The Golden Buddha (1966)
A Shaw Brothers espionage adventure where a switched briefcase, three sacred statues, and a ruthless gang collide in a thrilling kung-fu-fueled treasure hunt.
The Golden Buddha - Movie Information
- Original Title: 金菩薩
- Release Year: 1966
- Directed by: Lo Wei
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Thai, Mandarin, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 27, 1966 (Hong Kong)
- Alternative Titles: Jin pu sa (CN)
- Production Companies: Shaw Brothers
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
The Golden Buddha - Plot
Paul (Zhang Chong) is a businessman who gets caught up in an international espionage plot when he accidentally switches briefcases with a friend aboard a Singapore-bound plane. The friend turns up dead, and Paul discovers a small Golden Buddha inside the briefcase that contains a set of instructions. The instructions are only one of three parts, the other two being held in similar Golden Buddhas by Lo Wei (doing double duty as actor and director) and Lin Cui. When combined, the three Buddhas will lead the bearers to a buried treasure. But the nefarious Skeleton Gang is after the Buddhas, along with a buxom femme fatale (Fannie Fan) who isn't above showing a little skin to get her way. Luckily, Paul knows kung-fu, so the bad guys had better watch out!
The Golden Buddha - Trailer
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The Golden Buddha - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lo Wei
Main Cast
- Jeanette Lin Tsui
- Paul Chang Chung
- Lo Wei
- Fanny Fan Lai
- Fung Ngai
- Chang Pei-Shan
- Tien Shun
- Wu Ma
- Ren Hao
- Cheung Hei
Writers
- Shih Wai
Producers
- Run Run Shaw
The Golden Buddha - FAQs
What is The Golden Buddha about?
The Golden Buddha follows Paul, a businessman who accidentally swaps briefcases on a flight to Singapore and stumbles into a deadly espionage conspiracy. A trio of golden statues, when combined, reveal the location of buried treasure — and a ruthless gang called the Skeleton Gang will stop at nothing to claim it.
Who directed The Golden Buddha?
Lo Wei directed The Golden Buddha. He also appears on screen in a supporting role, making this a rare double-duty performance. Lo Wei would go on to become one of Hong Kong cinema's most influential figures, later directing Bruce Lee in The Big Boss and Fist of Fury.
Who are the main actors in The Golden Buddha?
The film stars Paul Chang Chung as the resourceful hero Paul, alongside Jeanette Lin Tsui as Chan Mei-nan. Fanny Fan Lai plays the scheming femme fatale, while Lo Wei, Fung Ngai, and Wu Ma round out a cast packed with familiar faces from the Shaw Brothers stable.
Is The Golden Buddha a Shaw Brothers production?
Yes, The Golden Buddha was produced by Shaw Brothers, the legendary Hong Kong studio that dominated Asian cinema throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Run Run Shaw served as producer, and the film showcases the studio's signature blend of action, intrigue, and exotic Southeast Asian locations.
When was The Golden Buddha released?
The Golden Buddha had its theatrical release on April 27, 1966, in Hong Kong. It was part of Shaw Brothers' prolific output during the mid-1960s, a period when the studio was rapidly expanding its reach across Southeast Asia and experimenting with spy-thriller and action-adventure genres.
How long is The Golden Buddha?
The Golden Buddha runs for 1 hour and 44 minutes. It moves at a brisk pace typical of Shaw Brothers productions of the era, keeping the espionage plot and action sequences tightly wound throughout its runtime.
What language is The Golden Buddha in?
The Golden Buddha was originally produced in Chinese (Mandarin) and also features Thai and English dialogue, reflecting its Southeast Asian setting and the international ambitions of Shaw Brothers at the time. The multilingual mix adds an authentic flavor to the film's globe-trotting espionage atmosphere.
What movies are similar to The Golden Buddha?
If you enjoy The Golden Buddha, you might also like Sakra (2023), Birth of the Dragon (2017), and Double Threat (2023) — all action-driven films with martial arts flair or espionage elements. Never Back Down: Revolt (2021) and Kill Shot (2023) are also worth a look for fans of fast-paced action.
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