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Action film

The Thundering Mantis (1980): Cast & Plot

The Thundering Mantis (1980) movie poster

The Thundering Mantis is a 1980 action film directed by Teddy Yip Wing-Cho, starring Bryan Leung as Ah Chi, Robert Tai and Eddy Ko Hung. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes.

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Read the plot summary
The Thundering Mantis (1980) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Teddy Yip Wing-Cho
Genre
Action
Original language
Chinese
Studio
East Asia Film (H. K.) Co.
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Thundering Mantis About?

The premise of The Thundering Mantis without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Ah Chi (Ka‑Yan Leung) is a martial‑arts fanatic whose comedic kung‑fu antics constantly land him in trouble. When he clashes with Hsia (Eddie Ko) of the ruthless Jade Brotherhood, Hsia forces Chi’s master to expel him. Masterless and selling fish, Chi befriends a clever street kid whose uncle, Chow Tung (Chin Yuet Sang), teaches the wild Insane Mantis style. As the Jade Brotherhood seeks to dominate the town, Chi, under his new master, vows to defend his neighbourhood from the bullies.

The Thundering Mantis Themes & Keywords

· 26 tags
  • child murders an adult
  • child murderer
  • slapstick comedy
  • skinny dipping
  • boy rear nudity
  • boy skinny dipping
  • boy
  • martial arts
  • insanity
  • kung fu
  • murder of grandfather
  • tied to a cross
+14 more
  • death of master
  • stabbed in the stomach
  • drunk child
  • male rear nudity
  • grandfather grandson relationship
  • protection money
  • diarrhea
  • revenge
  • camp
  • blood
  • torture of child
  • orphan
  • murder
  • torture
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Cast & crew

The Thundering Mantis Cast & Characters

Bryan Leung leads the cast as Ah Chi, with Robert Tai as Jade Horse Gang Thug and Eddy Ko Hung as Shiao Tse Tung. Directed by Teddy Yip Wing-Cho; 29 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Thundering Mantis

· 25 more
Show all 29 cast members
From the director

More from Teddy Yip Wing-Cho

More films directed by Teddy Yip Wing-Cho: Bloody Ring, The Black Tavern, The Eunuch and The Blade Spares None.

Full filmography
Plot

The Thundering Mantis Plot Summary

What happens in The Thundering Mantis from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ah Chi, Bryan Leung, is a martial artist who often gets into trouble while goofing around, even as he genuinely wants to defend his neighborhood. His playful swagger hides a willingness to stand up for people in need, and his quick reflexes on the street sometimes backfire, pulling him into clashes he didn’t intend to start.

One day, he meets a crafty kid, Wong Yat-Lung, and learns that the youngster’s uncle is the feared master of the thundering mantis-style. Curiosity pulls Ah Chi toward this formidable figure, and he boldly challenges the mantis master, only to be decisively defeated without much effort. The encounter impresses and humiliates him in equal measure, underscoring a gap between his brash confidence and true mastery.

Full summary

The whole story of The Thundering Mantis, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Thundering Mantis?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What martial arts style gives the film its title and becomes Ah Chi's path to mastery?
Details

The Thundering Mantis Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “Donnerfaust und Tigerkralle” and “Dödande Nävar”.

Also known as
  • Donnerfaust und Tigerkralle
  • Dödande Nävar
  • Mantis Fist Fighter
  • Dian tang lang
  • Громовой богомол, épilepsie mantis
  • Разящие богомолы
  • La Mantis Maldita

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Movies Like The Thundering Mantis

Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Mantis Fists & Tiger Claws of Shaolin, Thunderclap and Shaolin Master and the Kid.

FAQ

The Thundering Mantis FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, post-credit scenes and language of The Thundering Mantis, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Thundering Mantis?

The Thundering Mantis runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was The Thundering Mantis released?

The Thundering Mantis was released on January 3, 1980.

Who directed The Thundering Mantis?

The Thundering Mantis was directed by Teddy Yip Wing-Cho.

More films by Teddy Yip Wing-Cho

Who is in the cast of The Thundering Mantis?

The Thundering Mantis stars Bryan Leung as Ah Chi, Robert Tai as Jade Horse Gang Thug and Eddy Ko Hung as Shiao Tse Tung, among 29 credited actors.

Does The Thundering Mantis have a post-credit scene?

No. The Thundering Mantis has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Thundering Mantis in?

The original language of The Thundering Mantis is Chinese.

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