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Big Brother Cheng

Big Brother Cheng (1975)

Jul 16, 1975 1h 47m Action

Shaw Brothers' number one action hit of 1975, and deservedly so. The character of one-man kung-fu dynamo Big Brother Cheng and kung-fu superstar Chen Kuan-tai were made for each other. A Robin Hood-like restaurant manager who socks it to the thugs in order to make the mean streets of Hong Kong a little less mean, Big Brother Cheng made his first appearance in the extremely popular The Tea House, the success of which spawned this even more successful sequel.

Directed by Kuei Chih-Hung

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Kuei Chih-Hung
Producer
  • Runme Shaw

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Thematic Analysis

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

Director Kuei Chih-Hung 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 1975, 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 Big Brother Cheng took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 63 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1975, when this film was released:
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: July 16, 1975
  • Runtime: 1h 47m

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