The series premiered in 1984.

The series takes place in feudal China during the 12th century and describes a peasant teenage girl named He Pao, who survives the massacre of her parents and other villagers. She then spends the next years tracking the killers down, while she develops unique combat skills especially in martial arts.

The title Le Moine Fou means The Mad Monk in English. It is the name of a religious order, where He Pao also becomes a member.