The Shaw Brothers Studio left an indelible mark on the world of kung fu cinema. Founded in 1925 by the Shaw brothers, Runje, Runme, and Runrun, the studio became synonymous with quality martial arts films during the 1960s and his 1970s. Their meticulous attention to choreography, intricate fight scenes, and dramatic storytelling revolutionized the genre and established a new standard for action-packed entertainment. Shaw Brothers Studio not only popularized kung fu films worldwide through iconic films such as The One-Armed Swordsman and Come Drink with Me, but also set the artistic direction for future martial arts films. formed. Their achievements continue to inspire filmmakers and enthusiasts and highlight their lasting impact on the world of film. This list presents 50 of the company's most iconic titles in chronological order.
1. Bloody Parrot (1981) by Kazan
One of the great elements found here is the fact that the film manages to be entertaining enough with its two main elements. Still in production during the height of the studio's wuxia phase, there's an impressive amount of combat and swordplay throughout here. From the opening family massacre to the fight with his henchmen in the tavern, to the series of side battles he engages in to prove his mettle while in the village, there's some great choreography by Su Sha, and the short but They also perform many dances. -Amazing martial arts sequences. While it's never going to the extremes of performers actually engaging in long sequences to show off their skills, the continuous nature of the fights makes for a great time, as they happen frequently. This has some really fun brawls in the second half, single-handedly dismantling an army of ninjas, and a great brawl inside a mansion that makes for some really great fights. (Don Anelli)
buy this title
Click on the image below for Amazon
2. Challenge to the Masters (1976) Written by Liu Jialang
Overall, “The Challenge” emerges as one of the best works of the genre. One of the great things about this film is Kuan Nhi's overarching story, which revolves around the humanistic teachings of Kung Fu. When it comes to learning martial arts, you can feel that he has a good sense of how to properly use various techniques, rather than just boiling down the usual training flow of learning how to move and strike. Offering to walk the path of humanity by understanding not only movement, but also when and why to use it, Feihun's emotions transform him from an impatient teenager to a mature young man through the techniques taught to him. It has been softened and is working very well. This adds depth to the training beyond the usual scenes of someone just standing in various ambiguous positions, attacking a master, or a host of other effects typically featured in martial arts movies. These lessons are then visibly demonstrated several times at the very end of the battle with Ahhu, bringing them full circle and completing Feihun's transformation. . (Don Anelli)
buy this title
on Amazon
3. Chinatown Kid (197) by Chang Cheh
Considered by many fans to be the masterpiece of the late Shaw Brothers superstar Alexander Fu Sheng, the film has several versions with different endings. The 115-minute long cut features a very young Kara Hui in a brief cameo as a hostage held by a local gang in Hong Kong. Although not seen in the short version, Mr. Wang (Tsai Hung), a funky 70's-style Chinatown crime boss, makes an appearance. Fu Sheng's wife Jenny Tseng also appears in a small role as a washerwoman, and she seems to have a great crush on Tan, but she disappears after a while and the romance goes nowhere.
buy this title
on Amazon
Four. Clan Feuds (1982) by Chang Peng I
The star power here is definitely the elegant, handsome and regal Ti Lung, who plays the righteous and timeless hero Tai. As the opening credits roll, it's great to see him in a nice widescreen close-up on a white horse with a pleasant smile on his face. Lo Meng, who plays Toad in “Five Deadly Venom,” is similarly good as a muscular, hot-tempered swordsman who loves to get into battle to solve problems, and he has the cool and sophistication of Ty. This is in contrast to his acting. Sun Qian, who plays Scorpion in Venoms, continues to be charming as the little prince who lives in a hideout full of women who are inspired by their kung fu skills. Lily Lee also appears briefly as her kind sister, Qin Ping, who meets her tragic end while doing the right thing. (David Chu)
Five. The White Lotus Clan (1980) by Lo Lie
Shaw Brothers films of this era always have a style to their lavish set designs, but here too there is a sense of repetition due to the structure of the story. The same scenes play out as Hun's levels increase, so you feel like you're watching a computer game. I half expected it to be “game over” by the third showdown. Here too, Laurie has a tremendous presence until the last scene. Playing Pai Mei in all but his name makes the character his own again. Gordon Liu struggles with one-note roles. He's always been good physically, but personality-wise he can't work on anything. Kara Wai has her usual graceful movements, and although she is limited to supporting roles, she brings a sense of security to her role. (Ben Steike)
buy this title
6. The Family of Conspiracy (1977) by Cho Yuen
Ti Lun, the brave, tall and energetic superstar of the Shaw Brothers, is paired with Chu Liu Xiang, a quick-witted and gentle detective, and a charismatic quick-witted man who easily wins people's hearts with his melting smile. He is well cast as a thief. Similarly, finish with his amazing fighting skills with weapons and bare hands. There are definitely attractive winners out there. Veteran Ya Hua similarly does a great job playing the role of Wu Hua, a genius monk with a dark and sinister secret, and proves to be the most appealing character, as well as his relationship with Chu. The fight is definitely the highlight of the movie. Another standout character is Yi Tian Hung (Lin Yun), a black-clad assassin with an excellent swordsmanship.
7. Come Drink With Me (1966) by King Hu
It also comes from the story of the story. “Come Drink,” co-written by director Fu and Ting Xiangxi, is not only full of action, but also emotional drama. Each character has something unique to bring into battle. After Golden Swallow is shot with a poisoned arrow and left for dead, he suddenly finds himself struck by suspicion. A drunken cat is spoiled with a vow not to harm his younger brother. Tiger is a villain who is as dynamic, calculating and graceful as both heroes. This brings a different feel to the already vibrant fighting style and makes for an emotional story. The rest of the story consists of a simple tale of revenge concocted as an excuse to engage in numerous hand-to-hand combats and sword fights along the way as everyone unites to fight each other. (Don Anelli)
buy this title
Click on the image below
8. The Crippled Avengers (1978) by Chang Cheh
“Crippled Avengers” gave viewers a ridiculously entertaining revenge action story with a twist from Zhang Chee. The four heroes here are disabled people who take advantage of their disabilities and fight as a team. However, the fight routines are spectacular, masterfully choreographed by Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng, and Tai Chi. One such standout moment for him is the scene where Chiang Sheng is fighting with iron rings of various sizes. On top of that, Philip Kwok, Lu Feng, and Chen Shen really shine as they show off their acrobatic skills. (David Chu)
See this title
9. Duel of Death (1977) by Chor Yuen
The most interesting thing about this feature is that other Gu Lung characters such as Fu Hung Hsueh (Ti Lung) from “The Magic Blade”, Han Tang (Lo Lieh) from “Killer Clans”, and Yueh Hua who plays Tu Lang A crossover character from the novel will appear. Chun. To top it all off, caged David Chan appears as Muyang Cheng Lung, the crazy but fearsome kung fu master of the Muyang clan. They're all short and unexpected cameos, but they're sure to be memorable distractions. (David Chu)
buy this title
Click on the image below for Amazon
