Monday Morning Maybe

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Poster for The Five Venoms

The Five Venoms

Seen it?

1978 | 101 min | Action, Drama, Mystery, Fantasy

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, fantasy fans and action fans. If you loved Beast or Escape from New York, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in Chinese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1978: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A dying master sends his last student to check up on five former pupils, who each know a special style of kung-fu.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 40K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Chang Cheh

  • Chiang ShengYang De
  • Phillip Kwok ChuiMeng Tianxia, the Lizard / Constable He Yu
  • Sun ChienGao Ji, the Scorpion / Chief Constable Ma
  • Lu FengZhang Yiaotian, the Centipede / Tan Shanhu
  • Lo MengLiang Shen, the Toad / Li Hao
  • Wai PakQi Dong, the Snake / Hong Wentong
  • Johnny Wang Lung-WeiJustice Wang
  • Dick WeiDying Head of Five Venoms House
  • Ku FengBookkeeper Yuan
  • Lau Fong-SaiMenfa