AllMovie

Using a legend about an abbot's outer robe and turmoil during the Ming Dynasty as an excuse for kung-fu action, this otherwise routine martial arts film emphasizes honor and sentimentality. At the core of a peasant revolt is the famous Shaolin Temple, threatened with destruction by Ming soldiers if something is not done soon. So Yuan Hui, the abbot, gives two disciples his distinctive robe for safe-keeping and then sets fire to himself to stop the Ming soldiers from attacking (they are after him). When one of the monks entrusted with Yuan Hui's robe is killed, the garment is stolen by enemy forces. The rest of the saga focuses on recapturing the robe, a task laid at the feet of a horse dealer and his daughters.