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Death Ring

Death Ring (1984)

Jan 01, 1984 1h 30m Action

The Godfather of the classic Shaw Brothers kung fu films, Chang Cheh directs a group of Shaw superstars which includes Ti Lung and Chen Kuan-Tai in this kung fu thriller. When a father is framed for murder, his son travels to exotic Thailand to find him and ends up fighting in a 'Death Ring' championship.

Directed by Chang Cheh

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Chang Cheh
  • Lu Feng
Writer
  • Ni Kuang

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Death Ring distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Chang Cheh 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 1984, 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 Death Ring took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1984, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1984
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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