english title | Boxer From Shantung |
original title | 馬永貞 |
aka | Killer From Shantung / La Brute, le Bonze et le Méchant |
french title | Le Justicier de Shanghai |
year | 1972 |
country | Hong-Kong |
genres | drama kung-fu period |
duration | 2h10 |
production studio | Shaw Brothers 邵氏 |
A much lauded and analyzed top ten hit, it made superstars of its lead and director. They packed blood-soaked symbolism and dramatic power into the tragic tale of "Ma Yung Cheng" (also the film's Chinese title), who becomes the first Chinese to defeat a professional Russian wrestler, only to find fame more dangerous than he ever imagined. Internationally famous director John Woo served as assistant director on the production and now openly acknowledges its influence.