TOWER OF DEATH PLANNING: CUI WUXI SCRIPTWRITER: JIN ZHENG-YONG STARRING: TONG LUNG HWANG JANG-LEE YUEN WO-PING, CHEN YAO-LIN,
YUEN JAN-YUENG WONG CHEUNG, YUEN SHUN-YI BAEK HWANG-KI, XIA LINGZHEN CINEMATOGRAPHY: LEUNG HEY-MING,
CHEUNG HOI, JIANG ZHI-MING LIGHTING: LAM CHAU MUSIC: CHAN FAN-KEI HANYANG RECORDING STUDIOS EDITOR: KIM JIN-TAE KOREA NATURAL COLOUR
FILM STUDIOS MAKE-UP: LAW LAI-KUEN GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION:
GOLDEN HARVEST CINEMAS PRODUCER: LEE WOO-SUK MARTIAL ARTS DIRECTOR:
YUEN WO-PING DIRECTORS:
NG SEE-YUEN, KANG FAN-JIU On my way to the US to participate
in the World Taekwondo Championships, I arranged to meet my friend
Jin Man-oh in Tokyo. We planned to visit the great
martial arts master Jin Gok. - Here you are.
- Thank you. SUDDEN DEATH OF WORLD-FAMOUS
JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTIST JIN GOK Jin Gok is dead? Jin Gok, one of the top ten
martial artists in world at the time, was highly respected
by many other masters. His technique and swordsmanship
were divine, beyond human, and his reputation grew
day by day. Recently, his esoteric sword spirit
had reached a profound state. Jin Gok was a great friend of mine. We would often discuss martial arts,
and I even wrote martial arts manuals. - The challenger is waiting.
- Huh? Why don't you show him
your swordsmanship? - But you're the one he has challenged.
- Is that so? - Please have some tea.
- Thanks. Please have some tea. Come on, I'm having some tea now! I've finished my teal Take my tea cup! Now, it's your turn. Your skills are terrible. You're lucky I'm a fair man,
otherwise you'd be dead. Impressive! You're invincible. This is fate. No one can defeat us. I can't understand how Jin Gok died.
He was so agile and healthy. I was determined to find out
the cause of his death, and so I met with Jin Man-oh,
who was like brother to me. Hi, you're here.
Sorry I'm late. It's been a long time. Let's get in the car. - So when did Jin Gok die?
- Three days ago. - Do you know how?
- I know nothing at all. I don't understand how such
a formidable martial artist could die. Me neither. - When is the funeral ceremony?
- It's tomorrow. - I'll take a look around. You stay here.
- Okay. Who are you? I'm a friend of his. Don't be stupid! Back off! It's true. We were good friends. I'm here to bid him farewell. He's already passed away.
You're wasting your time! Back off before we throw you out! Let's go to the graveside. Follow it! I trust you, so I'll tell you,
because you were like his brother. Have you ever been
to the Tower of Death? No, not at all. It's found on an island called Shimbu.
He had been there. By the way, where's the film? Didn't he say
it was the island of Sicily? Maybe it was that island. I don't know anything about the film
you're looking for, though. But you may find more out
when you meet his brother. Does Man-oh have a brother? Indeed he does.
He's the head monk at Pahal Temple. Do you think he has the film? I'm not actually sure,
but he's the heir to the property. - Then I should meet him.
- Yes, you should. Please find out the truth
behind the incident, and pray for the repose
of his soul. Staff technique! Now, repeat the techniques. We have a visitor. I have been expecting you. In the name of merciful Buddha... Master, I am here to ask
a serious favour of you. Let's talk over there. Master, the reason why I'm here... I know why you're here. I am also aware of the death
of my brother. The film that you are looking for
iS not here. I must find that film. Young man, blood will have blood.
My advice would be to desist. I have renounced worldly society
for the past twenty years. I must find out how Jin Gok
and your brother died. Jin Gok and my brother? - Right now, the film is held by a woman.
- Who is this woman? She is my daughter,
a singer at the Eunja Club. Welcome.
This way, please. Who are you? I'm looking for a film from the Sicilian
Tower of Death taken before Jin Gok died. Just hand me the film. Film? I don't know
what you're talking about! Don't be scared. I've just come
from a meeting with your father. I know you're his daughter,
and I need the film you're holding to ascertain the cause of death
of Jin Gok and Jin Man-oh. But I... I don't want anyone
outside the family interfering. I'm just here to find out
why your uncle died. There's been someone watching me
since the day I received the film. They're trying to remove
the evidence that's on the film. Give me the film
in case you're in danger. This is the film. - Where is the place?
- It is the Tower of Death in Sicily. - Who is this man?
- He is called Louis, the owner. - And this guy?
- He manages the property. Who else is there besides Louis? That's Jin Gok! The two of them seem friendly. By the way,
the manager has only one arm. He is fiercely loyal
to the owner of the tower. - You know the martial arts world, Master?
- Of course. But why did Jin Gok visit
the Tower of Death? Well, he's a martial arts expert. And Louis has great interest
in the fighting arts. I heard he has attained
the highest level. Strange, they're practising martial arts
like close friends. It looks like he has nothing to do
with Jin Gok's death. But no one who entered
the Tower of Death has survived. Could this be a coincidence? I need to pay a visit to this tower,
at least. - A man called Kim Tae-jung is here, sir.
- Kim Tae-jung? I've heard that name before. He is quite a famous martial artist. - Treat him with respect.
- Yes, sir. Is he here to challenge me? Welcome to my place. How do you like the name
of the tower? I know that it's called
the Tower of Death, as people never seem
to leave alive. Everyone who has challenged me
is dead. I think I saw you attending
Jin Gok's funeral ceremony. Did you indeed?
So, what brings you here? I know he was here before he died. There are still many questions
surrounding his death. But I swear, his visit here
had nothing to do with his death. Must be a coincidence, then. I was born a Westerner,
but Asian blood flows through my veins. I study avidly your martial arts
and your philosophy. I've heard that your martial arts skills
are excellent. No challenger has ever lived to talk,
so it must just be a rumour! Let me show you around the grounds. Can you see the cave
on the mountain? There are hundreds of peacocks
in that cave, all under my command. You command the peacocks? I don't believe it. I'm the king of the animals. That's quite amazing.
How is it possible? It's all down to how I train them, and I train them
over a long period of time. The scenery here is spectacular. Are you raising these lions yourself? Yes, I am. I brought these lions over from Africa. They can be somewhat bad-tempered. If I starve them for a few days,
they get worse. The challengers who fail to beat me
become their prey. I enjoy seeing their expressions of horror
as they're devoured by my lions. That's sounds macabre. - It just reflects my personality!
- Really? I really don't want to become their prey. I really wouldn't want that. Me neither! They're making me nervous.
Let's get out of here, shall we? The reason I raise lions is to study
their magnificent movements. I seek to combine them
into my martial arts, and raise a great spirit within me
like a lion does before a fight. So, why do you raise peacocks? The delicate flight of the peacock,
and the innate strength of the lion, both creatures inspire me
in my martial arts training. Quite a unique and wonderful theory. Sir, the Yeo brothers from Guanseo
are here to challenge you. What nonsense! How dare they! Mong Ro, take them to the cemetery
and show them the graves. - They'll leave if they fear death.
- Yes, sir. Please, look around you. The people buried in these graves
were not worthy as martial artists. No challenger has ever survived. Before you enter,
you must be ready to lose your life. If we were afraid of death,
we wouldn't be here. The martial arts manual I wrote. Impressive. Why are you here at this late hour? I just got attacked. You were attacked here?
There's no way that could happen. I want to ask you something. It's late. Let's talk tomorrow. - Good morning.
- You've come just at the right time. Please sit. - I apologise for disturbing you.
- Not at all, it's fine. This is venison
from the roe deer I caught. And its blood. - Would you like some?
- I'm fine. I don't usually eat breakfast. By the way, I'm sorry for yesterday. No need to apologise. I shouldn't have wandered outside
that late at night. Sorry. You may suspect me, but I had
nothing to do with Jin Gok's death. You're seem So sure. What did he hope to achieve
by coming here? Achieve? I wonder what his intentions were... I'm wondering if he actually is dead... I want to know all about
Mong Ro's background. Do you suspect him of something? That's right. How long has he been here? A few years. - He was a monk before he came here.
- A monk? He was a monk
at the Bulgwang Temple. He came here as a cripple,
and I accepted him. - Where is this temple?
- It's on Mount Hwangmae. I've heard Bulgwang Temple
is famous for its tower. - But no one has ever actually seen it.
- Why is that? Because Saint Hong-gwang of the temple
built the tower underground. Understand? Mr Kim, could you leave us for a moment?
I have something private to discuss. The boss has been murdered! It's been a few years.
He was a monk before he came here. A monk? He was a monk at Bulgwang Temple. He came here as a cripple,
and I accepted him. Saint Hong-gwang of the temple
built a tower underground. Understand? You killed Louis, right?
Tell me why! It's none of your business. What was your relationship with Jin Gok?
And if he's not dead, where is he? I can't tell you that. Then where is this underground
Tower of Death? I'll be fair to you, cripple.
I'll only use one arm. I'll use neither arms now. Where is this underground
Tower of Death? Tell me! Stop wasting my time! Have you heard of Sungang,
the master of strangulation techniques? Of course I know of Sungang. What? You're Jin Gok! Did you wonder
who could've killed me? Why did you fake your death? You ask too many questions. But you are an old friend,
so I'll spare your life. Leave this place. - So, you planned your death.
- Correct. You seem very interested
in other people's business. Enough talk! A lot of people have died
because of you! They mean nothing to me. Here I have the largest drug production
factory in the world. - Soon, I'll monopolise the drug world.
- Drugs? But I'm not interested
in the riches that will bring. What I want...
is control over all living beings. So, you faked your death
to further your evil ambition. Correct. My ambition is to become
the world's biggest drug lord, and watch Interpol's pathetic efforts
in their attempts to arrest me. What a childish ambition! But why did the helicopter
take away your coffin? The reason was... ...that morning, the international
investigation agency, ICPO, wanted to examine my body post-mortem,
so I had my men remove the coffin. Ah... that's why
you faked your death. What do you plan to do now? You think you're so smart. Why don't you cooperate with me? - What are you doing?
- You talk too much! Hey! We were once good friends.
You can't do this! I appeal to you as your friend.
You still have a chance! THE END
