AllMovie

After splitting with the Shaw Brothers studios, veteran kung-fu director Chang Cheh helms this martial arts period yarn set during the dark days of World War II. When it becomes obvious that the Chinese government will be forced to sign a series of ruinous treaties with the invading Japanese army, Minister Gau decides that he must get the word out. He hires 13 top kung-fu aces -- dubbed "the Thirteen Rascals" -- who protect him from would-be government assassins. Gau soon finds that he's going through bodyguards faster than firewood. A host of top stars appear in this film including Ti Lung, Leung kar-yan, Chen Kuan-tai, and Andy Lau Tak-wah.