Opera star Chan (Liu Chia-liang) has a drinking problem; Duan (Lo Lieh), who doesn't like the idea of competent kung fu practitioners walking around free, takes advantage of that fact and frames Chan for the rape of Lieh's wife. Chan can't remember the night in question: he was drunk at the time, you see... As punishment for his alleged transgression, Duan has Chan's hands broken (to prevent his practice of kung fu). Chan ends up buying a performing monkey, Ah Mo, and begging for money on the streets. There he meets "Little Monkey," a thief who looks and acts like a monkey. When protection racket strongmen murder Ah Mo (in what's easily the most moving scene in the movie), Little Monkey takes his place panhandling. Chan eventually teaches Little Monkey Monkey Fist Kung Fu (in some of the best training scenes you're ever likely to see). They then set out to rout the ruffians. MAD MONKEY KUNG FU is more fun than a barrel of monkeys; like THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN, it's also a kind of how-to kung fu movie. Both stars display some amazing agility throughout. A solid 8 out of ten.
Review of Mad Monkey Kung Fu
