Wu Song (Ti Lung) has just killed those who murdered his brother. Now, he faces life in prison. He is more than willing to accept his fate. he is treated well by the guards who escort him to prison. He becomes blood brothers with an inn keeper, Zheng Qing (Wang Kuang-Yu), who knows Wu Song's reputation regarding his strength and how he killed a tiger bare handed. Qing gives Wu Song the clothes of a murdered Monk and promises him a place to stay, if prison should be come too difficult. I wasn't aware you could simply leave prison if it became uncomfortable, but hey, this is Tiger Killer Wu Song we're discussing, so maybe he can just leave prison on a whim.

Once in prison, Wu Song is befriended by the Wardon's son Shi En, The Golden Eye (Tien Ching/Tin Ching), who also knows Wu Song's reputation. Wu Song helps Shi En exact revenge on Jiang Zhong/Chang Chun (Chu Mu), who has taken over Delightful Forest (a town similar to Sodom and Gomorrah - not a restaurant as stated in the plot) and mistreated Shi En.

Wu Song has no problem helping, so long a he gets 3 bowls of wine at each inn along the way to Delightful Forest. The bowls of wine grow larger with each stop. Wu song is so inebriated by the time they reach the edge of Delightful Forest, Shi En is worried he won't be able to confront Chang Chun. Wu Song isn't worried and tells Shi En to stay put while the problem with Chang Chun is handled.

Wu Song makes a disturbance at a Delightful Forest tavern to draw Chang Chun out into the open. It doesn't take long for Wu Song to defeat and totally humiliate Chang Chun. Chang of course vows revenge. He gets help from highly connected friends who set Wu Song up on theft charges. They bribe jail guards to kill Wu Song, but it's blocked by the Captain of the Guards, who is a friend of Shi En's.

The 2nd attempt occurs during Wu Song's transfer to prison. Wu Song is quite aware something will be attempted and bides his time. Chang Chun an his cohorts feel Wu Song will no longer be a problem since Wu Song will be chained and bound, therefore, unable to fight back. How little they know of Wu Song's abilities. The assassins are defeated with Wu Song still wearing the chains and a big block of wood.

Chang Chun and his cohorts are celebrating Wu Song's death as Wu Song sneaks onto the property. One by one minions and cohorts are killed until there is only Wu Song and Chang Chun. Chang manages to inure Wu Song's arm in the battle before succumbing to his own wounds. Wu Song manages to make it to Zheng Qing's inn to obtain help to recover from his wounds.

The movie ends with Wu Song wandering in the monk's garments. This is the character Ti Lung will play in The Water Margin (1972).

I gave it an 8 because the story moves along nicely, the plot makes sense and I mean, it's Ti Lung. I'd have given a higher rating if Ti's BBF David Da Wei Chiang also appeared. But, you can't have everything you want, all the time, right?

You never know what's going to happen next in "The Delightful Forest", and to top it off, the protagonist Wu Song, a well-respected hero gone rogue, is just as unpredictable. The film also reached its conclusion with time and care, not feeling rushed like other Shaw Bros. films during the 70's era.

The casting is great, with Ti Lung, still acting to this day, running a one-man show in "The Delightful Forest", and supporting actors that provide a great cohesive atmosphere.

The action in this film is one of a kind, with the most impressive being Ti Lung's talent to fight with chains around his legs and a Cangue around his head and wrists. What appears to be his restriction turns out to be an asset, and it's very fun to watch. The film's production is very high as well, maximizing Shaw Bros. studio resources with destroying multiple sets and employing countless extras.

The only criticism I have is finding some of the music and sound effects to be a bit over the top and distracting. But the film places a great significance and presence of a "Martial Arts World", as significant physical prowess can allow men to become beasts, and likewise allowing man to overcome real ones, becoming Gods among men.