Have you ever done a handstand... on the tips of your index fingers? How about snapping iron bars over your head as if they were bread-sticks? You'll witness these amazing feats and much more in this astonishing London performance of China's legendary Shaolin monks. In perfecting their martial arts prowess, these devoted Buddhists have honed their physical and mental disciplines to such an uncommon degree that their movements seem almost supernaturally powerful. From the athletic contortions of a young acolyte to an older monk being hoisted aloft on the points of sharpened spears, these men and boys have conquered and crossed boundaries of control that would strike most outsiders as impossible if it weren't for their living proof. In demonstrating these and other kung fu skills, the Shaolin also enact their history as an enduring order, providing a theatrical narrative that's literally breathtaking.
December 11, 2001
30 people

John Hurt
Narrator (voice)
Acting

Tom Yang
Emperor
Acting
Cecil Cheng
Abbot
Acting
Jason Ninh Cao
Bad General
Acting

Wang Zhigang
Emperor's Assistent
Acting
Cheng Yun
Musician
Acting
Reijun Hui
Musician
Acting
Liu Ching
Musician
Acting
Chen Defeng
Acting
Yanyang Shi
Acting
Xu Liying
Acting
Wu Yanxing
Acting

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