The Mystery of Chessboxing - with RZA Commentary
An Alamo on Demand exclusive! New commentary from RZA and Dan Halsted discussing this classic Kung Fu movie and instrumental piece of Wu-Tang lore.
RZA—acclaimed rapper, producer, director and co-founder of 36 Chambers—and Dan Halsted—head programmer at the Hollywood Theatre—join together to create a special commentary track along with the film. Their collective knowledge and personal stories related to MYSTERY OF CHESSBOXING will give viewers a deeper appreciation for the movies we love.
MYSTERY OF CHESSBOXING is an instrumental piece of Wu-Tang lore. The old school Kung Fu movie follows Ah Pao on his journey to learn Kung Fu so he can avenge his father’s death. The film is directed by Taiwanese film director Joseph Kuo, who also helmed 7 GRANDMASTERS, 36 DEADLY STYLES and 18 BRONZEMEN.
Wu-Tang Clan fans will immediately recognize that the track “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” pays homage to the movie. Ghostface Killah also derived his name from the antagonist of the film.
ABOUT THE MOVIE THE MYSTERY OF CHESSBOXING (1979): The original Ghostface Killer is on the loose! A vicious villain with an unstoppable five element technique, Ghostface is killing off all his old rivals. Meanwhile, a young student tries to learn kung fu and is taken under the wing of an old chess master. The basics of chess prove to be the same as the basics of fighting, and eventually, the heroes will have to fight Ghostface Killer, who verbally insults his opponents as he annihilates them. A true classic, directed by Joseph Kuo.
Cast
Director
Languages
Mandarin, Cantonese
Countries
Taiwan, Hong Kong
Studio
36 Cinema
Bonus Content
Audio Intro to the film with RZA and Dan Halsted
16mRZA and Dan Halsted discuss and introduce the film.
Post-Screening Discussion (Audio-Only) with RZA, Dan Halsted, and Donnell Rawlings
49mPost-Screening Discussion (Audio-Only) with RZA, Dan Halsted, and Donnell Rawlings
MYSTERY OF CHESS BOXING (feature only)
1h 31mNewly scanned from Dan Halsted’s 35mm print, this is the digitally remastered feature MYSTERY OF CHESS BOXING with its original soundtrack (no audio commentary track).