The Crippled Masters (1979, Taiwan)

Starring: Chen Mu Chuan, Jackie Conn (Thomas Hong Chiu-Ming), Frankie Shum (Sam Chung-Chuen). Directed by: Joe Law (Kei Law)

If there was ever a kung fu movie that could be called inspirational, it would have to be this one. This is a movie that can give you inspiration to overcome your odds, no matter what problems you may be facing.

In "The Crippled Masters", Jackie Conn plays Lee Ho, a bodyguard/escort for the Pulaichi organization who is punished by the sadistic boss Lin Chang Cao for "betrayal". Lin's number 2 Tang orders the henchmen to cut off Lee's arms as a punishment. Instead of killing him, Tang lets him live. Lee Ho has a very difficult life ahead of him without arms, but nevertheless he leaves town, heads into the countryside, and makes a living by helping a farmer.

Meanwhile, Lin decides Tang knows too much about his organization and orders acid poured all over Tang's legs. As a result, Tang's legs are badly deformed and he cannot use them anymore. As was the case for Lee Ho, Lin's men leave Tang in the countryside.

Not long afterwards, Lee Ho and Tang cross paths again and Lee starts to kill Tang. However, just before Lee finishes him off, an old kung fu master intervenes and saves Tang's life. He drives the point home that the two are brothers now and must work together as a whole to defeat Lin Chang Cao and the Pulaichi organization.

Together they overcome their odds and learn kung fu. But can they defeat Lin Chang Cao, who is a kung fu master himself? Also, can they bring down the entire Pulaichi organization?

If you're looking for a kung fu movie to inspire you or give you motivation, this is the one for you. Both of the leading stars do an excellent job in this movie and of course the kung fu is very good. Also, look for some veterans from other old-school kung fu movies in this one, who are not credited in the New Line Cinema version of this movie that's available in the US.

Also known as: 天殘地缺/Tian can di que(original Mandarin title-Taiwan), Can que shuang xiong (alternate Mandarin title?), Crippled Heroes (international English title), Two Crippled Heroes (HK VHS title). Released in the USA by New Line Cinema in 1982.