“The Shaolin Temple” / 「少林寺」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1982, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) A273

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the Japanese release of The Shaolin Temple / 「少林寺」, the landmark 1982 martial arts film that marked the screen debut of Jet Li, credited under his birth name Li Lianjie.

A defining work of modern martial arts cinema, The Shaolin Temple became an extraordinary international success and introduced audiences to a new level of authentic Chinese wushu performed by genuine martial arts champions rather than conventional screen fighters.

Film background

Set during the turbulent transition from the Sui dynasty to the Tang dynasty, the film follows a young man whose father is murdered by the forces of a ruthless general.

After escaping to the legendary Shaolin Temple, he takes the name Jue Yuan and begins training under the monks. Through discipline and rigorous martial arts practice, he develops the skills needed to defend the temple, resist the general’s forces, and seek justice for his family.

Directed by Chang Hsin-yen, the screenplay was written by Sze-to On and Lu Shau-chang. The cast includes Jet Li, Yu Hai, Yu Chenghui, Ding Lan, and Hu Jianqiang.

The film was celebrated for employing elite Chinese wushu practitioners and national-level martial arts champions. Its combat sequences therefore possess an unusual degree of speed, precision, and technical authenticity.

The Shaolin Temple became a major commercial phenomenon throughout Asia and helped transform both Jet Li into an international star and the historic Shaolin Temple in Henan into a globally recognised cultural destination.

Poster design

The poster uses a bold, layered action composition centred on a young Jet Li, shown airborne while delivering a powerful flying kick toward the left side of the image.

Behind him, the upper background presents the historic pagoda forest of the Shaolin Temple, rising against dramatic mountains and a luminous sky. The imagery immediately connects the film’s martial arts spectacle with its sacred historical setting.

The centre-right section contains a large rectangular film still showing a group of Shaolin monks practising coordinated fighting forms inside the temple courtyard. Smaller action figures are arranged along the left edge, adding further movement and emphasizing the film’s range of authentic wushu techniques.

The large orange headline across the top reads:

「天よ轟け！大地よ揺るげ！いま《本物》の迫力が噴き上がる！」

“Roar, heavens! Shake, earth! Now the power of the real thing erupts!”

The smaller black text beneath highlights the film’s scale and martial arts authenticity, referring to the defence of Shaolin Temple, the young fighters facing thousands of enemies, and the use of genuine Chinese martial arts champions rather than conventional stunt performers.

The English title:

“THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE”

appears in angular outlined lettering across the centre of the design.

The lower section is dominated by the monumental Japanese title:

「少林寺」

rendered in an intense red-to-orange gradient. The kanji are exceptionally large and forceful, giving the poster an immediate and commanding display presence.

A silhouetted cavalry charge runs along the lower edge beneath the title, followed by the detailed Japanese cast, production, and distribution credits.

Release note

This poster was printed for the film’s original Japanese theatrical release in 1982 and distributed in Japan by Toho-Towa.

It is an original period Japanese cinema poster, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example, with vivid colour, strong imagery, clear typography, and excellent overall display impact.

There are light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period, but overall it presents extremely well.

Reference: A273.

Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original 1982 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 40 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.