Run Run Shaw was a legendary film producer and one of the founders of Shaw Brothers Studio, which was a dominant force in Hong Kong cinema during the 1950s to the 1980s. Shaw Brothers was renowned for producing epic kung fu films, wuxia epics, and musicals, and many of their films are considered classics in the martial arts genre. Below is a list of the 10 best Shaw Brothers films produced under Run Run Shaw’s leadership, known for their significance in shaping Hong Kong cinema.
1. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
- Director: Lau Kar-Leung
- Starring: Gordon Liu, Chia-Hui Liu
- Overview: One of the most iconic and influential martial arts films of all time. It tells the story of a young man who trains at the Shaolin Temple to seek revenge on those who killed his family. The film is a masterpiece of kung fu cinema, known for its training sequences and its portrayal of Shaolin discipline.
- Legacy: “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” is often considered the quintessential kung fu film and remains a cultural touchstone in the genre.
2. The One-Armed Swordsman (1967)
- Director: Chang Cheh
- Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu
- Overview: This film tells the story of a young swordsman who loses his arm in a duel and has to overcome personal and external obstacles to reclaim his honor. It was a groundbreaking film for Shaw Brothers, blending traditional martial arts with emotional storytelling.
- Legacy: It helped redefine the wuxia genre and set the stage for numerous sequels and remakes. It also solidified Jimmy Wang Yu as a martial arts superstar.
3. The Killer (1989)
- Director: John Woo (produced by Run Run Shaw)
- Starring: Chow Yun-fat, Danny Lee
- Overview: While technically a later Shaw Brothers film and produced by Run Run Shaw, this John Woo-directed action film is a landmark in Hong Kong action cinema. It’s a stylish, action-packed story of a hitman who wants to retire but gets pulled back into a dangerous world.
- Legacy: “The Killer” is widely regarded as one of the greatest action films of all time, influencing both Hong Kong cinema and international filmmakers.
4. A Better Tomorrow (1986)
- Director: John Woo (produced by Run Run Shaw)
- Starring: Chow Yun-fat, Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung
- Overview: A crime drama and action film that tells the story of two brothers involved in the criminal underworld and their attempt to seek redemption. The film introduced the world to the “heroic bloodshed” genre, marked by themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and friendship.
- Legacy: “A Better Tomorrow” is a landmark film that helped define Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s, propelling stars like Chow Yun-fat into international stardom.
5. The Five Venoms (1978)
- Director: Chang Cheh
- Starring: Chiang Sheng, Li Wen, Sun Chien
- Overview: A kung fu classic about a group of five warriors with different animal-based martial arts styles who must work together to uncover a dangerous conspiracy. Each fighter uses a distinct technique based on animals like the snake, scorpion, and centipede.
- Legacy: “The Five Venoms” is one of Shaw Brothers’ most famous and influential films, and its legacy continues with fans, who often refer to the “Venom Mob” (the group of actors featured) as iconic in the kung fu genre.
6. King Boxer (1972)
- Director: Chang Cheh
- Starring: David Chiang, Ching Li
- Overview: Known as “Five Fingers of Death” in the West, this is a quintessential kung fu film that helped introduce the genre to international audiences. The plot revolves around a young fighter who seeks revenge against a powerful martial arts school.
- Legacy: “King Boxer” was the first Shaw Brothers film to have significant international success, helping to open the door for kung fu films in the West during the early ’70s.
7. The Secret Rivals (1976)
- Director: Cheng Kang
- Starring: Jimmy Wang Yu, Don Wong, and Angela Mao
- Overview: A classic kung fu story about two men who train in secret to defeat a corrupt kung fu master. Featuring fast-paced action sequences and intense combat, it is a great representation of the traditional Shaw Brothers formula.
- Legacy: While not as well-known as some other films on this list, “The Secret Rivals” is a cult favorite among kung fu fans for its great choreography and performances.
8. The Clan of the White Lotus (1980)
- Director: Lau Kar-Leung
- Starring: Gordon Liu, Lau Kar-Leung
- Overview: Set in the Ming dynasty, this film centers on a kung fu master who seeks revenge against the White Lotus Clan, known for its mystical and deadly fighting techniques. The film features intense martial arts action and a memorable performance by Gordon Liu.
- Legacy: A significant film in the Shaw Brothers’ output, “The Clan of the White Lotus” is known for its strong female lead and groundbreaking fight choreography.
9. The Enchanting Shadow (1960)
- Director: Chung Hing
- Starring: Linda Lin Dai, Chao Lei
- Overview: One of Shaw Brothers’ most famous early wuxia films, “The Enchanting Shadow” is a beautiful blend of fantasy and martial arts. It’s based on a Chinese legend and combines romance, supernatural elements, and excellent choreography.
- Legacy: The film remains an influential wuxia classic and was a major influence on later films in the genre.
10. The Lady Hermit (1971)
- Director: Ho Meng-Hua
- Starring: Cheng Pei-pei, Lo Lieh
- Overview: A strong woman takes on the martial world after the death of her family, and her journey leads her to a series of intense battles. A fantastic example of the strong female protagonists Shaw Brothers was known for in its wuxia films.
- Legacy: “The Lady Hermit” is an important contribution to the development of female characters in kung fu cinema, providing a strong, action-driven lead role that was rare at the time.
Conclusion:
Run Run Shaw’s contribution to cinema, especially through Shaw Brothers, revolutionized the martial arts genre and produced some of the most iconic and influential films in film history. The films listed here are just a few of the many timeless classics that continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world. These works not only defined an era of cinema but also helped shape the global perception of martial arts films, ensuring Shaw Brothers’ legacy as a cornerstone of the genre.