Where to watch The Thundering Mantis (1980)

Story

A young martial artist with a reputation for causing chaos through his kung-fu antics finds himself cast out by his master after a confrontation with a powerful gang member. Working at a fish shop and seemingly without direction, he encounters a clever street kid whose uncle teaches an unconventional martial arts technique. When a criminal organisation threatens to take over the town, the protagonist sees an opportunity to prove himself under his new mentor's guidance.

Why watch

• 1980 action film featuring hand-to-hand combat choreography from the era
• Directed by Teddy Yip Wing-Cho with a cast of martial arts performers
• Explores themes of redemption and mastery through martial arts training

Good for: Action fans interested in classic 1980s martial arts cinema; the action genre suggests it may not be suitable for young children.