Chang Cheh

Chang Cheh (1923-2002) was a film critic turned director. He joined Shaw’s in 1962, and in 1965, he made his debut film, The Butterfly Chalice (1965), followed by his second film, Tiger Boy (1965). He shot combat actions in a realistic way and r renounced the use of the usual theatrical approach. This style of presentation received popular acclaim from the audience. In 1967, he made One-Arm Swordsman (1967) and The Assassin (1967). These two films highlighted the macho valour and fraternity, and were well received with a record high box office of over HK$1,000,000. As a result, Chang Cheh was called the “Millionaire Director”. Later, he made other films, including The Blood brothers (1973), which pushed Shaw’s martial arts movies to a new climax. Chang Cheh died of pneumonia in Hong Kong in 2002 at the age of 79.