Opium and the Kung-Fu Master
Opium and the Kung-Fu Master is a 1984 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Tang Chia, who also serves as one of the film's action directors, and stars Ti Lung as the titular protagonist.
Plot
Master Tit-kiu Sam, the leader of the Ten Tigers of Canton, is the chief coach of China's militia. At that time, the opium ban was in use, but public sale of opium was widely available. Many bureaucrats were taking opium, a trend that Tit followed. As Tit takes opium, his physical skills were declining. Seeing how Tit's skills are declining, opium store owner Wing Fung challenges Tit to a public duel. Tit struggles to fight Wing and was in serious danger until his disciple Lo Kwa-sei steps in to rescue him before dying from his injuries. Seeing his disciple killed by Wing, Tit vows to seek revenge.
Critical reception
Adam Tyner of DVD Talk rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and writes "Opium and the Kung-Fu Master is outstanding, bolstered by an onslaught of startling action sequences and a remarkably effective undercurrent of addiction". Sylvia Rorem of Hong Kong Cinemagic gave the film a positive review and writes: "Opium and the Kung Fu Master is not simply a light piece of chop socky entertainment. While it is not a life-changing film, it is a solid, quality kung fu drama that can stand up to repeated viewings".