𝔽𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔽𝕚𝕝𝕞𝕤

"The Crippled Masters," a 1979 Hong Kong martial arts film, defies easy categorization.  It's a revenge story fueled by disability, a celebration of martial arts prowess, and a movie that walks a tightrope between inspiration and exploitation. The film stars real-life amputees Jackie Chan (no relation to Jackie Chan) and Frankie Shum as Chin and Pai, two students betrayed by their master, the villainous Master Yin (played with scenery-chewing gusto by Tien Shun).  Master Yin severs Chin's arms and Pai's legs, leaving them broken but not defeated.  Rescued by a traveling performer (played by the equally flamboyant Michelle Yeoh in an early role), Chin and Pai embark on a journey of training under the tutelage of a wise old master who resides in a basket (Tang Chiang).  They hone unique fighting styles, Chin wielding staffs with his feet and Pai becoming adept at kicking and grappling. "The Crippled Masters" is undeniably low-budget.  The dubbing is hilari