Chang Cheh Writer and director (Hong Kong) Date of Birth: 01.01.1923 Country: China

Biography of Chang Cheh

Chang Cheh, a Hong Kong screenwriter and director, was born on January 1, 1923, in Zhenjiang, China. He became one of the most renowned directors in Hong Kong. The studio on which Chang Cheh created his films, the famous "Shaw Brothers," is a pioneer and the largest film production company in Hong Kong. By the time Chang Cheh joined the studio, it already had a rich history. The Shaw brothers founded it in 1924, initially in Singapore, and in 1930, in Hong Kong, and they released the first Hong Kong sound film. In 1965, the Shaw brothers faced difficulties in releasing and promoting their films. Chang Cheh's film "One-Armed Swordsman," starring Jimmy Wang Yu, saved them from stagnation. The film was a breakthrough and grossed one million dollars at the box office. After this film, Chang established himself as the leading director in the studio. Throughout his creative life, he produced a vast number of films, with his filmography including no less than a hundred pictures. Chang Cheh had his own distinctive style, characterized by straightforwardness and originality in the sequence of actions. His favorite actors were stars like David Chiang, Ti Lung, and Alexander Fu Sheng.

Chang Cheh passed away on June 22, 2002. Among international directors, Chang Cheh remains underrated by his contemporaries. Only recently have his films been recognized as great works. His masterpieces, exemplified by the film "The Shaolin Avengers," are known for their cutting-edge choreography, ideas of brotherhood, and morality. The only thing holding back film critics from attributing Chang the status of a true genius is his excessive love for fight scenes.