Cast
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Wong Yu
as Fan Zheng Yuan
Gordon Liu Chia-Hui
as Zhang Jie
Cecilia Wong
as Fei
Norman Tsui Siu-Keung
as Xu
Lee Hoi-Sang
as Zhou Qian Tai
Wilson Tong
as Xiang
Wong Ching-Ho
as Bi Ying Heng
Shum Lo
as Restaurant Boss
Ou-Yang Sha-Fei
as Mother of Missing Vampire
Lau Kar-Wing
as Master Chen Wu
Cham Siu-Hung
as Zhou's Thug (uncredited)
Peter Chan Lung
as Gambling Den Bouncer (uncredited)
Chan Ming-Wai
as Zombie / Casino Gambler / Zhou's Thug (uncredited)
Cheung Chok-Chow
as Man Comforting the Mother (uncredited)
Cheung Hei
as Funeral Parlor Boss (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lau Kar-Leung
Producer
- Run Run Shaw
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Action/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Shadow Boxing presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lau Kar-Leung brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Shadow Boxing took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1356 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Shadow Boxing shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mortal Kombat, which focuses more on action than character development, The Shadow Boxing subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ong Bak and The Avengers explore similar territory, The Shadow Boxing stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 15, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 41m
