Shaw Brothers Studio left an indelible mark on the landscape of Kung Fu cinema. Founded in 1925 by the Shaw brothers, Runje, Runme, and Run Run, the studio became synonymous with high-quality martial arts films during the 1960s and 1970s. Their meticulous attention to choreography, intricate fight scenes, and dramatic storytelling revolutionized the genre, setting new standards for action-packed entertainment. Through iconic films like “The One-Armed Swordsman” and “Come Drink with Me,” Shaw Brothers Studio not only popularized Kung Fu cinema globally but also shaped the artistic direction of future martial arts films. Their legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and enthusiasts, underscoring their enduring impact on the world of cinema. In this list, we present 50 of the most iconic titles the company produced, in alphabetical order.
1. Bloody Parrot (1981) by Hua Shan
One of the better elements found here is the fact that the film manages to work in plenty of fun from its two main components. Still being produced during the height of the studio's wuxia phase, there's a marvelous amount of fighting and swordplay throughout here. From the opening massacre of the family to the fight with the henchmen in the tavern and the series of side-battles he engages in to prove his mettle while in the village, there's some great choreography from Hsu Hsia to showcase a lot of short-yet-stellar martial arts sequences. While it never goes to the extremes in letting the performers really engage in lengthy sequences to showcase their skills, the continuous nature of the fights makes for a great time to be had, since it descends into a fight quite frequently. This is greatly enhanced in the final half where it has several big brawls which are exceptionally fun, from her dismantling a troop of ninjas singlehandedly or the fine brawl inside the mansion to really give this some nice fighting. (Don Anelli)
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2. Challenge of the Masters (1976) by Liu Chia-liang
Overall, “Challenge” emerges as one of the genre's finest entries. Among the film's better qualities is the overarching storyline from Kuang Ni that tends to revolve around the humanistic teachings of kung-fu. Rather than boil the training sequences down into a cliched use of simply learning how to move and strike as a means of learning martial arts, the good sense of including how to utilize the various techniques properly also comes up. Offering to go for a humanitarian route with not only knowing the moves but when to use them and why, this tempering of Fei-hung's emotions from petulant teenager to maturing young adult through the techniques taught to him comes off remarkably well. This adds depth to the training beyond the usual scenes of someone just standing around in various obscure positions, striking at his master, or the numerous other effects usually featured in martial arts films. To then have these lessons be visibly demonstrated on several occasions at the very end during his fight with Ah-fu offers a full-circle round-up of these teachings and makes Fei-hung's transformation complete. (Don Anelli)
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3. Chinatown Kid (197) by Chang Cheh
Considered by many fans as the late Show Brothers superstar Alexander Fu Sheng‘s finest achievement, this production comes in several versions with different endings. In the longer 115 minutes cut; look out for a very young Kara Hui who has a brief cameo playing a hostage being detained by a local gang in Hong Kong. Not seen in the shorter version is the funky 70s looking Mr. Wan (Tsai Hung) a crime boss from Chinatown. Fu Sheng's wife Jenny Tseng also has a minor part as a laundry girl who appears to be a great love interest for Tan but she disappears after a while and the romance goes nowhere.
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4. Clan Feuds (1982) by Chang Peng I
The star power here is no doubt the elegant, handsome and imposing Ti Lung as the righteous and enduring hero Tie. It's a delight to witness him riding on a white horse as the opening credits roll and into a close-up with a pleasant smile all in glorious widescreen. Lo Meng who plays the Toad in “Five Deadly Venoms” is equally good and well-cast as the muscular hot temple swordsman who loves getting into fights to solve any problem and a contrast to Ti's cool and sophisticated performance. Sun Chien, the Scorpion from “Venoms” is charming as ever playing Little Prince who lives in a hideout full of women with motivating kung fu skills. Lily Li also appears briefly as Qing Ping, the kind sister who comes to a tragic end while doing the right thing. (David Chew)
5. Clan of the White Lotus (1980) by Lo Lieh
With any Shaw Brothers movie of the era, there is a style to the luxurious set design but here there is a feeling again of repetition due to the narrative structure. It feels like watching a computer game as the same scenes are replayed as Hung levels up. I half expected it to go “Game Over” by the third confrontation. Lo Lieh has tremendous presence here until the final scene. Making the character his own again as he plays Pai Mei in all but name. Gordon Liu struggles with a one note role. Ever impressive in the physical aspects, he has nothing to work with, character-wise. Kara Wai is as always graceful in movement and whilst restricted in a supporting role, she brings an assurance to the part. (Ben Stykuc)
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6. Clans of Intrigue (1977) by Chor Yuen
Dashing and tall, Shaw Brothers energetic superstar Ti Lung is well cast as the quick-witted and suave detective Chu Liu Hsiang and a charismatic agile thief who can effortlessly win hearts with his melting smiles. Likewise, top it off with his amazing combat skills with weapons or just bared hands; we definitely have a charming winner there. Veteran Yeah Hua is equally brilliant playing the role of the ingenious Monk Wu Hua who harbors a dark and sinister secret, and turns out to become the most fascinating character and besides, his fights with Chu are definitely the film's highlights. Another character that stands out is Yi Tian Hung (Ling Yun), an assassin dressed in black with excellent sword skills.
7. Come Drink With Me (1966) by King Hu
That also comes from the story storyline. Co-written by director Hu and Ting Shan-hsi, ‘Come Drink' includes poignant drama into the mix as well as the action. Each of the characters has something unique to bring to their battles. Golden Swallow suddenly finds herself overcome with doubt after being hit with a poison dart and left for dead. Drunken Cat is spoiled by his vow not to harm his brother. Tiger is a calculating yet graceful villain who is just as dynamic as the two heroes. This brings a different feel alongside the already vibrant fighting style, which creates a poignant story. The rest of the narrative consists of a simple story of revenge concocted as an excuse to engage in numerous hand-to-hand brawls or sword-fights along the way, as everyone comes together to fight each other. (Don Anelli)
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8. Crippled Avengers (1978) by Chang Cheh
In “Crippled Avengers” Chang Cheh has given the viewers an outrageous but entertaining revenge action story with a twist; the four heroes here are cripples who use their disabilities and fight as a team. However, the fight routines are spectacular and brilliantly choreographed by Chiang Sheng, Lu Feng and Tai Chi Hsien. One such stand out moment involves Chiang Sheng fighting with iron hoops of different sizes. On top of that, Philip Kwok, Lu Feng and Chiang Sheng truly shine while displaying their acrobatic skills. (David Chew)
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9. Death Duel (1977) by Chor Yuen
The most interesting aspect of this feature is the appearance of crossover characters from other Gu Lung's novels like Fu Hung Hsueh (Ti Lung) from “The Magic Blade”, Han Tang (Lo Lieh) from “Killer Clans” and Yueh Hua as Tu Lang Chun. Topping it off and locked up in a cage, David Chiang appears as Mu Yang Chien Lung, a mad but deadly kung fu expert from the Mu Yang Clan. Although they are all brief and unexpected cameos, they sure are memorable distractions. (David Chew)
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