Horrible History: Four Films by Chang Cheh (1972-76)

It’s impossible to talk about Hong Kong cinema without mentioning Chang Cheh. From his prolific output to his genre-defining works, Chang’s films may have lacked the nuance of some of his peers—but when those peers are the legendary King Hu and the artistically refined Lau Kar Leung, it’s little wonder. Yet, to stand shoulder to shoulder with these cinematic giants and still be referred to as the “Godfather of Hong Kong cinema” is, in itself, a remarkable achievement.

Like many greats, Chang Cheh made his name at Shaw Brothers Studios. Known for its shoestring budgets and factory-style production, Shaw Brothers saw Chang direct nearly 100 films. While his career includes moments of mediocrity, these were interspersed with flashes of pure genius. It is in those moments that his enduring legacy resides.

Chang not only created stars like Jimmy Wang Yu and Alexander Fu Sheng but also transformed a troupe of middling performers into one of the most iconic groups in martial arts cinema—the Venom Mob. This collective included legends like Lo Meng, Philip Kwok, Lu Feng, and Chiang Sheng. Chang’s versatility also allowed him to dabble in nearly every genre, making him an invaluable asset. Always delivering on time and within budget, he earned the trust and faith of Run Run Shaw himself.

This collection of four Chang Cheh films from the Shaw Brothers vaults may not reach the heights of The One-Armed Swordsman—which reintroduced the macho hero archetype to Chinese cinema—or the vicious cool of The Five Deadly Venoms. However, it showcases a director in his prime, finding moments of brilliance amidst hurried scripts and cost-cutting measures. Released between 1972 and 1976, the common theme, as the title suggests, is historic moments of bloody conflict.

Marco Polo (aka The Four Assassins, 1975)
This film sees Western explorer Marco Polo (played by Richard Harrison) at the court of Kublai Khan, tasked with rooting out Chinese rebels. While the pacing is uneven for such an action-heavy movie, it compensates with its star-studded cast. Featuring a “Who’s Who” of Shaw Brothers (and Golden Harvest) talent—Carter Wong, Gordon Liu, Philip Kwok, Leung Kar Yan (aka “Beardy”), Shih Szu, and Bruce Tong—it also stars Alexander Fu Sheng, who shines brightly here. While the film lacks consistent excitement, its sheer star power is a joy for fans of the era.

The Pirate (1973)
This film pairs soon-to-be megastars Ti Lung and David Chiang as honorable men with different approaches to justice, defending the oppressed from a corrupt local government. Though the film shows flashes of brilliance and uses its budget well, it feels oddly truncated. Just as it starts building momentum, it abruptly ends. Nevertheless, like Marco Polo, it’s an intriguing glimpse at stars on the rise.

Boxer Rebellion (1976)
The crown jewel of this set, Boxer Rebellion is an epic in every sense of the word. Set during one of China’s most tumultuous periods, it follows three blood brothers—Alexander Fu Sheng, Leung Kar Yan, and Chi Kuan Chun—as they fight against foreign invaders and their modern weaponry. Running 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film uses every minute effectively, layering intrigue and drama without ever feeling rushed or sluggish. Its tragic conclusion adds emotional weight, making this film worth the price of the collection alone.

Four Riders (1972)
The final film in the set is a “modern” (for its time) post-Korean War gangster/crime movie. With its heavy Japanese influence, it feels more like a Kinji Fukasaku yakuza film than a typical Hong Kong production of the era. The story follows four soldiers—Ti Lung, David Chiang, Chen Kuan Tai, and Wang Chung—who leave the Korean War frontlines for some much-needed R&R in Seoul. When one of them is framed for the murder of an American soldier, the others band together to clear his name and seek revenge.

This is easily the most fun of the four films and, despite its imperfections, is likely the one viewers will revisit the most. The energy, action, and Japanese stylistic touches make it an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

Eureka Entertainment has done these films proud with this release, loading the collection with commentaries and additional features. While not all the films themselves live up to the polish they’ve been given, this set provides a fascinating snapshot of Chang Cheh’s work beyond his marquee titles. For fans of Hong Kong cinema or martial arts films, you could do far worse than picking up this collection.

Ben’s Archive – Horrible History