Bronze Screen Dream

Chang Cheh, a seminal figure in Hong Kong, was well regarded as a film director, predominantly known for his works from the 1960s through the 1980s. A Chinese national, he directed over 90 films, primarily with Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong. His films, mostly in the action genre, particularly emphasised wuxia (martial heroes) and kung fu and were renowned for their violent content​​.

Chang’s illustrious career at Shaw Brothers encompassed a diverse range of films, from swordplay movies like One-Armed Swordsman, The Assassin, and Golden Swallow to kung fu classics like Five Shaolin Masters, Five Venoms, and Kid with the Golden Arm. He also ventured into modern period dramas (Chinatown Kid, Boxer From Shantung, The Generation Gap) and opulent costume epics (The Water Margin, The Heroic Ones, Boxer Rebellion). His early successes, particularly One-Armed Swordsman, which was the first Hong Kong film to gross HK$1 million, helped to establish him as a top director in Hong Kong​​.

Chang’s career began with a focus on screenwriting, debuting as a director in 1949. He often collaborated with writer Ni Kuang and was influenced by directors like Akira Kurosawa, Hideo Gosha, Sergio Leone, and Sam Peckinpah. This influence led to a unique style in his swordplay films, marked by intense violence and action scenes. In the early 1970s, he shifted towards kung fu films, working closely with choreographers like Lau Kar-leung. This period saw the emergence of the “Venom Mob”, a group of actors featured prominently in his films, known for their intricate choreography and action sequences. Chang’s films from this era, including Five Deadly Venoms, Kid with the Golden Arm, and Crippled Avengers, heavily influenced by the wuxia genre, gained significant popularity in the West. His style, dubbed “heroic bloodshed”, emphasises themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and honour, profoundly influenced later filmmakers like John Woo, Quentin Tarantino, and Zhang Yimou​​.

---

---

---

Chang Cheh’s Top 5 Films Ranked

---

Chang Cheh: Themes and Style

Themes:

• Rebellion and Brotherhood: Chang Cheh often explored themes of rebellion against oppressive systems, as seen in The Heroic Ones. His films frequently delve into the dynamics of brotherhood and loyalty, showcasing the bonds formed in the face of adversity.
• Moral Ambiguity: In films like Vengeance, Chang Cheh blurred the lines between good and evil, often presenting characters with complex ethical dilemmas, reflecting the grey areas of human nature.
• Tragic Heroes: His films, such as The Blood Brothers, often feature tragic heroes whose noble intentions lead to their downfall, highlighting the fragility and imperfection of heroism.
• Martial Arts and Violence: A recurrent theme in Chang Cheh’s work, notably in Five Deadly Venoms, is the emphasis on martial arts as a means of expression and the often graphic depiction of violence, symbolising internal and external conflicts.

Styles:

• Vivid Choreography: Chang Cheh’s films, like The One-Armed Swordsman, are renowned for their intricate and highly stylised martial arts choreography, blending realism with theatrical flair.
• Stark Visual Contrast: He often employed stark visual contrasts in films such as The Duel, using lighting and colour to enhance the emotional intensity and the thematic depth of scenes.
• Operatic Elements: His style incorporates elements of Chinese opera, as seen in Golden Swallow, using exaggerated expressions and movements to convey emotion and narrative.
• Narrative Structure: Chang Cheh favoured non-linear storytelling, as evidenced in Boxer Rebellion, often using flashbacks and complex narratives to build character depth and plot.

Directorial Signature:

• Masculine Ethos: Chang Cheh’s directorial signature is his focus on masculinity and male bonding, often portraying strong, stoic men facing moral and physical challenges, as in Crippled Avengers.
• Innovative Camera Work: He was known for his creative use of camera angles and movement, adding dynamism and a unique perspective to fight scenes and dramatic moments.
• Thematic Depth: Beyond action, Chang Cheh infused his films with philosophical and social commentary, reflecting on human nature and societal issues.
• Pioneering the Wuxia Genre: Chang Cheh is credited with revolutionising the wuxia genre, introducing complex characters and mature themes, significantly influencing the development of martial arts cinema.

---

Chang Cheh – Great Director