"The Big Boss" (1971), also known as "Tangshan Daxiong" (唐山大兄), is a landmark Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Lo Wei. This film marked Bruce Lee's first major role in a leading capacity and is notable for establishing him as a global action star. The film co-stars Maria Yi, James Tien, Tony Liu, and Nora Miao, and it was produced by Raymond Chow under the Golden Harvest banner.
The plot follows Cheng Chao-an (Bruce Lee), a Chinese man who moves to Thailand to work in an ice factory. Unbeknownst to him, the factory serves as a front for a drug smuggling operation run by the ruthless Hsiao Mi (the Big Boss). Cheng's peaceful life is disrupted when he learns that his cousins have gone missing after refusing to join the criminal activities. As he investigates their disappearance, he becomes embroiled in violent confrontations with Hsiao Mi's gang, ultimately leading him to embrace his martial arts skills to fight back against the oppressive regime.
"The Big Boss" is characterized by its intense action sequences and Bruce Lee's dynamic fighting style, which captivated audiences and set new standards for martial arts cinema. The film's success at the box office was staggering, grossing nearly $50 million worldwide against a modest budget of around $100,000. It became the highest-grossing Hong Kong film of its time until Lee's subsequent film, "Fist of Fury" (1972), surpassed it.
The film has a complicated history regarding censorship and editing; several scenes were cut or altered for various international markets due to graphic violence and nudity. Notably, a scene involving a "handsaw in the head" was heavily censored before its release in Hong Kong. Despite these challenges, "The Big Boss" received critical acclaim and played a crucial role in introducing Bruce Lee's charisma and martial arts prowess to a wider audience.
Overall, "The Big Boss" remains a significant entry in the martial arts genre, showcasing not only Bruce Lee's talent but also the potential of Hong Kong cinema on the international stage. Its impact continues to be felt in action films today, solidifying Lee's legacy as one of the greatest martial artists and film stars of all time.