With Kung Fu genre films reaching their peak during the 1970s, one filmmaker whose name stands out is Lo Wei. Also an actor, during his time, Lo Wei starred in over 135 films before going on to direct more than 60 films. Known for writing and producing many scripts, Lo Wei is famously recognized for directing Bruce Lee in his career breakthroughs, such as 1971’s The Big Boss and 1972’s Fist of Fury, before collaborating with Jackie Chan on films like 1976’s New Fist of Fury.
Making a significant impact on the Kung Fu cinema world, Bruce Lee soon transitioned from acting to directing and writing his own films, becoming an international star. With that in mind, in 1973’s The Tattooed Dragon, Lo Wei turned his attention to the talents of Jimmy Wang Yu as his Kung Fu star. Recognized for roles in films such as 1967’s The One-Armed Swordsman, few might realize that, until Bruce Lee emerged, Jimmy Wang Yu was the biggest Asian Martial Artist in cinema.
Food for thought, in The Tattooed Dragon, Jimmy Wang Yu assumes the role of a reserved man who finds himself befriending a farmer named Koon-Kit (Sam Hui) and his girlfriend (Sylvia Chang). Healing from an injury sustained during a fight, Tattooed Dragon finds peace in a rural setting with good people, until the same group of gangsters who caused his injury sets up a gambling hall in the village that destroys the lives of the locals. With everyone gambling away their money and homes, Tattooed Dragon finds himself seeking justice for all.
Some would argue that this type of plotline made many of Lo Wei’s films predictable and easier to follow. Ultimately, it’s a matter of taste. Looking at The Tattooed Dragon, it may not be the most original film, but it does create strong, distinctive characters and conveys a moral message while offering some solid action scenes. Furthermore, there is even one scene in the film that is so sad and tragic, it will stick with you long after viewing.
A moderately successful film in Hong Kong, The Tattooed Dragon was released in various countries in the years that followed, before arriving in the United States in 1981. Not considered among the top Kung Fu films of the time, it is still entertaining and memorable, to say the least. That is why it is delightful to see Eureka Entertainment releasing The Tattooed Dragon as a Limited Edition Blu-ray on July 22, 2025.
A part of their Eureka Classics collection, this new release is limited to 2,000 copies and offers viewers an opportunity to experience The Tattooed Dragon in a new 2K restoration. An excellent transfer that is clean and crisp, you have the option to watch the film with either the original Mandarin mono audio, English dubbing, or optional English subtitles (featuring improved translations for this release).
Furthermore, the new release features an O-card slipcase with fantastic new artwork by Sean Longmore, a collector’s booklet containing new writings about the film by James Oliver, and new audio commentaries.
Altogether, it is a great way to delve deeper into the Kung Fu genre and learn about a film that you might have otherwise overlooked. That is why it is recommended to invest in a copy, giving the Limited Edition Blu-ray release of The Tattooed Dragon 4 out of 5 stars.
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