep a keen eye on my adopted siblings, ensuring they use their extraordinary abilities and skills wisely. If they fail to do so, I must find a means to overcome them, thus restoring the Venom Family’s honorable reputation.

In the movie, Yang Tieh swiftly uncovers numerous siblings of his, some employing their abilities for altruistic purposes, while others misuse them for wicked ends. The narrative then evolves into an account of good versus evil, righteousness, greed, and duty. Initially, Yang Tieh is informed that he’ll find it difficult to vanquish the Five Deadly Venoms due to their extraordinary talents. However, when collaborating with others, he proves more effective.

Notable Shaw Brothers Films Release Year
The One-Armed Swordsman 1967
The Shaolin Masters 1970
5 Fingers of Death 1972
Five Shaolin Masters 1974
Girl With the Long Hair 1975
Shaolin Temple 1976
Executioners from Shaolin 1977
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin 1978
Five Deadly Venoms 1978
Crippled Avengers 1978
Kid with the Golden Arm 1979
Clan of the White Lotus 1980
Return to the 36th Chamber 1980

In the movie, events unfold showcasing thrilling twists and abundant action, climaxing with an engaging final battle that wraps up the narrative. Yet, what truly sets Five Deadly Venoms apart is the intriguing mythology at its core driving the conflict. At the movie’s onset, Yang Tieh receives knowledge about his learned skills having been honed by previous students. As these skills are explained, they assume a more fantastical nature, encompassing five distinct techniques: centipede, snake, scorpion, toad, and gecko styles. Each style brings unique capabilities; for instance, the centipede is known for the quickest hands in the East, while the toad can shield itself from most piercing attacks with its body. These skills render each warrior a formidable adversary, but they also possess extraordinary powers such as deflecting blades or passing through tough materials, adding a supernatural dimension to their combat abilities and significantly influencing the fight scenes depicted in the film.

Another detail worth noting is that the warriors’ armor changes color depending on their mastered style. This factor occasionally affects the storyline. The most captivating scene in the movie occurs when Yang Tieh and his Gecko sibling devise strategies to outwit and elude the three wicked brothers who govern a city beyond our world. If parts of this seem reminiscent, it’s because it will later inspire an incredibly popular series.

Power Rangers Takes a Lot of Inspiration From Five Deadly Venoms

Back in 1993, I was captivated by the premiere of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – it was evident to me that Saban Entertainment was aiming to create their own enchanting action series, drawing inspiration from the martial arts films of Shaw Brothers. While they certainly didn’t copy them verbatim, there were distinct similarities in their approach. Interestingly, one of the striking links between the Power Rangers universe and the classic Five Deadly Venoms is the concept of five warriors being selected to embody different styles or symbols. To add another layer, these chosen ones are always distinguished by their color-coded attire.

In the TV series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the unique identities of the five teenagers are quickly established through individual skills and color-coded techniques that make each stand out from their teammates. Similar to how a red centipede in Five Deadly Venoms emerges as an unofficial leader, the Red Ranger has consistently led all versions of the Power Rangers’ teams. Each Ranger is associated with a specific animal or symbol that reinforces their color identity; for instance, the Red Ranger represents a Tyrannosaurus rex, while the Yellow Ranger embodies a Sabertooth, and the Blue Ranger is symbolized by a Triceratops.

Notable Power Rangers Seasons Release Year
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 1993
Power Rangers Zeo 1996
Power Rangers Turbo 1997
Power Rangers in Space 1998
Power Rangers Lost Galaxy 1999
Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue 2000
Power Rangers Time Force 2001
Power Rangers Wild Force 2002
Power Rangers Ninja Storm 2003
Power Rangers Dino Thunder 2004
Power Rangers S.P.D. 2005
Power Rangers Mystic Force 2006
Power Rangers Operation Overdrive 2007
Power Rangers Jungle Fury 2008
Power Rangers RPM 2009

Beyond assigning animal emblems for their roles and specific colors, Power Rangers also possess unique abilities. For example, the Red Ranger carries a power sword, which mirrors the centipede’s “thousand hands” skill. This pattern is consistent across all Power Rangers teams in the course of the series, albeit with differences arising due to genre restrictions.

Shaw Brothers films primarily focus on martial arts, but incorporate magical elements as well. In contrast, the Power Rangers series is predominantly a superhero saga with a heavy emphasis on science fiction and fantasy elements, which makes it more appealing to younger audiences. Each new Power Rangers show that followed retained the fundamental concepts established by Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, regardless of any major theme changes. Children who grew up watching the various versions of Power Rangers likely have a soft spot for the original 1993 series, but also cherish favorites from the broader saga. The animal-themed Power Rangers: Wild Force series might have had particular allure during childhood and shares more similarities with Five Deadly Venoms than Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ dinosaur-themed concept.

Essentially, what we’re discussing is the fact that the storyline was influenced by the Shaw Brothers productions, particularly “Super Sentai”. It’s worth noting that both shows gained popularity and were significantly affected by classic martial arts films such as “Five Deadly Venoms”.

Power Rangers: Jungle Fury Directly References Five Deadly Venoms

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblance the upcoming series bears to the timeless Shaw Brothers films, particularly “Five Deadly Venoms” and “Power Rangers: Jungle Fury.” Much like the latter, this new series was the second to weave animals as the central theme for its heroes. In the 2008 version of “Power Rangers,” five teenagers were bestowed with extraordinary powers, transforming them into the latest incarnation of these iconic figures. Unlike previous iterations, however, martial arts form a crucial part of the narrative, offering ample opportunities to pay homage to the rich legacy of Kung Fu cinema.

The Rangers in this series bear animal symbols such as the Red Tiger, Yellow Cheetah, and Blue Jaguar. As the story unfolds, the Purple Wolf Ranger and White Rhino Ranger also join the team, further emphasizing the integral role animals play in the lore of this series. The villains in the show are also intricately linked to the animal kingdom, adding another layer of depth and authenticity to the overall theme.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In the world of cinema, there’s a band of baddies who channel their inner beasts when they join forces. These guys are known as the Five Fingers of Poison, a name that echoes the iconic film, “Five Deadly Venoms.” The five Rinshi warriors within this group each embody a distinct animal – the centipede, snake, scorpion, lizard, and toad. This mirrors the Five Venom warriors in “Five Deadly Venoms.” Furthermore, the creators of “Power Rangers: Jungle Fury” pay homage to one significant shift seen in “Five Deadly Venoms.

It’s clear that the influence of Shaw Brothers is apparent throughout “Power Rangers: Jungle Fury,” making it hard to ignore the many similarities it shares with the Kung Fu classic.

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2025-05-04 04:53