SNAKE IN THE MONKEYS SHADOW Movie Poster - Ghana Hand-Painted Art

This hand-painted movie poster for "Snake in the Monkey's Shadow" exemplifies the vibrant artistry of Ghanaian cinema promotion. Crafted on recycled flour sacks, the poster features dynamic depictions of martial arts scenes, highlighting the film's central themes of kung fu and the clash between snake and monkey fighting styles. The bold colors and expressive characters capture the essence of the 1979 Hong Kong martial arts film, offering a unique interpretation that resonates with local audiences.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

Ghanaian hand-painted movie posters are a distinctive form of African art, emerging in the 1980s alongside the advent of video technology in Ghana. Local entrepreneurs established mobile cinemas, traveling between communities to screen films. To attract audiences, they commissioned local artists to create large, eye-catching posters painted on recycled flour sacks. These posters not only advertised the films but also showcased the artists' creativity, often incorporating imaginative elements not present in the movies themselves. Each poster is a unique piece, reflecting the artist's personal vision and the cultural context of the time. Over the years, these artworks have gained recognition for their cultural and historical significance, representing a fusion of global cinematic influences and local artistic expression.

Film Information

"Snake in the Monkey's Shadow" (1979)

• Genre: Martial Arts, Action
• Director: Cheung Sum
• Cast: John Cheung Ng-Long, Wilson Tong Wai-Shing, Charlie Chan Yiu-Lam, Pomson Shi, Hau Chiu-Sing
• Plot: The film follows Lung, a young fishmonger aspiring to learn kung fu. After being humiliated by the wealthy Yan family, he seeks training under Master Ho in Drunken-style kung fu. Lung also encounters Koo Ting-Sang, a Monkey-style expert, who saves him from danger. As Lung's skills develop, he becomes entangled in a conflict with Snake-style assassins hired by the Yan family, leading to a climactic battle where Lung combines Drunken and Monkey styles to avenge his mentors.

"Snake in the Monkey's Shadow" is renowned for its intricate fight choreography and the portrayal of various kung fu styles, particularly the Drunken, Monkey, and Snake forms. The film showcases the versatility and creativity inherent in martial arts cinema of the late 1970s, contributing to its enduring popularity among genre enthusiasts.

Discover More About "Snake in the Monkey's Shadow"

For those intrigued by the martial arts classic "Snake in the Monkey's Shadow," the following resources provide detailed information about the movie, its cast, and production:

• Explore the comprehensive background and plot overview on Wikipedia's page for Snake in the Monkey's Shadow.
  
• For full cast, crew details, and more trivia, visit IMDb's page for Snake in the Monkey's Shadow.

Watch "Snake in the Monkey's Shadow" on YouTube

You can watch the full movie "Snake in the Monkey's Shadow" on YouTube through the following link:

• Wu Tang Collection - Snake in the Monkey's Shadow (widescreen)