hand combat, Chang
Cheh (and his frequent choreographer Liu Chia-liang [aka Lau Kar Leung]) and his
"Venoms" team delivered terrific fights scene and after scene in each and every
movie they appeared in. And to this day, no other director provides as much copious
exotic weapons fighting in his (or their) films.
NOTE: I can't imagine that all of the following is accurate nor complete. For
example, some films with the same title and with almost but not quite the same
cast are listed as having two different dates, because of information from two
or more separate sources (they can't both/all be correct). If you have data
that is not here or is more accurate or more elucidative, please contact me at
the net address at the bottom of this page. Thank you.
KNOWN CHANG CHEH FILMOGRAPHY, Vers. 10.0 (10/27/08):
I *like* many movies, but the filmmakers who truly influenced me are
Jean-Pierre Melville, Martin Scorcese, Sam Peckinpah, and Akira Kurosawa. I
could say I was influenced by the great Hong Kong action director Chang Cheh,
but a lot of influence was the effect of working for him as an assistant for
two years on films like THE BLOOD BROTHERS. Chang's influence was not from
his way of showing violence but from his uninhibited way of handling emotions
and conflicts of honor. He made me want to be more expressive, to put more
of myself into each film.
-- John Woo (VILLAGE VOICE, 5/25/93; Voice Film Special, page 18)
When I shoot gunfight films, I use the same feelings as in the martial
arts film, only I use double guns in place of the sword. For example, the
layout of my scenes, character design and those action designs are all very
close to Chang Cheh's martial arts film style. The heroes in my films shoot
many times, continuously, and people get hit, continuously. Now, that feeling
has the Chang Cheh martial arts films' shadow. When I deal with my hero, his
stance as he holds the gun -- and his views of the gun -- is the same as the
heroes in the martial arts film, but he holds a sword. Now, how he uses his
sword and the way he sees his sword, the feeling is exactly the same.
-- John Woo (from the film THE ART OF ACTION: MARTIAL ARTS IN THE MOVIES)
Peter Smith for Eastern Heroes: What other film directors have influenced you?
Yuen Woo-Ping: I was most influenced by Chang Cheh, because I worked with him
as a stuntman. But the rest I have created for myself, because one's work
should have its own character, not influenced by other people.
-- "Yuen Woo-ping -- a Tiger Uncaged," in ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE BEST OF
EASTERN HEROES, p. 65; orig. in EASTERN HEROES, Vol. 2, No. 1, p. 31)
Someone once asked veteran director Chang Cheh why his FIVE DEADLY VENOMS
team were all so ugly. "Yes, they are ugly," replied Chang Cheh coolly, "But
just look at their kung fu skills when they perform. That's where their true
beauty lies." It is generally true that in the old days you could have a face
like the back end of a bus (let's face it, Lau Kar Leung [Liu Chia Liang] was
no beauty and Chiang "Cutie Pie" Sheng really needed to see a dentist) but if
your kung fu skills were buffed you could still play the part of a hero.
-- Tim Greenwood ("Blast from Buddha's Palm," in ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE BEST
OF EASTERN HEROES, p. 119; orig. in EASTERN HEROES, Vol. 2, No. 4, p. 25)
Many years ago when I was making martial arts films in Shaws, Run Run Shaw
once remarked, 'How come the fighting looks so much like dancing?' Not so long
ago, [the renowned film critic] Sek Kei [aka Shi Qi] made a similar observation
in his column, remarking that Chinese martial arts is quite akin to dance
choreography. In fact, it is. Northern style kung fu has long been affiliated
with stage performance. The wu (martial) repertoire in traditional kunqu,
Peking Opera and Sichuan opera, in many ways, resembles narrative dance in
ballet or modern dance.
-- Chang Cheh, in Chang Cheh: A Memoir, pp. 126-127
+ + + + + + + +
Chang Cheh employed three key "fighting teams" between 1970 and 1981. The
first was David Chiang and Ti Lung. The second was Chi Kuan Chun and Fu Sheng.
The third and best was Sun Chien, Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, and Chiang Sheng.
Films by this last team, nicknamed "The (Five) Venoms," are indicated with a *.
Between 1982 & 1993, there was a fourth team which included Tung Chi Wah, Tu Yu
Ming, Hsu Shao Jien, and Chow Lung, called "The Baby Venoms" in EASTERN HEROES.
. . . . . VENOM ROLL CALL . . . . .
Sun Chien -- the best kicker; sometimes he's a hero, and sometimes he's not one
Kuo Chui -- usually the main hero; he often pretends to be a beggar or criminal
Lu Feng -- usually plays the insidious traitor who lures the other four to doom
Lo Meng -- a thick-headed but often kind muscleman; he tends not to use weapons
Chiang Sheng -- a comedic, nimble stylist; nicknamed "Cutie-Pie" by his HK fans
. . . . . . THE FILMS . . . . . .
(NOTE: entries preceded by an "o" denote alternate film titles
entries followed by an "*" denote the 13 core "Five Venoms" films
entries followed by an "~" denote the 6 "Baby Venoms" films)
ACROSS THE RIVER~ (1987) [Prod & Dir]-- Tung Chi Wah, Ka Wing Chuen, To Yuk
Ming [aka Tu Yu Ming] (aka CROSS THE RIVER, aka DRAGON ACROSS THE RIVER)
ANGRY GUEST (1972)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung, Yasuaki Kurata, Ku Feng, Chen Sing,
Liu Yam Ying, Liu Chi-yung, Chang Cheh, Bolo Yeung [aka Yang Sze]
(aka KUNG FU KILLERS) (sequel to DUEL OF FISTS)
o ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS: see THE WATER MARGIN (1972)
o ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS II: see SEVEN SOLDIERS OF KUNG FU (1973)
(sequel to THE WATER MARGIN)
ANONYMOUS HEROES (1971)--Ti Lung, David Chiang, Ching Li, Wang Chung, Chen Sing
THE ASSASSIN (1967) -- Wang Yu, Chiu Hau, Lee Heung-Kwan, Chiao Chiao
o ASSAULT OF THE JOYFUL GODDESS: see ATTACK OF THE GOD OF JOY (1983)
ATTACK OF THE GOD OF JOY (1983)-- Chen Tien-su [aka Chien Tien-chi], Hsu
Chung-fei, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng (aka ASSAULT OF THE JOYFUL GODDESS,
aka ATTACK OF THE JOYFUL GODDESS, aka THE GHOST)
o ATTACK OF THE JOYFUL GODDESS: see ATTACK OF THE GOD OF JOY (1983)
o AVENGING HANDICAPPED: see CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978)
o AVENGING WARRIORS OF SHAOLIN: see SHAOLIN RESCUERS (1979)
o BLAST OF THE IRON PALM: American title for BRAVE ARCHER, PART III (1981)
(THE) BLOOD BROTHERS (1973)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan Tai, Li Hsui
Hsien, Fan Mei Sheng (US: DYNASTY OF BLOOD; aka CHINESE VENGEANCE)
o BLOODY AVENGERS: see BOXER REBELLION (1976)
THE BLOODY ESCAPE (1975) [Dir w/ Sun Chung] [listed in Internet Movie Database]
o BLOODY FISTS: American title for KUNG FU INVADERS (1973)
o THE BODYGUARD: see HAVE SWORD, WILL TRAVEL (1969)
BOXER FROM SHANGTUNG (1972) [Dir w/ Pao Hsueh-li]-- Ching Li, David Chiang,
Wang Chung, Ku Feng; Debut: Chen Kuan-tai (US: KILLER FROM SHANGTUNG)
BOXER REBELLION (1/29/76)-- Fu Sheng, Li Li-hua, Chi Kuan-chun, Tang Yen-tsan,
Liu Chia Hui [aka Lau Kar Fai, aka Gordon Liu] Kuo Chui as a spiritual
acrobat (aka SPIRITUAL FISTS aka BLOODY AVENGERS)
BRAVE ARCHER (7/30/77)-- Fu Sheng, Ku Kuan-chun, Danny Lee, Dick Wei, Ti Lung,
Ku Feng, Kuo Chui, Lo Meng (billed under his real name Luo Kuen Lin), Lu
Feng, Chiang Sheng First appearance of Kara Hui Ying-Hung (US: KUNG FU
WARLORDS, worldwide: SHAOLIN ARCHERS)
BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (2/25/82)-- Kuo Chui, Fu Sheng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng,
Andy Lau [Lau is only according to the IMDb] Wen Hsueh-Erh's fourth
contract film for Chang Cheh. Lensed in 1980 or 1981. Lung Tien-Sheng
appears as Yang Kang, originally portrayed by Li Yi-Min (Pts. 1 & 2) and Yu
Tai-Ping (Pt. 3). Fu Sheng's final film for Chang Cheh before his untimely
death. (Wordwide: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND; aka BRAVE ARCHER, PART IV)
o BRAVE ARCHER, PART II: see THE BRAVE ARCHER, THE SEQUEL (1978)
BRAVE ARCHER, PART 3* (11/12/81)-- Fu Sheng, Lo Meng, Ti Lung, Kuo Chui, Chiang
Sheng, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, Li Li-li, Chu Ko. Last Ti Lung film for Chang
Cheh whilst at Shaw Studios. Begun in 1980, shelved, then completed in
1981 with the participation of newcomers Cheng Tien-Chi and Chu Ko.
(US: BLAST OF THE IRON PALM; aka KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART III)
o BRAVE ARCHER, PART IV: see BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (1981)
THE BRAVE ARCHER, THE SEQUEL* (5/13/78)-- Fu Sheng, Chang Cheh, Wang Lung Wei,
Ku Feng, Kuo Chui, Ti Lung, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng.
First appearance of Wei Pai, as a swordsman during a flashback sequence.
(US: KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART II, worldwide: SHAOLIN ARCHERS PART 2;
aka BRAVE ARCHER, PART II)
THE BUTTERFLY CHALICE (1964) [co-directed with Yuan Qiefeng]
o CHILD IN RED: see THE FANTASTIC MAGIC BABY (1975)
THE CHINATOWN KID* (12/2/77)-- Fu Sheng, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng,
Lo Meng Debut: Sun Chien [therefore, the first Venoms film, in a way]
Wang Li appears uncredited as Tsai Hung's bodyguard/assassin in scenes
found in the export (US) version, but not in Chinese versions
o THE CHINESE CONNECTION [not the Bruce Lee film]: see DUEL OF FISTS (1971)
o THE CHINESE SUPER NINJAS: worldwide title for FIVE ELEMENT NINJA (1982)
o CHINESE VENGEANCE: see DYNASTY OF BLOOD (1973)
CRIPPLED AVENGERS* (12/21/78)-- Chen Kuan-tai, Wang Lung-wei, Lo Meng, Lu Feng,
Kuo Chui, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng, Dick Wei [aka Tu Lung] First Venoms
film without Wei Pai. Last Chen Kuan-Tai film for Chang Cheh whilst at
Shaw Studios. (US: MORTAL COMBAT; aka CRIPPLED HEROES, aka AVENGING
HANDICAPPED, aka RETURN OF THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS)
o CRIPPLED HEROES: see CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978)
o CROSS THE RIVER: see ACROSS THE RIVER (1987)
o DANCE HALL KING: see THE DANCING WARRIOR (1984)
THE DANCING WARRIOR (1984)-- Cheng Tien-chi, Denis Brown, Jimmy Wong, Chen
Kuan-ti (cameo) (aka THE WARRIOR, aka DANCE HALL KING)
THE DAREDEVILS* (6/29/79)-- Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Kuo Chui, Sun Chien,
Wang Li. Wang Li replaces Wang Lung-Wei as the villain for the remainder
of the series. (US: DAREDEVILS OF KUNG FU; aka SHAOLIN DAREDEVILS, aka
VENOM WARRIORS)
o DAREDEVILS OF KUNG FU: American title for THE DAREDEVILS (1979)
DEAD END (1969)-- Ti Lung (debut), David Chiang, Li Ching, Angela Yu Chien
DEADLY DUO (1971)-- Ti Lung, David Chiang
o DEATH CHAMBER: see SHAOLIN TEMPLE (1976)
DEATH RING (1984) [Dir w/ Lu Feng]-- Chen Kuan Tai, Chen Sing, Li Chang Yat,
Lu Feng, Wang Shui Sam, Ti Lung
DELIGHTFUL FOREST (1972) [Dir w/ Pao Hsueh-li]-- Ti Lung, Chu Mu, Yu Feng
o THE DELINQUENT: see STREETGANGS OF HONG KONG (1973)
o DEMON FISTS OF KUNG FU: American title for NEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (1976)
o THE DEMONS: see THE NINE DEMONS (1983)
o THE DESTROYERS: American title for MAGNIFICENT RUFFIANS (1979)
o DESTROYERS OF THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS: see MAGNIFICENT RUFFIANS (1979)
o DISCIPLES OF DEATH: American title for MEN FROM THE MONASTERY (1974)
o DISCIPLES OF SHAOLIN: see THE INVINCIBLE ONE (1975)
o DRAGON ACROSS THE RIVER: see ACROSS THE RIVER (1987)
o DRAGON'S TEETH: see MEN FROM THE MONASTERY (1974)
o THE DUEL: see DUEL OF THE IRON FIST (1969)
DUEL OF FISTS (1971)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung, Ching Li, Ku Feng, Lui Chia-yung
(aka THE CHINESE CONNECTION [not to be confused with the Bruce Lee film])
DUEL OF THE IRON FIST (1971)-- Ti Lung, David Chiang, Ku Feng, Cheng Kang Yeh
(Hsiao Hu) (aka THE DUEL)
o DYNASTY OF BLOOD: American title for THE BLOOD BROTHERS (1973)
EIGHT MAN ARMY (1976) [Made in Taiwan]-- Ti Lung, Fu Sheng
THE ESCAPE (1973) [according to EASTERN HEROES SPECIAL EDITION #2, p. 22 and
INFLUENCE MAGAZINE #13, p. 37]
THE FANTASTIC MAGIC BABY (8/15/75) (aka CHILD IN RED)-- Kuo Chui plays the gray
stone fighting statue [a Monkey King film; only 1 hour long]
o THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS: American title for THE FIVE VENOMS (1978)
FIVE ELEMENT NINJA (4/21/82)-- Lo Meng, Chen Pei Hsi, Chen Hui-min, Lung Tien
Sheng, Wang Li, Chu Ko, Yu Tai-ping. Intro: Cheng Tien-chi [aka Chien
Tien-chi] (in the starring role). Last Lo Mang appearance in a Chang Cheh
film. (US: SUPER NINJAS; worldwide: THE CHINESE SUPERNINJAS)
o FIVE EXPONENTS OF SHAOLIN BOXING: see FIVE SHAOLIN MASTERS (1975)
o FIVE MASTERS OF DEATH: American title for FIVE SHAOLIN MASTERS (1975)
FIVE SHAOLIN MASTERS (1975)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung, Meng Fei, Chi Kuan-chun,
Fu Sheng, Wang Lung-Wei, Liu Chia Hui [aka Lau Kar Fai, aka Gordon Liu],
Leung Kar Yan (US: FIVE MASTERS OF DEATH; aka FIVE EXPONENTS OF SHAOLIN
BOXING) (sequel to DEATH CHAMBER)
THE FIVE VENOMS* (8/12/78)-- Sun Chien, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Ku Feng, Lo
Meng, Wei Pai, Wang Lung-wei, Tu Lung [aka Dick Wei], Lu Feng. The second
Venoms film (after INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN) lensed without Ti Lung or Fu Sheng.
(US: THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS, worldwide: SHAOLIN DEADLY POISONS)
THE FLAG OF IRON (8/14/80)-- Kuo Chiu, Chiang Sheng, Lung Tien Sheng, Lu Feng,
Wang Li. Debut Tien Sheng. (US: THE SPEARMAN OF DEATH)
THE FLYING DAGGER (1968)-- Cheng Pei-pei, Lo Lieh
o THE FOUR ASSASSINS: see MARCO POLO (1975)
THE FOUR RIDERS (1972)-- David Chiang, Wang Chung, Ti Lung, Li Li-li, Chen
Kuan-ti, Liu Chia-yung, Yasuaki Kurata, Chu Mu, Yu Fang, Chiang Ling,
Tien Ching (aka STRIKE 4 REVENGE, aka STRIKE 4 VENGEANCE,
aka HELLFIGHTERS FROM THE EAST)
FRIENDS (1973)-- David Chiang, Li Li-li, Fu Sheng
THE GENERATION GAP (1973)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung, Agnes Chan, Helen Ko, Lu Ti
o THE GHOST: see ATTACK OF THE GOD OF JOY (1983)
o THE GIRL WITH THE THUNDERBOLT KICK: see GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968)
GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968)-- Wang Yu, Cheng Pei Pei, Lo Lieh, Ku Feng, David Chiang
(aka THE GIRL WITH THE THUNDERBOLT KICK, aka MISTRESS OF THE THUNDERBOLT)
o GRANDMASTER OF DEATH: see NEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (1976)
o GRANDMASTER OF KUNG FU: see NEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (1976)
o GREAT SHANGHAI 1937: see SHANGHAI 1937 (1987)
o THE GUERRILLAS: worldwide title for REBEL INTRUDERS (1980)
HAVE SWORD, WILL TRAVEL (1969)-- Ti Lung, David Chiang, Li Ching, Ku Feng, Wang
Chun, Cheng Lei (aka THE BODYGUARD)
HEAVEN AND HELL* (1/19/80)-- David Chiang, Maggie Li Lin-lin, Kuo Chui, Lo Meng,
Sun Chien, Tang Yen-tsan, Fu Sheng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng. The first
appearance of Li Yi-Min. Began in 1975 under the name THE HELL without any
venomous involvement, but would later be reworked to include them. With
David Chiang, Maggie Li Lin-Lin, Shih Szu and Liu Chia-Yung unavailable,
the project is reworked in 1977 to incorporate cast of THE CHINATOWN KID in
flashbacks to their characters' mortal lives. The Venoms complete the
third act, working around footage with Li Yi-Min. Finally sees release in
January 1980. (aka SHAOLIN HELLGATE) cf THE HELL
THE HELL (1975) begun in 1975, later reworked in 1977, then released as HEAVEN
AND HELL 1/19/80. cf HEAVEN AND HELL
o HELLFIGHTERS FROM THE EAST: see THE FOUR RIDERS (1972)
HEROES TWO (1973)-- Chen Kuan-tai, Fu Sheng, Tang Yen-tsan (Li Sze Chung), Chu
Mu, Wang Ching, Liu Chia-liang (US: BLOODY FISTS) (aka KUNG FU INVADERS,
aka TEMPLE OF THE DRAGON)
HEROIC ONES (1974)-- David Chiang, Ku Feng, Chen Sing, Wang Chung, Ti Lung,
Chin Nan, Lo Wei, Pao Chia Wen, Li Li-li, Bolo Yeung [aka Yang Sze]
(aka SHAOLIN MASTERS, aka THIRTEEN FIGHTERS)
o HEROIC THREE: see MAGNIFICENT TRIO (1966)
HIDDEN HERO~ (1993) [Prod & dir]-- Tu Yu Ming, Tung Chi Wah, Hsu Shao Jen, Chow
Lung
HOUSE OF TRAPS (1/9/82)-- Lu Feng, Wang Li, Sun Chien, Kuo Chui, Hsiao Ho,
Chiang Sheng, Lung Tien Sheng, Chu Ko
o THE HUNG BOXING KID: see THE INVINCIBLE ONE (1975)
INVINCIBLE (IRON) FIST (1969)-- Chen Kuan Tai, Ti Lung, David Chiang
(aka RUTHLESS IRON HAND)
o INVINCIBLE KUNG FU BROTHERS: see SHAOLIN AVENGERS (1976)
THE INVINCIBLE ONE (1975)-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chun, Feng Ko-an, Chen Ming Li,
Chaing Tao (aka DISCIPLES OF SHAOLIN, aka THE HUNG BOXING KID)
INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN* (11/19/78)-- Wang Lung-wei, Chiang Sheng, Adam Cheng, Sun
Chien, Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Kuo Chui, Hui Ying-hung, Tu Lung [aka Dick Wei],
Wei Pai. First Venoms film lensed without Ti Lung or Fu Sheng. Last Kara
Hui Ying-Hung. (US: UNBEATABLE DRAGON, worldwide: SHAOLIN BLOODSHED;
aka NORTH SHAOLIN VS. SOUTH SHAOLIN)
IRON BODYGUARD (1973) [Dir w/ Pao Hsueh-li]-- Chen Kuan-tai, Li Li-li, Yo Hua
(according to The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Films; this is probably
just an alternate title for THE IRON MAN, from 1972)
THE IRON MAN (1972) [Dir w/ Pao Hsueh-li, aka Bao Xueli]-- Chen Kuan-tai,
Ching Li, Wang Chun, Chu Mu, Yang Sze (aka MAN OF IRON, aka WARRIOR OF
STEEL)
JOURNEY TO THE WEST~ (1992) (aka JOURNEY TO SUBDUE THE DEVILS, aka MONKEY
GOES WEST) [a Monkey King film]
o JOURNEY TO SUBDUE THE DEVILS: see JOURNEY TO THE WEST (1992)
JUST HEROES (1987) [Producer Chang Cheh, Dir John Woo]-- Danny Lee, Stephen
Chow, David Chiang, Chen Kuan-Tai, Ti Lung, Kelly Chu, Cally Kwong
Mei-Wan, Wu Ma, James Wong Jim, Joe Nieh, Chiu Lui (aka TRAGIC HEROES)
THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM* (11/2/79)-- Sun Chien, Lo Meng, Lu Feng, Chiang
Sheng, Kuo Chui, Pau Ping-chang, Wang Lung-wei, Wei Pai, Dick Wei. Lensed
in 1978. Final appearance of Wei Pai, who leaves to make LAST HURRAH FOR
CHIVALRY for director Wu Yu-Sen (John Woo) at rival studio Golden Harvest.
o KILLER ARMY: American title for REBEL INTRUDERS (1980)
o KILLER FROM SHANGTUNG: American title for BOXER FROM SHANGTUNG (1971)
KING EAGLE (1970)-- Ti Lung, Ling Chi, Chang Pei-shan, Wang Chung, Wu Ma
o KUNG FU INVADERS: see HEROES TWO (1973)
o KUNG FU KILLERS: see THE ANGRY GUEST (1972)
KUNG FU VENGEANCE (1970)-- David Chiang, Wang Ping, Ti Lung, Ku Feng, Lo Lieh,
Chen Kuan-tai, Cheng Kang Yeh, Wang Chun, Chen Sing (aka VENGEANCE)
o KUNG FU WARLORDS: American title for THE BRAVE ARCHER (1977)
o KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART II: Amer. title for THE BRAVE ARCHER, PART II (1978)
o KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART III: Amer. title for THE BRAVE ARCHER, PART III (1981)
o KUNG FU WARLORDS, PART IV: Amer. title for BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (1981)
LEGEND OF THE FOX (11/15/80)-- Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Chien Hsiao-hao.
Linda Chu's second contract film for Chang Cheh.
LIFE GAMBLE (4/26/78 in Taiwan, 2/22/79 in HK)-- Kuo Chui, Fu Sheng, Lo Meng,
Lu Feng, Wang Lung Wei, Hui Ying Hung, Chiang Sheng (billed as Chao
Kang-Sheng) Intro: Lo Mang (under his stage name for the first time)
Lensed in 1977. (aka LIFE COMBAT)
o LIFE COMBAT: see LIFE GAMBLE (1978)
o THE LITTLE KILLER: see THE SINGING KILLER (1970)
MAGNIFICENT KUNG FU WARRIORS (1977)-- David Chiang, Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chun,
Li Yi-min, Li Ying, Lu Feng; Guest: Kuo Chui (aka MAGNIFICENT WANDERERS)
MAGNIFICENT RUFFIANS* (9/20/79)-- Lu Feng, Lo Meng, Wang Li, Chiang Sheng, Kuo
Chui, Sun Chien, Wang Lai, Liu An Li (US: THE DESTROYERS; aka DESTROYERS
OF THE FIVE DEADLY VENOMS)
MAGNIFICENT TRIO (1966)-- Wang Yu, Lo Lieh (aka THREE HEROES OF BORDER CASTLE,
aka HEROIC THREE)
o MAGNIFICENT KUNG FU WARRIORS: Amer. title for MAGNIFICENT WANDERERS (1977)
3 MAGNIFICENT WANDERERS (5/27/77) Guest-starring Kuo Chui and Lu Feng as
Mongolian wrestlers, with Chiang Sheng as a Mongol. Lensed in 1976.
(U.S. Title: MAGNIFICENT KUNG-FU WARRIORS)
o MAN OF IRON: see THE IRON MAN (1972)
MARCO POLO (12/12/75)-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chung, Liu Chia-hui, Wang Lung-wei,
Liang Cha-jen, Shih Szu, Carter Wong. Lu Feng and Chao Kang-Sheng (aka
Chiang Sheng) appear unbilled as Tartar barbarians, then as finale guest
stars with Kuo Chui. Intro: Kuo Chui (aka THE FOUR ASSASSINS)
MASKED AVENGERS (5/15/81)-- Chiang Sheng, Hsiao Ho, Kuo Chui, Wang Li, Lu Feng,
Lhien Siu Hao, Chu Ko. Chu Ko makes his insidious debut.
MEN FROM THE MONASTERY (1974)-- Chi Kuan-chun, Fu Sheng (Fong Sze Yu), Chen
Kuan-tai, Tang Yen-tsan, Chiang Tao (US: DISCIPLES OF DEATH; aka
DRAGON'S TEETH)
o MISTRESS OF THE THUNDERBOLT: see GOLDEN SWALLOW (1968)
o MONKEY GOES WEST (1992): see JOURNEY TO THE WEST
o MORTAL COMBAT: American title for CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978)
o MYSTERIOUS ISLAND: worldwide title for BRAVE ARCHER AND HIS MATE (1982)
NA CHA THE GREAT (1974) [Made in Taiwan]-- Fu Sheng, Chaing Tao, Lu Ti,
Feng Ko-an, Yuen Man-tzu, Ling Hsiao (*not* aka SHAOLIN HELLGATE)
THE NAVAL COMMANDOS [4/7/77] [Made in Taiwan]-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chun, Ti
Lung, David Chiang, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Lo Meng 1st app. of
Yu Tai-Ping and Yang Hsuing (aka "Brass Head").
(THE) NEW ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1971)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung, Ku Feng, Chen
Sing, Li Ching, Cheng Lei, Cheng Kang Yeh, Wang Chung (aka TRIPLE IRONS)
NEW SHAOLIN BOXERS (9/03/76)-- Fu Sheng, "Jenny," Wang Lung Wei, Leung Kar Yan.
Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng and Wang Li appear as thugs, and Kuo Chui appears as
Fu Sheng's classmate (US: DEMON FISTS OF KUNG-FU; aka GRANDMASTER OF DEATH
aka GRANDMASTER OF KUNG FU)
THE NINE DEMONS (1983)-- Chien Tien-chi, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Wang Li
[The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Movies lists Sun Chien as playing The
Black Prince, but that is erroneous] (aka THE DEMONS)
NINJA IN ANCIENT CHINA~ (1993)-- Tung Chi Hwa, Tu Yu Ming
(aka SHEN TONG)
o NORTH SHAOLIN VS. SOUTH SHAOLIN: see INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN (1978)
ODE TO GALLANTRY (12/16/82)-- Kuo Chui in 2 roles, Sun Chien, Wang Li, Chiang
Sheng, Chu Ko and Cheng Tien-chi. Wen Hsueh-Erh's second contract film
for Chang Cheh. Lensed in 1980, shelved, then completed in 1982 with the
participation of newcomers Cheng Tien-Chi and Chu Ko.
ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1967) [Dir, Writer]-- Wang Yu, Lo Lieh, Chang Yi, Chang
Chiao, Pan Yan-tze, Huang Chung-shun, Liu Chia Liang [aka Lau Kar Leung]
ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN RETURNS (1969) [Dir, Writer]-- Wang Yu, Lina Chiao, Tien
Feng, Cheng Lei, Ti Lung, Ku Feng, Liu Chia Liang [aka Lau Kar Leung]
THE PIRATE (1973) [Dir w/ Pao Hsueh-li and Wu Ma]-- Ti Lung, David Chiang,
Yu Feng, Tien Ching, Fan mei San, Tang Yet Tsan, Lu Ti, Shih Tien
POLICE FORCE (1973) [Dir w/ Cai Yang-ming]-- Fu Sheng in his first lead role,
Wang Chun, Li Li-li
REBEL INTRUDERS* (9/11/80)-- Kuo Chui, Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Lu
Feng, Wang Li. First appearance of Chien Hsiao-Hao. Linda Chu's first
contract film for Chang Cheh. Last Yang Hsiung ("Brass Head") film for
Chang Cheh. (US: KILLER ARMY, worldwide: THE GUERILLAS)
RETURN OF THE ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1968)-- Wang Yu, Liu Chia-liang Intro: Ti
Lung and Chen Sing
o RETURN OF THE 5 DEADLY VENOMS: 1998 retitling of CRIPPLED AVENGERS (1978)
o RUTHLESS IRON HAND: see INVINCIBLE IRON FIST (1970)
THE SAVAGE FIVE (1974)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan-tai, Li Hsiu Hsien,
Danny Lee Sau-Yin, Wang Chung
o SEVEN BLOWS OF THE DRAGON: American title for THE WATER MARGIN (1971)
THE 7 DAREDEVILS (1975) [according to INFLUENCE MAGAZINE #13, p. 37]
o SEVEN KUNG FU ASSASSINS: see SEVEN SOLDIERS OF KUNG FU (1974)
SEVEN MAN ARMY (4/16/76)-- Fu Sheng, Ti Lung, Chen Kuan-tai, David Chiang,
Chi Kuan-chun, Li Yi-min, Liu Chia Hui [aka Lau Kar Fai, aka Gordon Liu]
Cameo by Lu Feng as Ti Lung's beheaded commander, Kuo Chui appears in
Japanese make-up against Chi Kuan-Chun, Wang Li as Chen Kuan-Tai's rescuer
SEVEN SOLDIERS OF KUNG FU (1973) [Dir w/ Wu Ma] -- David Chiang, Yang Sze,
Chen Kuan-tai, Ti Lung, Wang Chun, Ku Feng, Tetsuro Tamba (aka ALL MEN ARE
BROTHERS II, aka SEVEN BLOWS OF THE DRAGON II, aka SEVEN KUNG FU ASSASSINS)
SHANGHAI 13 (1984)-- Wang Yu, Chen Kuan-ti, Chiang Sheng, Li Hsiu Hsien,
David Chiang, Chi Kuan-chun, Chen Sing, Ti Lung, Wang Chung, Lu Feng,
Chien Tien-chi, Leung Kar Yan [aka Liang Cha-jen]
SHANGHAI 1937~ (1987) [Prod & Dir]-- Tung Chi Hwa, Tu Yu Ming, Hsu Shao Jien
(aka GREAT SHANGHAI 1937) purportedly has top-of-the-line fight scenes
o SHAOLIN AGAINST WU-TANG: worldwide title for TWO CHAMPIONS OF SHAOLIN (1980)
o SHAOLIN ARCHERS: worldwide title for BRAVE ARCHER (1977)
o SHAOLIN ARCHERS PART 2: see BRAVE ARCHER, PART II (1978)
SHAOLIN AVENGERS (6/18/76) [Dir w/ Wu Ma]-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan-chun, Tang
Yen-tsan, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Kuo Chui (aka THE INVINCIBLE KUNG-FU
BROTHERS)
o SHAOLIN BLOODSHED: worldwide title for INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN (1978)
SHAOLIN BOXER (1976)-- Fu Sheng
o SHAOLIN DAREDEVILS: see THE DAREDEVILS (1979)
o SHAOLIN DEADLY POISONS: worldwide title for THE FIVE VENOMS (1978)
o SHAOLIN HELLGATE: see HEAVEN AND HELL (1977, released in HK in 1980)
SHAOLIN MARTIAL ARTS (1974)-- Fu Sheng, Chi Kuan Chun, Chen I-lung, Simon Yuen,
Chiang Tao, Feng Ko-an, Li Yun-chung, Yuen Man-tzu, Chiang Nan, Chen
Tien-lung, Lu Ti, Leung Kar Yan; Guest: Liu Chia-yung; Intro: Liu Chia-hui
[aka Lau Kar Fai, aka Gordon Liu], Tang Yen-tsan [aka Billy Tang],
Li Chen-piao, Wang Lung-wei, Liang Cha-jen [aka Leung Kar Yan]
o SHAOLIN MASTERS: see THE HEROIC ONES (1974)
SHAOLIN RESCUERS* (3/24/79)-- Lo Meng, Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Jason Pai Piao, Sun
Chien, Chiang Sheng, Ku Kuan-chung. Wang Li's first co-starring role;
receives introduction billing in credits (aka AVENGING WARRIORS OF SHAOLIN)
SHAOLIN TEMPLE (12/22/76) [Dir, Writer]-- Fu Sheng, David Chiang, Ti Lung, Chi
Kuan Chun, Kuo Chui, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng; 1st app. Lo Mang as a slain
monk. Debut: Ku Feng (aka DEATH CHAMBER)
@The Shaolin Temple Series: KUNG FU INVADERS, SHAOLIN MARTIAL ARTS, DISCIPLES
OF DEATH, and FIVE MASTERS OF DEATH (aka FIVE SHAOLIN MASTERS)
o SHEN TONG: NINJA IN ANCIENT CHINA (1993)
THE SINGING KILLER (1970)-- Ti Lung, David Chiang, Tina Chin Fei, Wang Ping,
Ku Feng
THE SINGING THIEF (1969)-- David Chiang, Ti Lung
SLAUGHTER IN XIAN~ (1989)-- Tung Chi Hwa, Hsu Shao Jien, Tu Yu Ming, Chow Lung
o THE SPEARMAN OF DEATH: American title for THE FLAG OF IRON (1980)
o SPIRITUAL FISTS: see BOXER REBELLION (1976)
STORM CLOUD OVER ALISHAN (1949) [Dir w/ Chang Ying; Made in Taiwan]
STREET GANGS OF HONG KONG (1973) [Dir w/ Kuei Chih Hung]-- Wang Yu, Ku Feng,
Li Li-li, Pei Ti, Tung Lin, Shih Tien, Lu Ti (aka THE DELINQUENT)
o STRIKE 4 REVENGE: see THE FOUR RIDERS (1972)
o STRIKE 4 VENGEANCE: see THE FOUR RIDERS (1972)
o SUPER NINJAS: American title for FIVE ELEMENT NINJA (1982)
THE SWORD AND THE LUTE (1967) [Dir Tsu Tsan Hong, Screenplay by Chang Cheh]--
Lo Lieh, Jimmy Wang Yu, Chin Ping, Petrina Fung Bo-Bo
SWORD OF SWORDS (1968)-- Wang Yu, Li Ching, Tien Fong
SWORD STAINED WITH ROYAL BLOOD (3/6/81)-- Kuo Chui, Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, Ching
Li, Shan Shen, Lung Tien Sheng, Wang Li. First appearance of Chao Kuo and
Chu Ko. Wen Hsueh-Erh's third contract film for Chang Cheh.
o TEMPLE OF THE DRAGON: see HEROES TWO (1973)
TEMPLE OF THE RED LOTUS (1965) [Dir Tsu Tsan Hong, Screenplay by Chang Cheh]--
an early Shaw Brothers swordswoman film; choreographed by Liu Chia Liang
TEN TIGERS OF KUANGTUNG* (12/20/80) [Dir w/ Chiang Sheng and Chen Yu-wen]-- Ti
Lung, Fu Sheng, Wang Lung-wei, Ku Feng, Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, Lo Meng,
Kuo Chui, Sun Chien, Lung Tien Sheng, Hsiao Ho, Wei Pai, Wang Li. Begun
in 1978, then shelved. Framing sequences completed with the participation
of Chien Hsiao-Hao and Lung Tien-Sheng, then released December 1980.
o THIRTEEN FIGHTERS: see HEROIC ONES (1974)
o THREE HEROES OF BORDER CASTLE: see MAGNIFICENT TRIO (1966)
TIGER BOY (1964)-- Wang Yu (in his first leading role), Lo Lieh, Cheng Lei
o TRAGIC HEROES: see JUST HEROES (1987)
TRAIL OF THE BROKEN BLADE (1967)-- Wang Yu, Lo Lieh, Chin Ping, Chiao Chuang,
Tien Fong
TRILOGY OF SWORDSMANSHIP (1972)-- Ti Lung, David Chiang, Li Ching, Ku Feng,
Wang Chung, Chen Sing, Lo Lieh (aka WHITE WATER STRAND) three separate
stories. The Chang Cheh segment was called "White Water Strand."
o TRIPLE IRONS: see THE NEW ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN (1971)
TWELVE GOLD MEDALLIONS (1970)
TWIN SWORDS (1965) [Dir Tsu Tsan Hong, Script Chang Cheh]-- a swordswoman film
o TWO CHAMPIONS OF DEATH: American title for TWO CHAMPIONS OF SHAOLIN (1980)
TWO CHAMPIONS OF SHAOLIN (4/12/80)-- Lo Meng, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Yang
Tsing-tsing, Lu Feng, Wang Li, Wen Hsueh Erh Intro: Chien Hsiao-hao.
Lo Mang's exclusive contract with Chang Cheh expires and signs on with Shaw
Brothers as a contract player. He begins working with various directors at
the Shaw Studio and appears in films such as LION VS LION, CLAN FEUDS,
HUMAN LANTERNS, HEX AFTER HEX, FAST FINGERS, CRAZY SHAOLIN DISCIPLES and
PURSUIT OF A KILLER. Lo Mang would return one more time for FIVE ELEMENT
NINJAS in 1982. Sun Chien's exclusive contract with Chang also expires and
he signs on with Shaws as a contract player appearing in films such as
HUMAN LANTERNS, SPIRIT OF THE SWORD, and THE LADY IS THE BOSS. Sun Chien
would return for HOUSE OF TRAPS and ODE TO GALLANTRY. Chien Hsiao-Hao
makes his debut as one of Chang Cheh's godsons and receives introduction
billing in credits. Wen Hsueh-Erh's first contract film for Chang Cheh.
(US: TWO CHAMPIONS OF DEATH, worldwide: SHAOLIN AGAINST WU-TANG)
o THE UNBEATABLE DRAGON: American title for INVINCIBLE SHAOLIN (1978)
o VENGEANCE: see KUNG FU VENGEANCE (1970)
o VENOM WARRIORS: see THE DAREDEVILS (1979)
THE WANDERING SWORDSMAN (1969)-- Ti Lung, David Chiang (in his first leading
role), Li Li-li (in her first starring role), Wang Chung, Chen Sing
o THE WARRIOR: see THE DANCING WARRIOR (1984)
o WARRIOR OF STEEL: see THE IRON MAN (1972)
THE WATER MARGIN (1972) [Co-directors: Pao Hsueh-li and Wu Ma]-- David Chiang,
Tetsuro Tamba, Toshiro Kurosawa, Ti Lung, Wang Chung, Ku Feng, Chen Kuan-
tai, Wu Ma (US: SEVEN BLOWS OF THE DRAGON; aka ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS)
THE WEIRD MAN (5/5/83)-- Ching Tin-Chi [aka Cheng Tien Chi, aka Chien Tien-chi],
Wong Man-Yi, Yu Tai Ping, Lau Yuk-Pok, Chu Ko. Debut: Chiu Kwok [not a
variant spelling of Kuo Chui!] as the title character Hsiao Ba Wang.
o WHITE WATER STRAND: see TRILOGY OF SWORDSMANSHIP (1972)
WILD FIRE (1957) [also scripter]
YOUNG PEOPLE (1972)-- Ti Lung, David Chiang, Irene Chen, Chen Kuan-ti, Yang Sze
(UK: THE YOUNGSTERS)
o THE YOUNGSTERS: British title for YOUNG PEOPLE (1972)
THE YOUNG WARRIOR (1982)-- Cheng Tien-chi
. . . FILMS CHANG CHEH WROTE BUT DID NOT DIRECT . . .
This list is very interesting given Chang Cheh's oft-noted disdain for
films with female leads.
English Name / Mandarin Name (Year) [COUNTRY]
Black Butterfly / Hei Hudei (1960)
Call of the Sea / Huhai Qingchou (1965)
Come Rain, Come Shine / Yehua Lian (1962)
Crocodile River / Eyu He (1965)
The Female Prince / Shuangfeng Qiyuan (1964)
The Girl With the Golden Arm / Zei Meiren (1961)
Her Pearly Tears / Zhenzhu Lie (1962)
Inside the Forbidden City / Song Gong Mishi (1965)
It's Always Spring /Taoli Zheng Chun (1962)
Love in the Wild / Huangyuan Yanji (1949)
The Mermaid / Yu Meiren (1965)
The Perfumed Arrow / Nu Xiucai (1965)
Song Without Words / Wu Yu Wen Cangtian (1961)
The Tender Trap of Espionage / Zhifen Jiandie Wang (1960) [IN HONG KONG]
The Warlord and the Actress / Xue Jian Mudan Hong (1964)
The Woman With the False Face / Jiamian Nulang (1947) [IN SHANGHAI]
You Were Meant for Me / Youxi Renjian (1961)
------------------------------cut here---------------------------------
February 2, 2008
This filmography draws on data from the now-defunct "Made In Hong Kong"
web site at http://www.hardnet.co.uk/madeinhongkong/, from the "Hong Kong
Movie Database," the indispensable IMDb (Internet Movie Database), from
Venoms Fan Extraordinaire Belinda Hutchings, Tom Fardy of the MySpace page
Venoms Grindhouse <myspace.com/venomchambertom>, and the following magazine
and eight books:
Cheh, Chang. Chang Cheh: A Memoir. Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong: Hong Kong
Film Archive, January 2004. ISBN: 962-8050-26-5
Eastern Heroes [magazine] Special Edition no. 2 (1994): 22.
The Essential Guide to: Hong Kong Movies: Volume One. Edited by Lisa
Tilston from materials compiled by Rick Baker and Toby Russell.
London: Eastern Heroes Publications, 1994. ISBN: 1-899252-00-2
(note that there never was a Volume Two published)
The Essential Guide to: The Best of Eastern Heroes. Edited by Lisa
Tilston from materials compiled by Rick Baker and Toby Russell.
London: Eastern Heroes Publications, 1995. ISBN: 1-899252-01-1
Hammond, Stefan, and Mike Wilkins. Sex and Zen & a Bullet in the Head.
New York: Fireside Books [Simon & Schuster], 1996.
PN1993.5.H6 H26 1996
Influence Magazine (Taipei, Taiwan) no. 13 (April 1976): 36-37.
Meyers, Richard, Amy Harlib, Bill and Karen Palmer. From Bruce Lee to
the Ninjas: Martial Arts Movies. Secaucus, NJ: Citadel Press, 1991
(1985). PN1995.9.H3 M37 1991 ISBN 0806510099
Palmer, Bill, Karen Palmer, and Ric Meyers. The Encyclopedia of Martial
Arts Movies. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1995.
PN1995.9.H3 P36 1995 ISBN 0810830272
Teo, Stephen. Hong Kong Cinema: The Extra Dimensions. London: BFI
(British Film Institute), 1997. ISBN 0851704964, hardcover ($60);
ISBN 0851705146, softcover ($24.95) as priced by Univ of Ind press
Weisser, Thomas. Asian Cult Cinema. New York: Boulevard Books, 1997.
PN1993.5.A75 W45 1997
-- Steven Feldman (scfeldman@juno.com)
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There are more than just a few people who, when they first encountered Chang
Cheh's late 1970's films, scratched their heads and said to themselves, "Hey, if
Bruce Lee is supposed to be the King of Kung Fu, why is it that this guy Chang
Cheh's movies have more interesting fighting -- and more of it! -- and are made
so much better?" Well, twenty years later, the answer is that some folks have
it and some folks don't. Bruce Lee made four movies, while Chang Cheh made
about one hundred.