Dance of the Drunk Mantis Movie Poster | Ghana Hand-Painted Art

This vibrant hand-painted movie poster for Dance of the Drunk Mantis exemplifies the dynamic artistry of Ghanaian cinema promotion. Utilizing bold colors and expressive imagery, the poster captures the essence of the 1979 Hong Kong kung fu comedy, enticing audiences with its energetic depiction of martial arts action.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters are a remarkable form of African art, originating in the 1980s to advertise mobile cinema screenings across the country. Local artists, showcasing their creativity and resourcefulness, painted these posters on recycled flour sacks, using oil-based paints to bring cinematic stories to life. Each poster is unique, reflecting the artist's interpretation and often incorporating imaginative elements to attract viewers. This tradition not only provided employment for artists but also played a significant role in the cultural landscape, making cinema accessible to communities without formal theaters or electricity. The posters' durability and portability were essential for the mobile cinemas, which traveled from village to village, setting up makeshift screening areas and contributing to a shared communal experience. Over time, these posters have gained international recognition, celebrated for their artistic value and cultural importance, and have been exhibited in museums worldwide.

Film Information

Title: Dance of the Drunk Mantis (1979)

Genre: Kung Fu Comedy

Director: Yuen Woo-ping

Cast:

• Yuen Siu-tien as Beggar So / Sam Seed
• Hwang Jang-lee as Rubber Legs
• Linda Lin as Beggar So's wife
• Yuen Shun-yi as Foggy
• Charlie Shek as Moneybags
• Yuen Kwai as Rubber Legs' student

Plot: Following the events of Drunken Master, Beggar So returns home to discover his wife has adopted a son named Foggy. Initially hostile towards Foggy, Beggar So's treatment leads the boy to run away. During his travels, Foggy encounters Rubber Legs, a master of Northern 'Drunk Mantis' Boxing, who seeks to challenge and defeat Beggar So to prove the supremacy of his style. Upon learning of this threat, Foggy returns to warn Beggar So, who has already been injured by Rubber Legs. To prepare for the impending confrontation, Foggy trains under a sickness master, learning the unconventional 'Sickness Boxing' style. Armed with this new technique, Foggy confronts Rubber Legs in a climactic battle.

Dance of the Drunk Mantis is a 1979 Hong Kong kung fu comedy film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and written by Ng See-yuen and Lung Hsiao. The film stars Yuen Siu-tien, Hwang Jang-lee, Linda Lin, Yuen Shun-yi, Charlie Shek, and Yuen Kwai. Notably, this was Yuen Siu-tien's final film appearance before his passing on January 8, 1979. The film was released theatrically in Hong Kong on June 27, 1979. The narrative continues the story from Drunken Master, focusing on Beggar So's interactions with his adopted son and the challenges posed by rival martial artists. The film is renowned for its intricate fight choreography and the introduction of unique martial arts styles, such as 'Sickness Boxing', contributing to its status as a classic in the kung fu comedy genre.

Discover More About "Dance of the Drunk Mantis"

For those intrigued by the martial arts comedy Dance of the Drunk Mantis, the following resources provide a wealth of information about the film's production, storyline, and cultural impact:

• For a comprehensive overview, visit Wikipedia's detailed page on "Dance of the Drunk Mantis".
• To explore reviews and audience ratings, check out Rotten Tomatoes - Dance of the Drunk Mantis.
• For a full list of cast, crew, and production details, IMDb offers an exhaustive resource: IMDb - Dance of the Drunk Mantis Full Cast & Crew.