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Action Cult Classic

Martial arts heroes defend exiles against deadly intrigue in a remote Ming dynasty inn.

DRAGON INN

1967 · 1h 51m · NR · Action / Adventure · IMDB TMDB

When the children of an executed General are pursued in 1457 China, some heroic martial arts swordsmen intervene.

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Quick Answer

What is Dragon Inn about?

Dragon Inn is a 1967 Hong Kong and Taiwanese action-adventure film directed by King Hu about martial artists defending the family of a falsely accused minister from an assassination plot at a remote inn in 15th-century China.

Programmer's Pick

King Hu’s Dragon Inn isn’t just a martial arts film—it’s a blueprint for tension-filled wuxia, where every bowl of noodles might hide a blade and every guest could be an assassin. If you think inns are just for sleeping, you haven’t watched this one.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Ming dynasty China, Dragon Inn opens with the aftermath of a major political upheaval: War Minister Yu Qian is executed on false charges, and his family is banished to a desolate outpost. As the exiled family becomes the target of a ruthless eunuch’s secret police, the remote Dragon Gate Inn becomes a tense battleground. Wu Ning, the innkeeper and former ally of Yu Qian, enlists the help of three formidable martial artists—Xiao Shaozi and the Zhu siblings—to shield the Yu family from certain death. With shifting allegiances and the threat of ambush always present, the film promises a blend of intrigue, suspense, and martial arts action, all centered around the perilous sanctuary of the inn.

Details & Specs

Director
King Hu
Writer
King Hu
Release
1967
Runtime
1h 51m
Country
Hong Kong, Taiwan
Language
Mandarin
Genres
Action, Adventure
Also Known As
Dragon Gate Inn, Long men kezhan, Lóng Mén Kè Zhàn, Breakthrough, Die Herberge zum Drachentor, La posada del dragón, Таверна у врат дракона, 龍門客棧, 龙门客栈, Original title: Long men kezhan

Why This Matters

Dragon Inn marked a major commercial success across Taiwan, Korea, and the Philippines, and is noted by critics as a key wuxia film from the Chinese-speaking world before the late-1960s martial arts boom. Its enduring influence is reflected in multiple remakes.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: King Hu Writer: King Hu
Shih Chun Shih Chun Self Pai Ying Pai Ying Tsao Shao Chin Polly Shang-Kuan Ling-Feng Polly Shang-Kuan Ling-Feng Miss Chu Huei Miao Tian Miao Tian Pi Shao-Tung Han Ying-Chieh Han Ying-Chieh Mao Zong-Xian Tsao Chien Tsao Chien General Wu Ning Hsueh Han Hsueh Han Chu Chi GM Go Ming Bookkeeper at Inn Ko Hsiao-Pao Ko Hsiao-Pao Waiter at Inn KF Ko Fei Kuei Yu Chang Hsu Feng Hsu Feng Yu Chien's Daughter WC Wan Chung-Shan Tou La Tien Peng Tien Peng Escort Officer YC Yu Chi-Kung Yu Kuang

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Why Cult

Mortal Combat at the Inn

The Dragon Gate Inn serves as a battlefield where martial prowess and cunning are tested amid wine and whispers.

Scheming Eunuch Villain

Cao Shaoqin’s secret police bring a chilling menace, making the stakes personal and political.

Wuxia Action Roots

Featuring swordplay, ambushes, and one-against-many battles, this film is a showcase of classic martial arts storytelling.

Historic Ming Dynasty Setting

Set in a vividly evoked 15th-century China, the film’s setting adds depth to every encounter within and around the inn.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Dragon Inn released? +

Dragon Inn was released in 1967.

Who directed Dragon Inn? +

Dragon Inn was directed by King Hu.

How long is Dragon Inn? +

Dragon Inn has a runtime of 111 minutes.

What genre is Dragon Inn? +

Dragon Inn is an action and adventure film.

Where can I watch Dragon Inn? +

Dragon Inn is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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